Orthodox Ukrainians following the new church calendar honour the martyr Eusignius of Antioch on August 5, a day also marked by preparations for the Transfiguration of the Lord, one of Orthodoxy's twelve major feasts.
According to church tradition, Eusignius lived in the third century and served for many years as a soldier in the Roman army. Tradition holds that he once saw a shining cross of stars in the sky, after which he took part in battles with particular faith and remained unharmed. After finishing his military service, he returned to his native Antioch, where he devoted his life to prayer, fasting and service to God.
When Emperor Julian the Apostate, known for persecuting Christians and attempting to restore paganism, came to power, Eusignius was brought before him for judgment. Despite his advanced age, he was said to be about 110 years old at the time, he openly condemned the emperor for persecuting Christians and refused to renounce his faith. He was executed as a result and was later glorified by the Church as a martyr.
Eusignius is regarded as a patron of Christian soldiers. The faithful pray to him for the protection of military service members, to strengthen their faith, and for help making the right decisions in difficult circumstances.
Pre-feast of the Transfiguration
August 5 also marks the beginning of the pre-feast period for the Transfiguration of the Lord, a time of preparation for one of the twelve major Orthodox holidays. Churches on this day already hold prayers and hymns dedicated to the coming feast.
Under the old Julian calendar, which some Orthodox communities still follow, August 5 is set aside for veneration of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God, one of the most revered Orthodox icons.
Folk customs and traditions
In the folk calendar, the day is known as Yevstyhniv or Lukiv Day. The onion is considered the main symbol of the holiday. By tradition, people eat it raw with bread, salt and kvass, a custom once believed to strengthen health and boost energy. Bunches of onions are hung inside homes in the belief that they help purify the air.
Folk belief also holds that sharing the first onion harvest with neighbours can help ward off illness, particularly back-related ailments.
The day also marks the final preparations for the Transfiguration of the Lord, popularly known as Apple Spas. Housewives prepare Lenten dishes and pastries made with apples, and gather baskets of newly harvested fruit, honey and other produce to be blessed in church the following day.
As on any other day, the Church calls on believers to avoid foul language, quarrels, envy, greed, vengeance and despair, and not to refuse help to those in need. The Dormition Fast is currently underway, so believers observe its restrictions and devote more time to prayer and good deeds.
In folk tradition, people avoid making noise or talking unnecessarily while working in the field or garden on Lukiv Day, in the belief that idle chatter can bring bad luck and a poor harvest.
Weather omens for August 5
According to folk belief, nature on this day can hint at the weather to come, and even at what winter will bring. Loud croaking frogs are said to mean warmer weather is on the way, while foaming river water signals rain within two days.
A distant echo is said to foretell sunny weather, while a nearby echo points to rain. Leeches rising to the surface of the water and earthworms crawling out of the ground are both said to signal approaching rain. It is also believed that whatever weather occurs on August 5 will be repeated in December.
Who celebrates their name day
Under the new church calendar, women named Nonna celebrate their name day on August 5.
Folk belief holds that people born on August 5 tend to have strong leadership qualities, self-confidence and persistence. They are said to like seeing things through to completion, are not afraid of responsibility, and value honesty in their relationships with others.
