What church holiday is celebrated in Ukraine according to the new and old calendars, and to whom do believers pray — read in the TSN.ua material.
Church holiday July 20 / © pexels.com
On July 20 (August 2), the Orthodox calendar marks the day of remembrance of the holy prophet Elijah. The prophet Elijah lived in the 9th century BC during the reign of the Israeli king Ahab. He hailed from the city of Tishbe in Gilead, which is why he is called Elijah the Tishbite in the Bible.
At that time, Israel was experiencing a spiritual decline. King Ahab, along with his wife Jezebel, encouraged the worship of the pagan god Baal. Many people turned away from God, so the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to bring the people back to the true faith.
The first major event in Elijah’s ministry was the prophecy of a prolonged drought. He announced to King Ahab that due to the people’s apostasy, there would be no rain until the Lord commanded it. And so it happened: a severe drought struck the land, lasting about three years. Harvests perished, rivers dried up, and famine ensued.
After his prophecy, Elijah was forced to hide from the king. The Lord commanded him to settle near the stream of Cherith. It was there that the first great miracle occurred: every morning and evening, ravens brought the prophet bread and meat, and he drank water from the stream. This event became a symbol of God’s care for those who remain faithful to Him even in the most difficult times.
When the stream dried up, God sent Elijah to a widow in the city of Zarephath. The woman had only a handful of flour and a little oil and was already preparing the last meal for herself and her son. However, the prophet asked her to feed him first, promising that the Lord would not abandon her.
The widow believed the prophet’s words. From then on, the flour in the barrel and the oil in the jar never ran out until the end of the drought. Later, her son fell gravely ill and died. Elijah prayed fervently to the Lord, after which the boy came back to life. This became one of the first accounts of a human resurrection in biblical history.
The most famous event in the prophet’s life was his confrontation with the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah proposed to test who the true God was. Two altars were built: one for Baal and the second for the Lord. It was agreed that the true God would send fire from heaven to His sacrifice. The priests of Baal prayed, sang, and danced all day, but nothing happened.
Then Elijah ordered his altar to be doused with water several times to make the miracle even more evident. After his prayer, fire descended from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even drying up the water around it. Seeing this, the people recognized the might of the Lord and renounced the worship of Baal.
Despite the great victory, Elijah experienced a severe spiritual trial. Queen Jezebel threatened him with death, and the prophet fled into the desert.
On Mount Horeb, the Lord revealed Himself to Elijah not in a strong wind, not in an earthquake, and not in fire, but in a gentle, quiet voice. This episode teaches that God’s presence is often revealed not in loud events, but in silence, prayer, and inner peace.
A unique aspect of the prophet Elijah’s life was that he did not experience ordinary human death. According to Holy Scripture, the Lord took him alive to heaven in a fiery chariot drawn by fiery horses. His disciple, the prophet Elisha, witnessed this extraordinary event.
Church Holiday in Ukraine on July 20 According to the Old Calendar
According to the old calendar, on July 20, Ukraine honored the memory of the martyr Eudokia. Eudokia became an abbess of a monastery and converted many people to the Christian faith. During the persecution of Christians, she was arrested and demanded to renounce her faith. However, the saint remained faithful to Christ, for which she was condemned to death by decapitation.
Omens for July 20
Folk omens July 20 / © pexels.com
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If thunder rumbles on July 20, it portends a bountiful grain harvest.
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Rain on this day signals a wet and fruitful autumn.
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Hot and sunny weather means a long warm summer.
What Not to Do on July 20
It has long been believed that on July 20, one should avoid strenuous physical labor, especially in the fields or gardens, as this day should be dedicated to prayer and rest. There is also a belief that after the day of St. Elijah, it is not recommended to swim in rivers, lakes, or ponds, or to go fishing.
What to Do on July 20
On this day, Orthodox Christians traditionally participate in festive divine services, prayer meetings, and processions. Many believers bring the first fruits of the new harvest to the church, as well as freshly baked bread for consecration. Consecrated gifts are often given to the needy or shared with loved ones as a symbol of God’s blessing and mercy.
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