June 21 is a curious holiday by Fyodor Kolodeznik: dangerous signs and prohibitions

Every year on June 21, the Orthodox Church remembers Theodore Stratelates, a Christian saint venerated among the Great Martyrs. In Russia, the day of his memory was considered favorable for digging wells. Therefore, the saint was popularly called Fyodor Kolodeznik. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Saturday. Izvestia tells us what traditions and omens are associated with this day.

What is the holiday today, June 21, in Russia?

Theodore Stratelates was born at the end of the 3rd century in the city of Evkhaity in Asia Minor (now the territory of modern Turkey). He grew up a gifted and pious young man, standing out from his peers for his generosity, deep knowledge of Christian truths, eloquence and beauty.

According to legend, one day a monster snake settled near his hometown, devouring people and cattle. Feodor, wanting to prevent this, went alone to the beast's lair and, with God's help, defeated it.

The fame of Theodore's feat quickly spread around the area. For his bravery, he was appointed a military commander (stratelate). Heraclea, located near Evkhait. In his post, the saint successfully combined military service and preaching. Thanks to him, many soldiers and ordinary people renounced paganism and were baptized. After a while, almost the entire population of the city began to profess Christianity.

In 307, Licinius, an ardent pagan, became the head of the Roman Empire, who waged a purposeful struggle against enlightened Christians, hoping to deprive believers of spiritual mentors. Having learned about the brave commander of Heraclea, he ordered Theodore to appear at court, but the saint refused, as he did not want to leave his flock.

Then the emperor personally came to the city, bringing with him gold and silver idols. He ordered Theodore to publicly perform a sacrifice. The saint pretended to agree and asked the ruler to leave the statues in his house for the night. Licinius gladly gave up the idols. However, the saint immediately sawed the statues into many pieces and distributed them to the poor.

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Upon learning of the incident, the emperor became enraged, ordering Theodore to be tortured. A few days later, the saint was crucified on the cross. However, when the executioners came to remove the body, they found the martyr alive and unharmed. Amazed by this miracle, they believed in Christ and were baptized.

The inhabitants of the city, who sincerely loved Theodore, initially intended to raise a riot in defense of the saint, but he stopped them. He voluntarily presented himself to the emperor, suffering martyrdom in February 319. In the same year, the relics of Theodore were solemnly transferred to Euchaitis.

Feodor Kolodeznik holiday traditions

In Russia, Theodore Stratelates was called Fyodor Kolodeznik. The holiday in his honor was considered the most favorable time for digging wells. In the old days, well water was always given special importance. People believed that it had healing properties. They even tried to use it as a cure for scurvy. To do this, they drew water from seven wells, poured it over the patient and the stove flap in the sick man's house.

The locations for the wells were chosen with great care. To do this, pans were laid out on the ground, where, presumably, there could be water, and in the morning they looked at how much the utensils had fogged up. If there was a lot of moisture on it, they got to work. Some craftsmen used a different method. For some time, they watched where the fog fell in the morning and dug wells where the white haze gathered most often.

The peasants also paid attention to the dew on Fyodor Kolodeznik. There was even a special concept — "stratylate dew". It was used to determine what the future harvest would be. If there was a lot of moisture on the grass in the morning, then a good harvest of flax and hemp was expected.

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On Fyodorov Day, it was also customary to honor the wellworkers. Treats made from vegetables and pickles left over from winter were prepared for them. But baking was not put on the table — according to legend, it is useless to cook flour products on a holiday, as they will turn out to be tasteless.

On this day, the girls drew water from seven wells for washing. It was believed that this would help to strengthen health and gain strength. At the same time, it was forbidden to look at your reflection in the water. Those who ignored this rule faced negative changes in their lives.

During the holiday, they tried to avoid conflicts, fearing serious quarrels that could lead to a breakup. Also on this day, it was not customary to refuse a request to help with money. According to legend, the miser will soon find himself on the verge of poverty. Therefore, following the tradition, on the day of the memory of Theodore Stratelates, it is necessary to give alms to those in need and provide other possible assistance.

Folk signs of June 21

On Fyodor Kolodeznik, villagers closely monitored changes in the weather. A thunderstorm that day foreshadowed poor hay harvesting, and loud thunderclaps indicated that the storm would linger for a long time. Heavy clouds also did not bode well, indicating a moody and changeable summer. The abundance of dew in the morning promised a clear and warm day. If the vines lowered their heads, the peasants prepared for the rain.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history, traditions and prohibitions of the national holiday Fedot Urozhodnik.