A special holiday on July 2 is Zosima Pchelnik: history, traditions, omens
Every year on July 2, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Holy Great Martyr Zosima of Apollonia, who suffered for his faith in the early Christian era. In folk tradition, this day is known as Zosima Bee Day, it is associated with the veneration of bees and the beginning of active honey harvesting. In 2025, the date falls on Wednesday. Read about the history of the holiday, traditions, prohibitions and folk signs in the Izvestia article.
National holiday of Zosima Pchelnik – 2025: the history of the holiday
Saint Zosima of Apollonia was born in the 1st century in the city of Apollonia, located in Thrace. During the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan, he was a soldier, but, inspired by preaching about the Christian faith, he was baptized and refused to serve, preferring the spiritual path.
During this period, the followers of Christ were persecuted, so his act aroused the indignation of the authorities. Information that Zosima openly professes the new faith reached the ruler of Antioch, Domitian. The saint was captured and brought in for interrogation.
Despite the threats, Zosima refused to renounce Christ and sacrifice to the pagan gods. His tormentors tortured him, which he accepted stoically, with faith in God, making the sign of the cross over himself. As a result, the saint felt no pain and did not receive a single injury, which threw the executioners into disbelief.
Having failed to achieve what he wanted, Domitian ordered the torture to continue, and then to throw Zosima into a dungeon without water and food. However, according to church tradition, the Angel of the Lord himself brought him bread and drink in prison.
Despite all the trials, Zosima remained firm in his faith, unwilling to return to performing pagan rituals. In the end, he was sentenced to death. Before his execution, he prayed, after which he peacefully surrendered his soul to God, leaving the memory of his feat and becoming a model of courage and spiritual steadfastness.
Traditions of the national holiday celebrated in Russia on July 2
Since ancient times, bees have been treated with respect in Russia. Their ancestors considered them to be sacred beings endowed with a special connection with the divine. In pagan and Christian culture, they symbolized work, purity, and wisdom.
It is not surprising that the day of Zosima Apolloniadsky's memory is intertwined with beekeeping — it is at the beginning of July that these insects begin to actively fill the honeycombs with fresh honey. Over time, the image of the great Martyr merged with the memory of another saint, St. Zosimus of Solovetsky, one of the founders of the Solovetsky Monastery. In the monastic tradition, he was also considered the patron saint of apiaries and beehives. This is how a unique holiday was formed — Zosima Bee Day, which became widespread in the national calendar.
On this day, the beehives should be sprinkled with holy water and a prayer should be said. A table covered with a white tablecloth was set up in the center, on which consecrated bread, salt, water and an Easter candle were placed. Walking around the apiary with a lighted candle, the ancestors read prayers to Zosima and asked for protection for their bees.
They tried not to approach the hives unnecessarily. It was believed that any interference could provoke the anger of insects and they would leave their habitat forever. And if they did have to pass by, they always said: "Roy, goody, fly to the fields! Come home from the field and bring the honey!"
At dawn, women gathered at ponds or wells to wash their faces. In Russia, it was believed that the water collected on Zosima had healing properties. According to legend, she made young girls even more attractive, and helped married people to maintain health and peace in the family.
In the villages, they tried to spend this day peacefully and blissfully. The housewives prepared dishes with last year's honey.
What not to do on the feast of Zosima Bee
Most of the prohibitions on Bee colonies are related to bees. On the holiday, it was forbidden to kill these insects or harm the hives, so as not to incur the wrath of the saints, their heavenly patrons.
It was also forbidden to boast about honey harvesting, count bees, and spread about their financial affairs (bragging about wealth or complaining about poverty). The ancestors were afraid that this could bring trouble and losses. Those who showed modesty and respect for nature, on the contrary, could count on prosperity and a rich honeymoon.
It was also not necessary to sell or donate honey, the day was considered unfavorable for financial transactions. For the same reason, in Russia they tried not to lend or borrow, as money could "leak" from the house.
On July 2, it was forbidden to swear, especially in the apiary, because of this the bees could become aggressive and leave the hives.
Folk signs for July 2
On July 2, bees were the main "weather forecasters". The ancestors believed that if they actively fly, they should wait for rain. If they sit on the walls of the hive, they will cause extreme heat. The rainbow that appeared in the evening promised several weeks of good weather. And the closed petals of the flowers at noon spoke of impending bad weather.
They also paid attention to everyday signs associated with bees in Russia. So, if this insect landed on a person on that day, it promised wealth or high position. The one who was stung was considered a sinner, warned from above.
If a bee is circling over a child, this is a happy fate. And a business started on July 2 is bound to succeed, especially if it involves work and creativity.
Earlier, Izvestia told about the traditions and signs of the national holiday Methodius Sparrowhawk.
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