A special Russian holiday on July 25 is Proclus the Mourner: history, traditions, omens

Every year on July 25, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyrs Proclus and Hilary of Calyptus. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Friday. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Proclus the Mourner. Read about its history, traditions and signs in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on July 25th?

Saints Proclus and Hilary lived in the 1st–2nd centuries in the village of Kalipta near Ankira (modern territory of Turkey). They were blood relatives (Hilary was Proclus' nephew), and both professed Christianity.

During the reign of Emperor Trojan, believers in Jesus were severely persecuted. By order of the ruler of Ancyra, Maximus, Proclus was arrested and tortured. The dignitary wanted to force the saint to worship idols, but he showed amazing fortitude and declared that soon Maxim himself would be forced to confess Christ as the true God.

In anger, the governor ordered Proclus to be tied to a chariot and forced the martyr to run after her to a neighboring village. The saint, exhausted with fatigue, began to pray to the Lord, asking him to stop the chariot. At the same moment, the horses stood up, the chariot froze in place, and Maxim, who was sitting in it, turned to stone. He could not move until, at Proclus' request, he signed a charter recognizing the Son of God as the only true God.

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The disgraced ruler cruelly took revenge on the saint. After much torture, he ordered Proclus to be taken outside the city, tied to a stake and shot with bows. The soldiers who carried out the execution persuaded the martyr to obey the demands of the dignitary, but he refused.

On the way to the place of execution, Hilary noticed the procession. He went up to his uncle, hugged him and declared that he also believed in Christ. The young man was arrested, and Proclus was executed. Hilary was martyred three days later. Christians buried the saints in one grave.

Traditions of the Proclus the Mourner holiday on July 25

In Russia, the holiday in honor of Saints Proclus and Hilary was called Proclus the Mourner, since from that day on the plants are covered with abundant dew in the morning. The ancestors tried to complete the work related to harvesting and harvesting hay before July 25, otherwise the humidity could negate all the work.

According to popular beliefs, the dew on Proclus acquires the power to heal any disease. It was collected in clay vessels to be used as medicine later. Such water was given to pregnant women so that childbirth would be easy. The girls washed their faces with it, hoping to preserve their beauty and youth.

Also on Proclus Day, many replenished their stocks of medicinal herbs. It was believed that the plants collected on the holiday were especially useful for the sick.

What can and cannot be done on the Proclamation of the Mourner on July 25

The Orthodox Church does not impose any special prohibitions on the day of the commemoration of Saints Proclus and Hilary. However, believers should keep in mind that the holiday falls on Friday, a fast day. Therefore, on July 25, it is recommended to fast or at least not overeat.

In Russia, various superstitions were associated with Proclus the Mourner. Women were forbidden to do heavy work on that day. Otherwise, according to legend, it was possible to get very sick. You also shouldn't cry on a holiday. It was believed that after that, tears would have to be shed for a whole year.

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On Proclus, the ancestors tried to avoid swear words, swearing and gossip. They believed that any negativity would return in triple size. It was also forbidden to take revenge on someone, to wish them illnesses or failures on a holiday. A man who could not restrain his evil impulses risked plunging his family into poverty.

On Proclus, the ancestors did not accept treats and gifts from strangers. According to beliefs, in this way an outsider could "transmit" his illnesses and troubles.

Folk signs of July 25

In the old days, Proclus the Mourner drew attention to various weather signs. If the grass was covered with dew on a holiday, it was understood that the day would be sunny, and the rest of the summer would be hot. If there was no dew, they were preparing for heavy rains. The fog promised prolonged bad weather and a poor harvest. The loud buzzing of bees promised a fine August, and the abundance of mushrooms in the forest indicated an imminent cold snap.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions, signs and prohibitions of the national holiday Avdotya Senognoka.