A special holiday on August 9th is Panteleimon the Healer: history, traditions, omens

Every year on August 9, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, who is revered as the patron saint of doctors and the suffering. In the national calendar, this day was named Panteleimon the Healer. In 2025, it falls on a Saturday. Read about its history, traditions, folk signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

Church holiday on August 9 — Panteleimon the Healer

The Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, one of the most revered healers in the Orthodox tradition, was born in the 3rd century in the city of Nicomedia, located in Asia Minor. His father Eustorgius was a notable pagan, and his mother Evvula was a Christian. She tried to raise her son in her faith, but she died early.

After that, the father sent the boy to a pagan school, and then to study with the famous Nicomedia doctor Euphrosyne. A capable, well—mannered and gifted young man, he soon acquired not only medical skills, but also oratorical abilities, which attracted the attention of the court - the Roman emperor Maximian decided to make him his personal physician.

At the same time, Christian clergymen Ermolai, Ermippus and Hermocrates were hiding in Nicomedia, who miraculously survived the mass burning of believers in 303. Ermolai invited Panteleimon to his place and revealed to him the basics of Christian teaching. The young doctor began to come to the presbyter regularly, learning with interest about faith in Jesus Christ.

One day, returning from his mentor, Panteleimon witnessed a tragedy — a dead child was lying on the road, bitten by a venomous snake. With sincere prayer, he turned to God, asking for a miracle. And it happened — before his eyes, the baby came to life. This event became a turning point, the young man decided to be baptized. Ermolai performed the sacrament, and then the newly baptized man spent seven days with the teacher, strengthening his faith.

After that, Panteleimon completely devoted his life to serving people. He treated all those in need free of charge. His help was based not so much on medical knowledge as on deep faith — prayer was the main means of healing. This practice aroused the envy of other doctors, and they wrote a denunciation to the emperor.

The Day of the Assumption of the Righteous Anna is August 7: what can and cannot be done

The holiday is dedicated to the Mother of God

Maximian tried to convince the doctor to renounce the faith and sacrifice to the pagan gods, but Panteleimon refused and, while at court, performed a miracle, healing the patient in the name of Jesus Christ. In response, the ruler sentenced him to severe torture: the saint was taken to the amphitheater and thrown into the arena, where he was to be torn to pieces by wild animals.

However, the animals did not show aggression. On the contrary, they licked the saint's feet and tried to touch his hands. Upon seeing this, the audience perceived what was happening as a divine sign and demanded the release of the innocent man.

Enraged by the unexpected reaction of the crowd, the emperor ordered the execution of all those who glorified Christ, and also ordered the destruction of animals that showed "inappropriate behavior." At that moment, Panteleimon exclaimed, "Glory be to You, O Christ God, that not only people, but also animals are dying for You!"

Maximian ordered the saint to be beheaded, but when one of the soldiers struck, the sword suddenly softened and did no harm. The shocked guards exclaimed, "Great is the Christian God!" They prostrated themselves before the martyr, begging for forgiveness, and refused to carry out the sentence. But Panteleimon himself insisted on completing the execution, obeying the will of the emperor.

Before his death, he said goodbye to the soldiers, who kissed his hands with tears in their eyes. After the execution, milk flowed out of his wounds instead of blood, and the tree to which he was tied suddenly blossomed and bore fruit. What happened was a revelation to many – dozens of people came to believe in Christ.

Already in the IV century, Panteleimon's name became a symbol of mercy and spiritual strength, and particles of his relics spread throughout the Christian world. The saint's special veneration took root in the Russian Church, where he became the patron saint of doctors and a model of fortitude.

Traditions of the national holiday Panteleimon the Healer on August 9th

In Russia, on August 9, it was customary to attend church in the morning. Believers turned to Panteleimon with requests to preserve their health and recover from ailments, including mental ones. The women prayed to the saint for deliverance from infertility.

Cabbage was given special importance on the holiday, which, according to beliefs, begins to curl into heads on this day, therefore the holiday was also called a Cabbage. Bread from the new harvest, honey, herbal infusions and cabbage pies were served on the table. According to beliefs, if you eat such pastries on August 9 and make a wish at the same time, it will definitely come true.

The housewives collected medicinal plants, believing that it was on August 9 that they had a special power. Also on this day, the ears of bread were consecrated as a sign of gratitude for the harvest.

What not to do on the feast of Panteleimon the Healer

In the folk tradition, St. Panteleimon's Memorial Day is a time of special spiritual concentration. Therefore, August 9 was strongly discouraged.:

• Engage in grueling physical labor in the field, in the garden, or at home. According to beliefs, excessive activity on this day could lead to the fact that the earth "refuses to bear fruit," and the harvest will be spoiled or even burned under the sun.;
• Laziness and neglect of household duties were also forbidden. The holiday did not exempt from labor, but it required moderation. It was believed that idleness on this day "repels" luck and contributes to material losses in the future.;
• Start new projects or businesses, whether it's construction, deals, starting a business, or renovation. In popular culture, Panteleimon's day was associated with the end of the summer cycle, and any endeavor was considered doomed to failure.;
• Make important decisions, especially regarding family, work, or finances. It was believed that the decisions made on August 9 could be erroneous, as the day did not encourage clear thinking.;
• Lending or borrowing money, as well as counting small change, could provoke financial problems.;
• To show aggression, quarrel, condemn and refuse to help. The memory of the saint-healer required mercy, therefore any manifestations of malice or selfishness were considered especially dangerous in spiritual terms.;
• Engage in fortune-telling or magical practices, including reading spells and love spells. Such actions were considered not only useless, but also capable of causing illness or disturbing harmony in the house.

Yablochny Spas – 2025: ancient traditions, the best recipes, omens and prohibitions

How to properly celebrate an Orthodox holiday and what prayers to read

The ancestors believed that violating these prohibitions could cause unpleasant consequences throughout the year. Therefore, we tried to devote August 9 to prayer, daily activities and caring for our neighbors.

Folk signs for August 9th

On August 9, farmers observed nature to predict what the future harvest would be like.:

• If there is dew in the morning, it will lead to a bountiful harvest, and if it is late in the evening, it will lead to a dry autumn.;
• Grasshoppers are active on hot and clear days.;
• The ants are hiding — for the approaching rain;
• A large number of acorns on oak trees — for the harvest year;
• Cabbage begins to curl into heads — by early and cold autumn;
• Ducks are crying on the pond — to the cold weather.

Earlier, Izvestia was told when Orthodox believers honor the memory of St. Anna, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary.