July 8 — Peter and Fevronia Muromsky Day: what helps, what not to do

Every year on July 8, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Blessed Peter and Fevronia of Murom, the patron saints of family happiness and marital bonds. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the history of the holiday and how the saints help.

The history of the Peter and Fevronia Day holiday

Oral legends about Peter and Fevronia have existed since about the 13th century, but no official church veneration was established until the middle of the 16th century. Shortly after the canonization of the saints in 1547, the famous writer Ermolai-Erasmus created a hagiographical story about the Murom couple.

Thanks to the unusual and romantic plot, the work became a real "hit" of its time. More than 300 lists of this story have come down to our days.

According to legend, the heir to the throne of Murom, Prince Peter, fell ill with terrible leprosy. No doctor could help him get rid of the disease. Then he decided to go to the Ryazan lands in search of a skilled healer. There he met a peasant woman named Fevronia, a wise and beautiful woman. She promised to heal the prince, but on condition that he would take her as his wife. Peter agreed, and on the same day he received a healing remedy that quickly relieved him of the painful scabs.

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Fearing the possible consequences of an unequal marriage, the prince decided to buy off Fevronia with gifts and went back to Murom. However, the disease returned on the way home, and Peter was forced to turn to the peasant woman for help again. After that, he kept his promise and married her.

Some time later, Peter became the rightful ruler of Murom. The boyars disapproved of his marriage to a commoner and issued an ultimatum: either she returns to her native village, or the prince loses the throne. Peter did not abandon his beloved wife and went into exile with her. Fevronia supported her husband in everything, sharing hardships and meager meals with him.

The celebration of the boyars did not last long — soon the troubles began in Murom, and the people began to ask the prince and the princess to return. Peter and Fevronia responded to their request and wisely ruled their lands for many years. In their old age, they became monks together and retired to different monasteries.

Peter and Fevronia died on the same day, July 8, 1228. Before they died, they bequeathed to bury them in the same coffin, but people considered it inappropriate for monks and buried them separately. But the next morning, the bodies of the saints were once again nearby. Then the inhabitants of Murom nevertheless fulfilled the last will of the princely couple and buried them together.

How to celebrate Peter and Fevronia Day in 2025

On the feast day dedicated to Peter and Fevronia, many believers come to churches to participate in special divine services. On this day, special prayer services are held where the clergy pray for well-being and harmony in families, for peace and love between loved ones.

In addition, the Day of remembrance of Saints is the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. In honor of the holiday, festivities, concerts, festivals, family contests and sports competitions are organized in many cities. The largest celebrations traditionally take place in Murom, the birthplace of Prince Peter.

Many people try to celebrate July 8th with their family. Some invite relatives to a cozy dinner, others go for walks with their children and spouses or participate in city events. Peter and Fevronia Day is an excellent opportunity to strengthen family ties and share joy with loved ones.

How Peter and Fevronia help

The blessed Peter and Fevronia are revered as patrons of family and marriage. They are asked for help in overcoming disagreements between relatives, conceiving and having a child. The saints are also asked to find family happiness, health for children, and resolution of crisis situations within the family.

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Peter and Fevronia Day in 2025: what can and cannot be done

The Orthodox Church does not impose strict prohibitions on the day of Peter and Fevronia. Believers on the holiday can pray at home or in church, visit relatives or take part in a charity event.

However, it should be remembered that the celebration falls on St. Peter's Fast, during which you can not eat meat, dairy products and eggs. The restriction does not apply to fish and seafood. The exceptions are Wednesday and Friday, days of particularly strict fasting, when it is allowed to eat only plant foods.

Due to the Peter's Fast, the sacrament of marriage is not performed in churches on the Day of Peter and Fevronia. However, nothing prohibits getting engaged on a holiday or entering into a civil marriage at the registry office.

According to popular beliefs, on July 8, it is forbidden to swear with loved ones, use obscenities and enter into conflicts. It is also not recommended to engage in heavy physical labor and needlework.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions of the International Day of Families.