The Ukrainian Orthodox Church marks August 3 with the commemoration of Saints Isaac the Confessor, Dalmatus, and Faustus, ascetics who lived in the fourth and fifth centuries.
According to the source, Isaac lived during the reign of Emperor Valens, who supported Arianism and persecuted Orthodox Christians. Isaac approached the ruler asking that closed churches be reopened, and warned that God would grant him victory only if the persecutions ceased. Isaac was imprisoned, but the prophecy was said to have come true: Roman forces were defeated by the Visigoths and the emperor was killed. His successor, Theodosius, freed Isaac and restored the churches to Orthodox believers.
Dalmatus served at the court of Emperor Theodosius before later entering monastic life alongside his son Faustus. The two settled in Isaac’s monastery, which eventually took the name Dalmatian Monastery. After Dalmatus died, Faustus led the community and was noted for his pious and ascetic life. The faithful turn to all three saints in prayer for divine help, protection, and support in difficult circumstances.
What Folk Tradition Calls the Day
In folk tradition, August 3 is known as Isaac Raspberry Day, as late varieties of raspberry ripen around this time. The day is considered favorable for new beginnings, travel, and meetings with relatives, and those working in a garden are promised a good harvest the following year.
What Not to Do Today
Folk belief holds that thorough cleaning, sweeping floors, and taking out rubbish should be avoided on this day, as doing so risks sweeping wealth, luck, and family wellbeing out of the home. At the same time, complete idleness is also discouraged, as it is said to bring financial difficulty.
The Church urges the faithful to turn away from malice, envy, greed, foul language, gossip, and quarrels, and not to refuse help to those who need it. The Dormition Fast is under way, so those observing it abstain from meat, dairy, eggs, and fish.
Weather Signs for August 3
Folk signs say rain from early morning points to prolonged bad weather, strong wind with rain signals a wet and cold autumn, a southerly wind means a snowy winter, and domestic birds beginning to moult indicates frost is approaching soon. Weather on August 3 is also said to indicate what October will bring.
According to the new church calendar, the name day of Solomiya falls on August 3.
