The Orthodox Church in Ukraine commemorates Apostle Matthias on August 9 under the updated calendar, honoring the disciple selected to join the 12 apostles after Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ and died. Matthias was born in Bethlehem in the first century and studied Holy Scripture from childhood under Saint Simeon the God-Receiver. He originally served as one of the 70 disciples of Jesus Christ before his selection as an apostle.
Church tradition states that after the descent of the Holy Spirit, Matthias preached Christianity while displaying gifts to speak multiple languages, heal illnesses, expel evil spirits, and raise the dead. He faced repeated persecution, once becoming invisible through God to escape pagan violence, before being sentenced to death for allegedly violating the Law of Moses. Relic fragments of the apostle are preserved today in the Church of Saint Matthias in Trier, Germany, where believers pray to him for healing. Under the old Julian calendar, August 9 honors Great Martyr Panteleimon the Healer.
Folk Traditions and Church Fasting
In folk tradition, August 9 is known as Matvii Nehozhyi because summer begins turning toward autumn weather. The date is also called Matvii Zmiyesos due to an ancient belief that snakes become dangerous and suck milk from cow udders, leading farmers to keep livestock off pastures. Despite these fears, the day is considered favorable for trade, attending fairs, and closing deals to secure good earnings.
Church guidelines for the day urge believers to avoid sins including anger, envy, gossip, judging others, quarreling, despair, and refusing aid to those in need. The observance takes place during the Dormition Fast, which runs through August 15 under the new calendar. Those following the fast abstain from eating meat, dairy products, and eggs, as well as drinking alcohol.
Folk customs add several specific prohibitions for August 9, advising people not to enter forests unnecessarily because of active snakes. Traditions also warn against boasting about achievements, quarreling with relatives, wearing black clothes, or starting major projects. Instead, believers are advised to devote the day to quiet household tasks, prayer, and reflection.
Weather Signs and Name Days
Ancestral weather signs for August 9 connect morning conditions to upcoming seasons, with a cold morning wind predicting a harsh, snowy winter and morning rain indicating that summer heat has ended. A lack of morning dew signals incoming rain, while heavy dew forecasts hot days ahead. Rain is also expected if grass snakes crawl out to warm in the sun or if fish bite poorly, whereas a clear and sunny day points to a long, dry autumn and a mild winter.
On August 9 under the new calendar, name days are celebrated by Anton, Dmytro, Ivan, Mariya, Oleksiy, and Petro. Folk tradition holds that individuals born on this date possess strong curiosity, analyze events carefully, make considered decisions, and persistently pursue their goals.
