July is a month filled with spiritual meaning, rich traditions, and the veneration of saints in the Christian calendar. During this summer period, the Church commemorates prominent apostles, martyrs, righteous individuals, and events that hold special significance for Orthodox believers. July is not considered a fasting month overall, but it does include several important days that encourage restraint, prayer, and participation in worship. As the Baltimore Chronicle notes, understanding church holidays helps one better grasp the spiritual importance of each day and live in harmony with Orthodox tradition.
Features of the Church Calendar in July
The church calendar for July includes both major holidays celebrated by the entire Church and commemorations of individual saints with local importance. One of the most notable events is the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, which falls in mid-July and marks the end of the Apostles’ Fast that begins in June.
July is also rich in commemorations of Christian martyrs — those who suffered for their faith in the early centuries of Christianity. Some days are associated with miracles or significant historical events in Church life. Another notable tradition is fasting on the day of the Beheading of John the Baptist (though this does not fall in July every year, it is anticipated as a call to repentance).
Main Types of Church Holidays in July:
- Major twelve great feasts (none fall in July in 2025)
- Commemorations of apostles and saints
- Name days for saints (feast days of namesakes)
- Monastery and local feast days
Full Calendar of Church Holidays in July 2025
Below is a daily calendar of church holidays for July 2025, with a brief explanation of each day’s significance. The dates are given according to the New Style (Gregorian calendar), which is used by most Orthodox communities in Ukraine.
July 1–10
July 1 — Martyrs Leontius, Hypatius, and Theodulus
July 2 — Saint Job, Patriarch of Moscow
July 3 — Martyr Methodius of Patara
July 4 — Righteous Gideon
July 5 — Hieromartyr Eusebius
July 6 — Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God
July 7 — Nativity of John the Baptist (highly venerated feast)
July 8 — Saints Peter and Fevronia (patrons of family and love)
July 9 — Saint Tikhon of Amathus
July 10 — Saint Sampson the Hospitable
July 11–20
July 11 — Great Martyr Euphemia the All-Praised
July 12 — Feast of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Apostles Peter and Paul
July 13 — Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles
July 14 — Martyrs Cyricus and Julitta
July 15 — Commemoration of Saint Photius
July 16 — Martyrs Acindynus and Pegasius
July 17 — Royal Martyrs of Russia (the Romanov family)
July 18 — Venerable Athanasius of Mount Athos
July 19 — Commemoration of Sisoes the Great
July 20 — Prophet Elijah (one of the most revered saints)
July 21–31
July 21 — Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
July 22 — Commemoration of Saint Mary Magdalene
July 23 — Martyrs Trophimus and Eucarpios
July 24 — Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga of Kyiv
July 25 — Venerable Macrina
July 26 — Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel
July 27 — Saint Anatolius
July 28 — Baptism of Rus and memory of Saint Prince Volodymyr
July 29 — Martyr Calleria
July 30 — Great Martyr Marina
July 31 — Martyr Emilian
Traditions Associated with July Church Holidays
Many of the July holidays come with unique folk customs, prayers, and rituals. For instance, on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, it is traditional to end the Apostles’ Fast with a festive meal. On Elijah’s Day (July 20), believers pray for rain and a good harvest, and traditionally avoid swimming in rivers or lakes.
One of the most honored days among Ukrainians is July 28 — the Day of the Baptism of Rus. This has become an official public holiday in Ukraine, and many cities hold religious processions, festivals, and prayer services.
Comparison Table of the Most Important July Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| July 7 | Nativity of John the Baptist | Birth of the prophet and forerunner of Christ |
| July 12 | Feast of Saints Peter and Paul | Honoring the two principal apostles |
| July 20 | Prophet Elijah | Old Testament prophet, protector from drought |
| July 24 | Princess Olga of Kyiv | First Christian ruler of Kyivan Rus |
| July 28 | Baptism of Rus | Adoption of Christianity in Kyivan Rus |
Saints Commemorated in July
July is a month rich in the remembrance of many great Christian figures. Among them are the apostles Peter and Paul, the Prophet Elijah, Princess Olga, and Saint Mary Magdalene — each of whom left a profound spiritual legacy in the history of Christianity.
Most Notable Saints of July:
- Apostle Peter — One of Christ’s closest disciples
- Apostle Paul — Missionary and author of epistles
- John the Baptist — The prophet who foretold Christ’s coming
- Princess Olga — A symbol of Christianity’s beginning in Rus
- Prophet Elijah — An Old Testament saint, venerated for power and faith
The Meaning of July Holidays for Today’s Christian
Even amid the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, church holidays remain spiritual touchstones. They offer a chance to reflect on eternal values, reassess one’s path, pray, and spend time with loved ones. By honoring saints, we learn from their devotion, patience, and love for God and neighbor.
It is especially meaningful to involve children in the celebration, passing down centuries-old traditions. Attending church together, reading about the lives of the saints, and performing good deeds — all of these help bring the holidays to life.
Earlier we wrote about how to cook the perfect BBQ for the holidays.