On May 5, 2026, the Apostle Luke is remembered. He was one of the apostles among the 70, yet he is a very well-known and revered saint among Christians — both Orthodox and Catholics — because his hands are responsible for the life-size images of the Most Holy Theotokos and the apostles Peter and Paul. He was also the author of one of the four apocryphal Gospels.
What is Remembered in the Church on May 5, 2026
Luke was a disciple and companion of the holy apostle Paul. He was a contemporary of Jesus, lived in the Syrian city of Antioch, and upon hearing about Jesus, went to meet him in person. There, he heard the preaching directly from Christ and wholeheartedly accepted the Christian teaching, becoming one of its companions. He came from an enlightened Greek family, was a physician, and, being well-educated, was a profound expert in law and legislation.
Among the 70 disciples, he was sent to preach, to carry the word of God to the people. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to Luke and Cleopas on the way to Emmaus and conversed with them. After Jesus' death, he traveled with the apostle Paul, and even when all the companions and disciples left him, he remained by his teacher's side, continuing to share all the hardships. After the martyrdom of Peter and Paul, he left Rome and preached throughout the world. He was in Achaia, Libya, Egypt, and Thebes. It was in Thebes that he completed his earthly life, being killed for his faith.
He was a wonderful painter and writer. It is believed that he was the author of the life-size icons depicting Peter and Paul and the Most Holy Theotokos. She approved of her image, saying: “May the grace of the One Born of Me and My mercy be with these icons.”
Also, while in Rome during Paul's lifetime and with his participation, he wrote the gospel in which he described the life path of Jesus. The relics of Saint Luke rest in the Italian basilica of Saint Justina in Padua.
The Meaning of the Holiday
The gospel that Luke wrote differs in its teaching about the universality of salvation accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ, concerning the universal significance of the gospel preaching.
What Can Be Done on May 5, 2026
— On this day, it is customary to plant onions.
— It is also necessary to prepare something for the family with the addition of onions.
— It is customary to work in the garden and orchard.
— One should clean the house.
What Cannot Be Done on May 5, 2026
— On this day, one must not bake pancakes, otherwise, they will attract evil spirits into the house.
— One should not spend the entire day alone.
— One should not go into the forest.
— One should not take out of the house and give away children's things.
What to Eat on May 5, 2026. Fasting Rules
On this day, there is no fast; everything can be eaten. Be sure to prepare dishes with the addition of onions.
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