On Thursday, June 5, 2025, Orthodox believers commemorate the holy prince Igor of Chernigov and Kiev according to the new Julian calendar, and also honor the Igor's Icon of the Mother of God. In addition, on this day, according to the old style, they honor Saint Leontius of Rostov. In the folk calendar, the date coincides with the feast of Dorotheus.
Who is Prince Igor?
Prince Igor was a descendant of Yaroslav the Wise and lived in the 12th century. Due to civil strife, he was captured, where, according to legend, he almost died. After that, he took monastic vows and devoted his life to prayer. However, he was killed by an angry mob right in the church during a service.
His body was later transferred to Chernihiv, to the Transfiguration Cathedral. The Orthodox Church honors him as a righteous prince and a martyr.
Icon of St. Igor: helps against betrayal and despondency
The Icon of the Mother of God of Igor's Field is a miraculous image before which Prince Igor prayed in his last moments of life. It is considered an assistant in the fight against illness, despondency, fear, family conflicts, and betrayal.
The shrine disappeared after 1924 — the icon was removed from the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra for restoration, after which its further fate is unknown.
What is the holiday according to the old style?
In the Julian church calendar, June 5 is the day of memory of Saint Leontius of Rostov and Kiev-Pechersk, as well as the day of the discovery of his relics.
Traditions and folk signs on June 5
June 5 is popularly known as Dorothea's Day, or "sparrow nights," because it is at this time that the shortest nights of the year begin.
On this day it is good:
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to plant cucumbers,
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weed the beds (weeds will not grow for a long time),
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to do cleaning and housework.
It is not worth it:
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to quarrel, to be jealous, to gossip,
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to pick up things or money found on the road - to illness or loss,
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telling dreams can "come true the other way around.".
Who is celebrating a birthday?
Name days on June 5 are celebrated by George, Dmitry, Igor, Konstantin, Leonid, Marko, Mikhail, Nikolay, Petro, Fedor. According to the Julian calendar, Maria and Daria also celebrate their name days.
Those born on this day are believed to have great empathy and willpower.
