Today, July 28, according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine honors the memory of the holy apostles from the Seventy and the first deacons: Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas. Their story, described in the Acts of the Apostles, is highly instructive and incredibly relevant for today, as it laid the foundation for organized social assistance—what we now call charity and volunteering.

In the early years after Christ's Ascension, the number of Christians grew rapidly. The apostles faced a problem: due to constant preaching, they didn't have enough time to fairly distribute food and aid among the poorest, particularly widows and lonely elderly people. To ensure no one was left hungry or forgotten, the community chose seven men full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit. They were called "deacons," which means "servants" in Greek. Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas were among them. They took on the daily labor of caring for the disadvantaged, becoming the first social workers of the Church in history.

Serving one's neighbor is the foundation upon which the "Nadiya.ua" Charitable Foundation stands. Every day we see modern "widows and orphans"—our lonely grandmothers and grandfathers who have lost their families due to the war. Many of them suffer from severe respiratory diseases. For them, every breath of air comes with pain. On the day we remember the holy servants, we remind you of our Lung Care Collection. This initiative aims to purchase oxygen concentrators and medications that literally return the ability to breathe to the elderly.

Follow the example of the first deacons—become a pillar of support for those who desperately need it. Your donation to the Lung Care Collection from CF "Nadiya.ua" is not just money. It is life-saving oxygen. It is the chance for a lonely grandfather to sigh freely without the fear of suffocating at night. Support the collection right now—make your contribution to mercy.

In the Orthodox calendar (according to the Revised Julian calendar), July 24 is a significant date—the Memorial Day of the holy passion-bearers Princes Borys and Glib (baptized Roman and David). This holiday holds immense historical and spiritual importance for all of Ukraine, as Borys and Glib became the first saints canonized in Kyivan Rus after its baptism.

History of the Holiday (Brief Overview): Borys and Glib were the youngest and beloved sons of Prince Volodymyr the Great. They were raised in deep Christian faith, distinguished by their mercy, kindness, and love for their neighbors. After Volodymyr's death in 1015, a brutal internecine struggle for the Kyivan throne began. Their older half-brother, Svyatopolk the Accursed, seeking to concentrate all power in his hands, ordered the assassination of Borys, and later Glib. Knowing the mortal danger, the young princes refused to raise arms against their own brother and drag their people into a bloody civil war. They consciously chose the path of passion-bearers—voluntarily accepting a martyr's death to preserve peace in the state. Their sacrifice became an eternal symbol of non-malice, brotherly love, and the victory of the spiritual over the material.

Weather Omens and Folk Traditions of July 24: Among the people, this day has long been accompanied by special rules and deep observations of nature. The main prohibition of the day was: "Do not start harvesting on Borys and Glib." It was believed that working in the fields on this day could incur the wrath of the elements, and lightning would burn the crops. This was a time for rest and prayer. Omens:

• If there is loud thunder on July 24, expect prolonged and cold downpours.

• If the day is sunny and clear, autumn will be warm, and the grain harvest will be abundant.

• Morning dew on the grass indicates that the weather will be dry in the coming days.

Connection to the Mission of CF "Nadiya.ua": The story of Borys and Glib is a story of renouncing destruction for the sake of preservation. Today, when thousands of Ukraine's cultural heritage sites have been destroyed, our nation needs not only military but also cultural protection. That is precisely why CF "Nadiya.ua" initiated the unique Charitable Program "Rebirth". We provide war veterans and their family members the opportunity to acquire the profession of a restorer at the prestigious "Palazzo Spinelli" institute (Florence, Italy). Our defenders, who have seen the most terrible devastation, will restore Ukraine's cultural greatness by rebuilding museums, temples, and monuments.

And while our heroes restore history, we have no right to forget those who carry this history—our elderly. During the period of summer thunderstorms (as the omens for Borys and Glib warn), many lonely grandmothers and grandfathers with respiratory diseases find it unbearably difficult to breathe. They find themselves trapped in their own apartments, suffocating from illness and loneliness. The Lung Care Collection from our foundation saves their lives by providing oxygen concentrators. Give them the ability to breathe freely!

Call to Action: Support the cultural rebirth of Ukraine or save the life of a lonely person today. Make your contribution to the Lung Care Collection or become a benefactor of the Sustainable Reserve Fund using the official requisites on the CF "Nadiya.ua" website!

«On July 23, according to the new church calendar, the Orthodox world honors the memory of the holy martyrs Trophimus, Theophilus, and 13 others with them, who suffered for their unwavering faith. On this same day, the feast of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated — one of the greatest shrines that for centuries has granted healing and protection against enemy invasions. The history of these holidays is a story of resilience, devotion, and spiritual restoration after the most severe trials.

Rebirth of Faith and Heritage Today, Ukrainians are walking their own path of martyrdom and resilience. During the Russian aggression in Ukraine, more than 1,300 cultural heritage sites have been destroyed. But we are not only defending ourselves; we are preparing to rebuild. CF "Nadiya.ua" is implementing the unique Charitable Program "Vidrodzhennia" (Rebirth), which gives combat veterans and their families the opportunity to acquire the profession of a restorer at the Italian institute "Palazzo Spinelli". Veterans who have seen destruction return to restore beauty. Support our heroes by contributing to the rebuilding of both human souls and Ukraine's cultural greatness.»

Today, on July 22, according to the new Orthodox calendar, believers in Ukraine honor the memory of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene. This holiday, which in Ukrainian culture is closely intertwined with deep folk traditions, symbolizes purification, female beauty, spiritual rebirth, and care for loved ones.

History of the Holiday and Spiritual Meaning Mary Magdalene is one of the most famous women in Christian history. Cured by Jesus Christ of severe ailments, she became His most devoted follower, accompanied Him to Golgotha, and, according to the Gospel, became the first person to whom the resurrected Christ appeared. Her image is an eternal symbol that after the darkest night there is always a bright morning, and healing and rebirth are possible for everyone.

Folk Traditions: "Silver Dew" and Berries In the Ukrainian folk calendar, July 22 is associated with gathering forest berries like raspberries and blueberries, which were considered to have special healing powers on this day. The most beautiful custom of this morning was washing with morning dew, which was called "silver." It was believed to give women youth, health, and preserve facial beauty for many years.

Folk Omens and Restrictions On this day, it was strictly forbidden to perform heavy work in the fields, as ancestors believed it could bring a sudden thunderstorm with dangerous lightning.

• A heavy morning dew promised a generous grain harvest.

• A starry and clear night on Mary's Day foretold a warm and sunny autumn.

Name Days: Femininity and Inner Strength July 22 is the name day for owners of two beautiful names:

• Magdalene (Hebrew — "from Magdala"). These are women with extraordinary inner strength, charismatic, hardworking, and deep in their feelings.

• Maria (Hebrew — "beloved," "lady"). Marias are distinguished by tenderness, compassion, care, and a readiness to bring light to where sadness reigns.

Rebirth of Beauty and Hope with CF "Nadiya.ua" The feast of Mary Magdalene reminds us of the importance of female dignity. Many evacuated elderly women who have found shelter with CF "Nadiya.ua" have lost the ability to take care of themselves as they did in peacetime. We are raising funds for "Women's Warmth Kits" (quality hygiene, skincare cosmetics, soft towels). Like the healing morning dew, these kits return a sense of coziness, beauty, and the understanding that they are worthy of love to our grandmothers.

Moreover, the story of Mary Magdalene is a story of restoring what was lost. In this context, we are actively developing the Charity Program "Rebirth" (Vidrodzhennia). More than 1,300 cultural heritage sites have been destroyed in Ukraine. Through this program, we help war veterans and their family members obtain the profession of a restorer in Italy (jointly with the Palazzo Spinelli Institute). People who have seen destruction will become those who revive the cultural greatness of our state.

Make the holiday meaningful. Support the collection for "Women's Warmth Kits" or contribute to the Sustainable Reserve Fund to finance the "Rebirth" program. Goodness is created today!