This saint endured a great number of attacks from demons during his life, managed to overcome all of this, and achieved true spiritual perfection. The Mother of God appeared to him several times. This day is also called the Day of the Months: it is believed that a long, steady gaze at the Moon helps cure many diseases. **What is remembered in the Church on July 18, 2026** The saint was born in the mid-10th century in Trebizond (a city on the Black Sea coast in Turkey). He was born into a pious Christian family and was named Abraham. He became an orphan at an early age and was raised by a pious nun. From her, he learned the skills of monastic life. When he grew up, he was sent to study in Byzantium. There, he quickly and brilliantly mastered many sciences. Then he met Michael Malein, after which he renounced all worldly distractions and immersed himself exclusively in spiritual life. He took monastic vows with the name Athanasius at the Kimin Monastery in Asia Minor. He not only prayed diligently but also engaged in copying liturgical books there. He prayed a lot, fasted, and eventually reached such spiritual perfection that, by the blessing of the abbot, he was deemed worthy of living in the desert on Mount Athos. There, Athanasius struggled with temptations sent by the devil, overcoming his snares through prayer. At that time, he received the gift of tears of compunction. He was also granted the gift of foresight and miracles; he healed the sick and cast out demons. After some time, he felt strong enough to found a monastery. It had a very strict rule, but many were drawn to him due to his amazing miracles, even bishops dreamed of becoming simple monks in his Lavra. The Mother of God herself appeared to him, promising him and his monastery help and protection. He foresaw his death in advance and gave final instructions to the brethren. After that, he ascended with several monks to the top of the bell tower under construction, which collapsed at that moment, and he was buried under the stones. His body lay unburied for three days while they dug it out, and it remained incorrupt. During the funeral, contrary to nature, blood flowed from a wound on his leg. The elders collected it in towels, and it later healed many diseases. **The meaning of the holiday** The saint is remembered for performing incredible miracles and for having the privilege of meeting the Mother of God during his lifetime. **Folk weather signs** — A bright Moon promises a warm and dry autumn. — A dull yellow disk indicates rainy weather in the coming days. — Morning fog lying over the water predicts rain. **What can be done on July 18, 2026** — It is essential to admire the Moon on this day and make a wish at that moment. — It is customary to prepare shortbread cookies with nuts in the shape of a crescent moon. It is customary to eat them outdoors. **What cannot be done on July 18, 2026** — One should not tell anyone about future plans. — Do not start new endeavors.