**What is remembered on August 18, 2026, in the Church** Eusthymius was born in Antioch in the mid-3rd century. He was a warrior in the imperial army for many years and therefore fought for several emperors in a row — he served under Diocletian, Maximilian Herculius, Constantius Chlorus, and Constantine the Great. It is believed that the Lord Himself foretold his victories in battle — Eusthymius personally saw an apparition in the sky of a cross made of stars. He served until old age and then returned to his native Antioch. There he began to preach the words of the Lord, fast, pray, and attend services. But then the pagan Julian the Apostate ascended to the imperial throne. He began persecutions against Christians, and Eusthymius, who was already 110 years old at that time, was brought before him on a denunciation. But the prisoner did not remain silent. He himself rebuked the emperor, reminding him of the deeds of his predecessor Constantine the Great. Enraged, Julian, forgetting the age of the accused and showing no respect for his gray hair, ordered him to be executed. **The meaning of the holiday** And the age of 110 is not an obstacle to defending one's beliefs and fighting for one's faith, this day reminds us. **Traditions of the service** On the eve of the Transfiguration of the Lord, an All-Night Vigil is held in the churches. **What can be done on August 18, 2026** — It is customary to harvest onions and prepare them for long storage. — It is customary to bake bread from freshly ground flour. — It is great to prepare homemade kvass. **What cannot be done on August 18, 2026** — It is very bad to talk too much, especially during work. — Laziness is not accepted.
