Old style date: June 20. Bishop Methodius of Patara, whose memory is honored today, lived in the 3rd-4th centuries in Asia Minor and was distinguished by monastic humility. He taught his flock Christianity peacefully and quietly, but at the same time firmly defended the purity of Orthodoxy and fought against heresy. Methodius left behind a rich literary heritage: writings in defense of Christianity, exposition of Orthodox dogmas against heresy, moral teachings, and interpretations of the Holy Scriptures. In 312, the bishop was captured and executed by pagans. In Russia, by this date, the grains were ripe in the fields, and quails would gather there. Therefore, the hunters' easy hunting period would begin: catching a bird at this time was very simple. Each of them on Methodius' day tried to shoot at least one quail to avoid returning home empty-handed. Experienced hunters knew various signs: if spider webs and midges flew over the winter grain, it meant a bird was hiding nearby; but where the quail's whistle was loudest, success was least expected. Seeing a white quail was a sign of great happiness, and if caught, it was believed you would hold luck by the tail all your life. Another bird, however, could bring bad news. It was believed that if on Methodius' day, during the day, an owl sat on the roof of a hut, a fire would soon occur in that house. There were also weather-related signs. If it rained on Methodius' day, it was believed the rain would continue for another 40 days. The approach of rain was also indicated by a toad crawling into the grass and swans crying out in the evening. However, if a spider was actively weaving its web, the weather would be dry and clear. Name days on this day: Andrew, Athanasius, Gleb, Dmitry, Ivan, Inna, Methodius, Naum, Nicholas, Rimma, Thomas.