Date in the old style: July 9. On this day, the memory of two saints — the holy martyrs Pancratius and Cyril — is commemorated. It is said that Pancratius was born during the time when Jesus Christ was still on earth. His parents were from Antioch. Upon learning of Jesus’ birth, Pancratius’ father took his son and went to Jerusalem. He had the chance to witness miracles, which led him to believe in Christ; he also met Jesus’ disciples, especially the apostle Peter. One of the apostles later baptized Pancratius and his parents. After the death of his parents, Pancratius left his estate and went to the Pontic mountains, where he lived in a cave, spending his time in prayers and reflections. There he met the apostle Peter, who invited him to travel together to Antioch and Cilicia, where the apostle Paul was then present. Later, saints Peter and Paul ordained Pancratius as bishop of the Sicilian city of Tauromenium. For many years, the saint peacefully led his flock, but one day, pagans rose up, attacked Pancratius, and stoned him to death. Thus, the saint ended his martyred life. Also on this day, the holy martyr Cyril is commemorated. During the time of Emperor Maximilian (in the 3rd century), he served as a bishop. When Cyril was already 84 years old, he was brought to trial and forced to renounce his faith and worship idols. The elder refused to comply with these demands. Cyril was sentenced to be burned, but the fire did not touch the martyr. Many pagans, seeing this miracle, converted to Christianity. Even the ruler was astonished and released the saint. However, after some time, Cyril was captured again; this time the execution took place. In Russia, on Pancratius and Cyril’s day, the whole family tasted the first cucumbers. The very first cucumber had to be picked secretly by the hostess and buried in the most hidden corner of the garden — in this way, the next year would also be fruitful. There are numerous riddles about cucumbers in folklore. Many of them are still known today: “No windows, no doors — the room is full of people”; “Full trough of people washed”; “Calves lie at mother’s smooth. Lie in rows, green themselves.” Cucumbers were rightly considered one of the most beloved vegetables. In Russia, they were eaten straight from the garden and used to prepare various dishes. Today, no one is surprised by a cucumber salad, but in Russia, this vegetable was consumed not only raw. For example, cucumbers were fried — similar to zucchini, with the seeds removed, leaving only the thick, fleshy walls; they were stewed with meat; cucumber soup was prepared. In winter, the main delicacy on the table was pickled or salted cucumbers. Name Days on this day Alexander, Andrei, Ivan, Cyril, Constantine, Michael, Pancrat, Fedor