Date according to the old calendar: July 5. Saint Athanasius of Athos, whose memory is commemorated on this day, was born in the city of Trebizond and was orphaned early. He was raised by a pious nun, and he tried in every way to emulate his foster mother in monastic skills, fasting, and prayers. Later, he took monastic vows in the Kimin Monastery. When Athanasius reached perfection through long fasts and vigils, the abbot blessed him for the feat of silence in a secluded place not far from the monastery. The hermit was often tormented by demons who tried to stir up hatred in him for the place where he had settled. Athanasius almost succumbed to doubt but decided to endure exactly one year and then act according to God's will. On the last day of this period, he was suddenly overshadowed by a bright light from heaven, and all sinful thoughts immediately dissipated. Since then, Athanasius received the gift of compassion, and numerous pilgrims began to flock to his cell, seeking advice or simply a kind word from the hermit. According to legend, the Virgin Mary herself appeared to Athanasius several times. In Russia, Athanasius's day was celebrated as the Festival of the Moon. In the evening, people would go outside and watch the moon "play" in the sky: moving from place to place, changing color, hiding behind clouds, and reappearing. It was believed that this was the moon celebrating its day. Such "play" foretold a good harvest; if the moon shone brightly and was clearly visible, it promised a dry and warm autumn. It was also said that watching the moon on this evening would increase a person's strength. There were also other signs for this day. For example, swift rain was predicted by clouds that were "yellow like copper" and vapors rising in a cloud over a manure pit. Name Days on this Day Agnia, Anna, Athanasius, Barbara, Basil, Gennady, Elizabeth, Sergey, Stepan