Every year on April 4, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the holy martyr Basil of Ankyra, who is most often called Vasyl Teply.

The saint lived in the 4th century in the city of Ankyra and spread the Christian faith. Once Basil of Ankyr predicted the death of Julian the Apostate, after which the saint was captured and tortured so that he renounced the Lord. It is not known exactly whether the martyr died from torture or whether he was exiled to Illyria.

The people called Vasyl Warm or Sunflower, because on April 4 they usually predicted the harvest and tasted kalachi in the shape of the sun. In addition, on this day, the owners inspected the houses to see if they needed repairs. It is forbidden to put on old shoes and cut blooming flowers on Vasyl Teply.

Omens on the Day of Basil the Warm

• If the sun with red circles at dawn, then there will be a good harvest.
• Blue clouds portend rain and warm weather.
• Those born on Vasyl Teply will become good craftsmen.