Romania observes Orthodox feast of Saint John on May 8, honoring a saint named by nearly two million

The Romanian Orthodox Church marks May 8, 2026 as the feast day of Saint John the Evangelist, also known as the Apostle and Evangelist. According to the calendar, the celebration commemorates John’s role as the youngest of the Twelve Apostles, his close relationship with Jesus, and his authorship of the Gospel. The liturgical entry notes that the saint, a fisherman from Bethsaida and son of Zevedei and Salome, is revered for his teachings and miracles, including the annual emergence of a healing white powder from his tomb in Ephesus, historically called “mana.” The holiday is observed alongside the September 26 feast, and is significant for the roughly two million Romanians who bear his name.