The Orthodox Christians following the Julian calendar on August 4 celebrate the Feast of Saint Martyr Foca and Saint Mary Magdalene.

Priest Andrei Pargaru, of Saint Great Martyr Dmitri Church of Chetrosu, Anenii Noi, has told IPN that Mary Magdalene is the pious woman who was the first to see Jesus Christ returning to life. By embracing religion, she gave up sinful life.

Saint Martyr Phocas exalted God by his death. Andrei Pargaru said the people relate this feast to fires and other calamities, but Saint Phocas in fact has nothing to do with them.

The priest also said that on this day some churches hold a special service by which God is asked to forgive the sins and cure the bodily and spiritual pains through the prayer of Mary Magdalene.