Celebration of Epiphany in Ukraine
On January 6, Ukrainians celebrate Epiphany, also known as Theophany.
This significant holiday concludes the New Year festivities. It is also referred to as Jordan or Water Baptism, as reported by Ukrinform.
The celebration of Theophany lasts for three days: it begins with a fasting kutya on the Eve; the next day is the main celebration, followed by honoring John the Baptist on the third day. This holiday is associated with the biblical event of Jesus Christ's baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
The Holy Scriptures state that during the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove, and a voice from Heaven was heard, which is why the holiday is called Theophany. Churches hold festive liturgies that culminate in the blessing of water, a practice dating back to early Christianity, modeled after Jesus.
The blessed water obtained on January 5 and on the day of Epiphany holds the same power: it is used to sanctify homes and churches, to heal the sick, and is preserved until the following year.
Many folk signs are associated with Epiphany. For example, clear weather on this day predicts a dry summer, while gloomy weather indicates a bountiful harvest. Snow during the water blessing signifies a good honey yield. A starry night suggests a plentiful harvest of nuts and berries. Epiphany marks the end of the caroling season. Historically, a new wedding season began after this holiday, lasting until Lent.
This year, Ukraine officially celebrates Epiphany on January 6 for the third time. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church transitioned to the New Julian calendar on September 1, 2023, meaning most church dates are now observed 13 days earlier.
However, some believers will continue to celebrate Epiphany according to the Julian calendar on January 19, followed by the Russian, Serbian, Georgian, and Jerusalem Orthodox churches.
The majority of Orthodox churches worldwide use the New Julian calendar, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
