On January 6, 2025, Ukrainian citizens will gather to celebrate Epiphany, also known as the Baptism of Jesus, marking the public manifestation of Christ to the world. This year, the celebrations will carry with them both cherished traditions and necessary safety measures amid the prevailing circumstances.
For many, the Epiphany holds deep religious significance. It commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist at the Jordan River, which is symbolically honored through the sanctification of water. This year’s celebrations follow the recent transition to the new Julian calendar, which has shifted the date of the holiday from the traditionally celebrated January 19 to January 6.
Pope Gregory XIII had introduced the Gregorian calendar to correct inaccuracies of the Julian calendar, and since September 1, 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, along with the Greek-Catholic Church, adopted this change, aligning with the calendar used by western denominations.
On the eve of Epiphany, Ukrainians will perform ceremonial activities, including the blessing of water at rivers and lakes, enhancing their significance by utilizing not just natural water bodies but also specialized metal basins (агиасматарій). This ritual not only sanctifies the water but also is seen as imparting healing properties to it.
Accompanying these observances will be communal songs and dances known as колядки and щедривки, which echo the spirit of community and celebration. Traditionally, these songs honor family, wish for prosperity, and celebrate the arrival of the new year.
“Помните, что соблюдение правил безопасности – это залог безопасного празднования! Берегите себя и своих близких!” warned the emergency services (ГСЧС Украины), emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols as many gather near water for ritual immersions.
For this year, over 140 rescue stations will be active across Ukraine to assist revelers and maintain safety during the outdoor events. Around 500 rescuers will be deployed, equipped with safety equipment to handle emergencies, underscoring the military and social restrictions currently impacting the festivities.
Congregants should also be mindful of certain prohibitions during the day. Traditional customs dictate avoiding physical labor, engaging in conflicts, or consuming alcohol before or after the ceremonial plunge. These rules are seen as integral to maintaining the sanctity of the day, viewed as extending the grace of God to households.
Many families will adhere to fasting before the Epiphany feast, culminating with meals featuring kутя, among other symbolic dishes. Each dish prepared during the Holy Supper, often amounting to 12, signifies the twelve disciples of Christ, reinforcing religious themes shared during this time.
“На Крещение 2025 года верующие празднуют совершение Таинства Крещения, которое Иисус Христос совершил в 30 лет на реке Иордан,” remarks Фокус, illustrating how the echoes of faith and tradition define the observance.
Festivities are anticipated to be marked by cold weather, with temperatures potentially plummeting to -13°C, which could impact attendance at outdoor events near icy waters. Despite the biting conditions expected, the festive spirit remains undaunted among many Ukrainians who look toward their cultural practices for comfort and continuity.
The juxtaposition of celebrations characterized by community, faith, and tradition against the backdrop of contemporary safety concerns highlights the resilience of Ukrainian culture. The Epiphany serves as both celebration and reminder of the enduring ties binding people through hardship.
Overall, the Epiphany celebrations will allow Ukrainians to commemorate their faith through age-old traditions, even as modern circumstances necessitate adaptations and precautions.