The Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos has been revered in our lands since time immemorial. Starting from the moment when Prince Volodymyr the Great baptized Rus (“Rus” is the historical name of the modern territory of Ukraine with its center in Kyiv). Our ancestors always appreciated the special power of the Virgin Mary as the patroness and defender of their own land and its men (warriors).
After the princely fragmentation and decline of Rus-Ukraine, with the beginning of the heyday of the Cossack period, this holiday was reborn with new strength and acquired the meaning of one of the most popular among Ukrainian warriors (defenders) and continues to remain so to this day. In this article, we will understand what is the special power and history of the holiday of the Protection of the Virgin, why there are two dates when it is celebrated and what are the traditions and prohibitions of this day.
When is the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2026 according to the old and new style (calendar)
According to the old (Julian) style, the feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2026 is celebrated on October 14. This date is still celebrated by religious communities or believers who celebrate according to the old style out of habit, family tradition, or because they have not yet switched to the new style in their village or small town.
However, at the state level, with an official day off (except during martial law) in Ukraine, the official date of celebration according to the new calendar (style) has been fixed – October 1.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the UGCC have long officially switched to the new calendar and the feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in 2026 will be celebrated on October 1 , as established at the state level. Note that since this holiday is non-transitory (i.e. does not change from year to year), the date does not change every year.
History of the holiday
The history of the Feast of the Protection of the Virgin begins with the events in Constantinople in 910, when, according to ancient legends, the capital of Byzantium was surrounded by enemies and tried to capture one of the centers of Christianity at that time. However, during prayer in the Blachernae church, Saint Andrew and his disciple Epiphanius saw in the air the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, who removed the veil (omophorion) from her head and, like the Mother of God, spread it over all those present in the church. This protected the city from invasion and destruction of the churches by enemies.
The historical significance of the Feast of the Protection of the Virgin Mary for Ukrainians
As we wrote above, Ukrainians have long observed special dates to honor their own defenders. During the Cossack era, Pokrova was extremely revered by “free people” (the meaning of the word “Cossack”), they considered her their patroness, and they built Pokrovsk churches both in the Sich and in other cities where the Cossacks were based in large cities (most were later destroyed by invaders and communists).
On the holiday itself, the Cossacks not only prayed to God and glorified the Virgin Mary, but also engaged in state affairs – they elected new hetans and kosh atamans.
Later, during the UPA era , on this day, symbolically, it was on Pokrova in 1942 that the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) was created.
Nowadays, the Day of Defenders of Ukraine has been officially celebrated on October 1, Pokrova, since 2014. This holiday of national importance symbolizes the strength and patronage of the army, emphasizing the inextricable link between generations of Ukrainian soldiers and God’s help in protecting their own land.
What traditionally cannot be done on this day
This is the bright holiday of the Virgin Mary, the day when she helped those who defended their land. Therefore, on this day, first of all, you need to go to church and pray to the Virgin Mary for her intercession, thank God for everything, and also do not forget to thank the military. Be sure to congratulate the Ukrainian defenders on their professional holiday.
Traditionally, on this day you cannot do heavy physical labor, work in the garden, or work with sharp objects, such as sewing, chopping wood, mowing, or embroidering.
It is better to dedicate this day to prayer and to those who defend Ukraine every day, give a postcard, send a beautiful congratulatory picture, or simply tell them how valuable their daily efforts are to you.
Previously, we also wrote When is the Beheading of John the Baptist 2026 according to the new style: the date and meaning of the holiday and about the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord 2026: dates according to the new and old calendar and what is strictly prohibited on this day .
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