Church Calendar of July: Which Holidays Will Be Celebrated by Worshippers of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine
In July 2023, Ukrainian Orthodox believers will have a special opportunity to commemorate a series of important church holidays. This year, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has shifted to the new Julian calendar for the first time, which has significantly changed the dates of several immovable feasts. As a result, the traditional dates for some holidays in the old calendar are now observed 13 days earlier, marking a new stage in the spiritual life and church rites of the Ukrainian community. With these changes, it is important for faithful to know which specific days of celebration await them in August and September, but July stands out as a month filled with holidays that carry deep symbolic meaning and rich historical roots. A well-known Ukrainian publication, chas.news, has prepared a detailed overview of the church holidays in this month and which of them will be observed by the parishes of the OCU. So, which are the orthodox saints and events traditionally celebrated in July? Each of these days holds not only religious significance but also profound cultural and spiritual value for the Ukrainian people. Let’s move on to a specific calendar of holidays. The first day of the month is dedicated to honoring the wonder-workers and unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian — saints venerated by the church as miracle workers in healing infants and the sick. On July 2, believers commemorate the Entrance of the robe of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople — one of the most revered holidays. On July 3, the memory of Martyr Yacintus-Antiochus and the Patriarch of Constantinople is celebrated, both of whom left a deep mark in Christian history. The next day, July 4, according to the Orthodox calendar, saints are honored including the Holy Eucharist (in connection with a Sunday feast), along with Archbishop of Crete Andreas, Saint Martha the Ascetic, and other holy figures. This is a special day for those who cherish traditional Christian values and venerate the Holy Eucharist. July 5 is dedicated to the venerable Athanasius of Athos — a great ascetic and spiritual mentor who laid the foundations of monastic life in Byzantium. The following day, July 6, commemorates Saint Sisoes the Great, and on July 7, the Feast of the Mother of God of the Unfailing Help, as well as the holy images of Thomas and Akakios. On Wednesday, July 8, the day of the Great Martyr Procopius is observed. This holiday is known as a symbol of spiritual strength and perseverance in fighting evil. July 9 is a special day for the church, honoring the Holy Confessor Pankratios, Bishop of Tavrome, who has become a symbol of spiritual wisdom and service. Following this, on July 10, the venerable Anthony of the Caves (Kyivo-Pechersk Lavra) is commemorated — the founder of the Kyiv Cave Monastery and a symbol of Ukrainian monasticism. The next day, July 11, the Equal-to-the-Apostles Olga, the Kyiv Princess who made a significant contribution to the spread of Christianity in our land, is honored, along with the memory of the Holy Martyr Euphemia. July 12 marks the day of Christ the Lover of Humanity, as well as Martyrs Proclus and Ilarion, symbolizing faith and sacrifice. On July 13, the focus is on the Compassion of the Holy Mother of God, as well as the venerable Stefan Sava and the Feast of the Archangel Gabriel, highlighting spiritual strength and compassion. July 15 is a special day for commemorating the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, who first officially accepted Christianity in Kievan Rus', laying the foundation of our spiritual and cultural identity. A few days later, on July 16, Saint Agathon the Confessor and his disciples are honored. Mid-month, on July 17, the great martyr Marina, protector in the fight against the enemies of faith, is venerated. The following day, July 18, commemorates Martyrs Yacintus and Emilian, symbols of resilience and faith in the toughest circumstances. On July 19, the nun Macrina, sister of Saint Basil the Great and prophet Daisios, is remembered. And on July 20, the day of the glorious Prophet Elijah, one of the key figures in the church calendar, encompassing themes of repentance and divine worship. July 21 honors the venerable Simoes and John, known for their wisdom and spiritual feats. On July 22, the feast of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene takes place, symbolizing repentance and renewal. Concluding the first week of the second half of July, on the 23rd, the Martyrs Trophimus and Theophilus are commemorated, followed by the martyrdom of Boris and Gleb and the Great Martyr Christina on July 24. These days remind believers of heroism and selflessness in serving Christ. July 26 marks the Dormition of Saint Anne, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, symbolizing the triumph of the soul over the body and preparing for eternal life. The next day, July 27, is dedicated to the Great Martyr Panteleimon and Clement, followers of healing arts and wisdom. Closing the month, on July 28, the Apostles Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas are celebrated — bearers of the Gospel and spiritual upliftment. On July 29, the memory of Martyr Calynic is honored. These holidays emphasize sacrifice and faith as steps toward salvation. July 30 is dedicated to honoring the apostles Sila, Silvanus, and Andronicus — those who spread the Word of God across different parts of the world. We also remember the prophet Ezekiel. Finally, July 31 concludes the month with the memory of the Righteous Eudokia. And finally, it is impossible to overlook the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, which will be celebrated according to the new calendar in August. Many believers are already preparing for this important spiritual holiday, as it symbolizes the foundation of the Christian church and faith. Thus, July is a month of profound spiritual elevation, remembrance of great saints and martyrs, and a period of celebrating significant events shaping the spiritual genesis of the Ukrainian church and national identity. It is important to remember the new church calendar and be prepared for celebrations that help preserve faith and spiritual strength in the modern world.