After the Orthodox Church of Ukraine transitioned to the new Julian calendar in 2023, Ukrainians celebrate religious holidays 13 days earlier compared to the old style. This also applies to the main festivals of the church calendar, including the upcoming Easter 2026.

Changes in the church calendar

The transition to the new calendar affected all Orthodox holidays. Now believers celebrate Christmas on December 25, Epiphany on January 6, and other important religious dates according to the updated calendar.

As church sources note, the right to transition to the new calendar or maintain the old one remains with each church and monastery individually. However, most OCU parishes have already adapted to the new dates.

January Orthodox holidays in 2026

In January 2026, believers will celebrate a number of important church dates according to the new style:

  • January 1 — Circumcision of the Lord, memory of Saint Basil the Great
  • January 6 — Epiphany of the Lord (Theophany)
  • January 12 — Tatiana's Day, memory of martyr Tatiana of Rome
  • January 30 — Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom

Traditions and modern realities

Despite calendar changes, Orthodox holidays preserve their spiritual atmosphere and traditions. At the same time, due to martial law in Ukraine, conducting mass events at water bodies, particularly during Epiphany, may pose danger.

In Zaporizhzhia and other Ukrainian cities, local authorities recommend refraining from bathing in water bodies on religious holidays due to security risks. Instead, rescuers will be on duty at possible bathing locations to ensure citizen safety.

Preparation for future holidays

The church calendar for 2026 will allow believers to plan in advance for celebrating important religious dates. The transition to the new style simplifies coordination with European churches and corresponds to global standards of calendar accounting.

Clergy emphasize that regardless of calendar changes, the main thing remains the spiritual content of Orthodox holidays and preservation of age-old Ukrainian traditions.