This year, with the change of the calendar, the feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated today, December 6. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) explained that the transition to the New Julian calendar did not affect the essence of the celebration itself. The rector of the Church of All Saints, Archpriest Roman Malanyak, noted in a comment to RBC-Ukraine: "The celebration remains the same as it was before."
The priest emphasized that on this day, traditional services will take place in churches, and gifts will be presented to children. Although the OCU officially celebrates on December 6, we have no prohibitions against people celebrating the holiday on December 19, if that is more familiar to them.
Malanyak also pointed out that the most important thing is the spirit of the holiday and the honoring of St. Nicholas as a protector and intercessor. However, the new calendar count has only changed the date, but the essence of the celebration remains unchanged.
Believers can remember the saint in any way, regardless of the date, if it brings them joy and peace.
