The Light of Faith and the Warmth of Traditions: July 22 — Memorial Day of Mary Magdalene
Today, on July 22, according to the new Orthodox calendar, believers in Ukraine honor the memory of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene. This holiday, which in Ukrainian culture is closely intertwined with deep folk traditions, symbolizes purification, female beauty, spiritual rebirth, and care for loved ones.
History of the Holiday and Spiritual Meaning Mary Magdalene is one of the most famous women in Christian history. Cured by Jesus Christ of severe ailments, she became His most devoted follower, accompanied Him to Golgotha, and, according to the Gospel, became the first person to whom the resurrected Christ appeared. Her image is an eternal symbol that after the darkest night there is always a bright morning, and healing and rebirth are possible for everyone.
Folk Traditions: "Silver Dew" and Berries In the Ukrainian folk calendar, July 22 is associated with gathering forest berries like raspberries and blueberries, which were considered to have special healing powers on this day. The most beautiful custom of this morning was washing with morning dew, which was called "silver." It was believed to give women youth, health, and preserve facial beauty for many years.
Folk Omens and Restrictions On this day, it was strictly forbidden to perform heavy work in the fields, as ancestors believed it could bring a sudden thunderstorm with dangerous lightning.
A heavy morning dew promised a generous grain harvest.
A starry and clear night on Mary's Day foretold a warm and sunny autumn.
Name Days: Femininity and Inner Strength July 22 is the name day for owners of two beautiful names:
Magdalene (Hebrew — "from Magdala"). These are women with extraordinary inner strength, charismatic, hardworking, and deep in their feelings.
Maria (Hebrew — "beloved," "lady"). Marias are distinguished by tenderness, compassion, care, and a readiness to bring light to where sadness reigns.
Rebirth of Beauty and Hope with CF "Nadiya.ua" The feast of Mary Magdalene reminds us of the importance of female dignity. Many evacuated elderly women who have found shelter with CF "Nadiya.ua" have lost the ability to take care of themselves as they did in peacetime. We are raising funds for "Women's Warmth Kits" (quality hygiene, skincare cosmetics, soft towels). Like the healing morning dew, these kits return a sense of coziness, beauty, and the understanding that they are worthy of love to our grandmothers.
Moreover, the story of Mary Magdalene is a story of restoring what was lost. In this context, we are actively developing the Charity Program "Rebirth" (Vidrodzhennia). More than 1,300 cultural heritage sites have been destroyed in Ukraine. Through this program, we help war veterans and their family members obtain the profession of a restorer in Italy (jointly with the Palazzo Spinelli Institute). People who have seen destruction will become those who revive the cultural greatness of our state.
Make the holiday meaningful. Support the collection for "Women's Warmth Kits" or contribute to the Sustainable Reserve Fund to finance the "Rebirth" program. Goodness is created today!
December 6 — The Day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker: History, Traditions, and the Miracle of Unfailing Kindness
December 6, according to the New Julian Calendar (adhered to by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine), marks one of the brightest and most beloved holidays of the year — the Commemoration Day of Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker. This day, long considered the beginning of the winter holiday cycle, is filled with anticipation of miracles, gifts, and unwavering faith in the triumph of good.
The Story of the Saint: Life, Not Legend
Saint Nicholas was born in the 3rd century in the city of Patara (Asia Minor) to a wealthy and devout family. His entire life was dedicated to serving God and the people, making him the embodiment of mercy and secret charity.
Unlike many saints who were glorified through their suffering, Nicholas became famous for his love and assistance.
The Three Bags of Gold
The most famous deed of the saint, which began the tradition of giving, was the rescue of three sisters from shame and poverty. Their father, an impoverished merchant, planned to sell his daughters into servitude because he had no money for a dowry.
Nicholas, not wishing to humiliate the family with open charity, secretly tossed bags of gold through the window of their house on three separate nights. These funds allowed the girls to marry and saved the family from a tragic fate. This act became the basis for the image of the saint as a secret gift-giver and patron of children and the needy.
The Wonderworker and Patron
After the death of his parents, Nicholas distributed his entire inheritance and became a priest, and later, the Archbishop of Myra. He became famous as:
Rescuer at Sea: He is considered the patron saint of sailors, as he repeatedly saved the drowning and helped travellers during his lifetime.
Defender of the Unjustly Condemned: His intercession was always on the side of the wronged and those wrongly sentenced.
Pillar of Orthodoxy: Nicholas was a participant in the First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD, where he courageously defended the purity of the Christian faith.
🎁 Holiday Traditions in Ukraine: From Miracle to Charity
In Ukraine, the Feast of Saint Nicholas has always held special significance, turning into a day dedicated to children, joy, and philanthropy.
Gifts Under the Pillow (or in a Boot): The main tradition. Children believe that during the night, Saint Nicholas travels the world and brings presents to well-behaved children, leaving them under the pillow or in a specially prepared boot or stocking. Naughty children might find a rizochka (rod — a symbolic warning).
Saint Nicholas Day is a Celebration of Kindness: Traditionally, it is customary to help orphans, the sick, and the needy on this day. Adults often become "Nicholas' helpers," organizing charitable events and collections.
Beginning of Carols: In some regions, Saint Nicholas Day marks the start of winter festivities and the first attempts at caroling.
Nativity Fast: It is important to remember that the Nativity Fast is still observed on December 6. Although Saint Nicholas Day is a major holiday and the fasting rules are relaxed (fish is allowed), general restrictions remain.
New Date, Unchanging Miracle
With the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's transition to the New Julian Calendar, the date of celebration moved from December 19th to December 6th. This change not only unified the Ukrainian church calendar with most Orthodox churches worldwide but also helped clearly distinguish between secular New Year figures (Ded Moroz, Santa Claus) and the true image of the Ukrainian Saint Nicholas — a historical figure and a model of mercy.
December 6 is an opportunity not only to receive a gift but also to become part of Nicholas's miracle yourself.
Верховна Рада ухвалила закон про перепоховання загиблих військових: що зміниться
Верховна Рада в цілому ухвалила законопроєкт №12413, що врегульовує порядок безоплатного перепоховання загиблих та померлих людей, які захищали незалежність, суверенітет і територіальну цілісність України.
"За" проголосували 285 парламентарів, повідомив народний депутат, член фракції "Голос" Ярослав Железняк.
Законопроєкт визначає, що правила безоплатного поховання також стосуватимуться перепоховання.
Згідно з пояснювальною запискою, раніше на рівні законів урегульовували лише питання безоплатного поховання загиблих військових, якщо їх, зокрема, нагороджували:
чотирма і більше медалями "За відвагу";
орденом "Золота зірка" при наявності звання Героя України;
орденом Богдана Хмельницького трьох ступенів;
відзнакою президента "Хрест бойових заслуг".
Крім того, держава забезпечує поховання учасників бойових дій, воїнів з інвалідністю внаслідок війни та постраждалих активістів Революції Гідності.
Також Збройні сили, СБУ, МВС, БЕБ мають компенсувати витрати на поховання своїх колишніх працівників, які захищали незалежність, суверенітет та територіальну цілісність і померли під час проходження служби.
Автори документа пояснюють його мету потребою гідно вшанувати захисників і захисниць та потребою членів їхніх сімей, які масово звертаються до місцевих влад із проханням перепоховати за останнім місцем проживання рідних, яких похоронили на деокупованих територіях.
Нагадаємо, наприкінці серпня перші поховання невідомих військових провели на новоствореному Національному військовому меморіальному кладовищі (НВМК).
За перший місяць роботі на цвинтарі похоронили 108 полеглих захисників, серед яких імена 97 не встановлені.
1204 людей похилого віку беруть участь у Програмі взаємодопомоги “Надія”. Більшість із них — самотні. Ми хочемо, щоб вони ніколи не залишалися без підтримки.
Фонд “Надія.юа” створює грошовий резерв, який працюватиме на майбутнє: відсотки з депозитів дозволять щороку допомагати 40–50 учасникам — оплатити операцію, ліки, чи достойно провести в останню путь.
Наша мета — зібрати 2 000 000 грн.
Кожна пожертва — це частинка надії й гідності для тих, хто цього найбільше потребує.
EN 1204 elderly people take part in the Mutual Aid Program “Nadiya”. Most of them are alone. We want to ensure they are never left without support.
The “Nadiya.ua” Foundation is creating a financial reserve for the future: interest from deposits will help 40–50 participants every year — to cover surgery costs or provide dignified funeral assistance.
Our goal is to raise 2,000,000 UAH. Every donation is a piece of hope and dignity for those who need it most.
UK 
