Ukraine celebrates Defenders' Day and Cossack Day: the significance of holidays in times of war

Every year on October 1, Ukraine celebrates a holiday of courage and heroism — Defenders' Day and Ukrainian Cossack Day. Learn more about how this holiday emphasizes the importance of patriotism, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainians

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Today, October 1, is a special day in the history and present of Ukraine. It is a celebration of the courage, bravery, and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people. On this day, we honor all those who defend our homeland and remember the heroic legacy of the Ukrainian Cossacks.

Day of Defenders of Ukraine

The Day of Defenders of Ukraine is a public holiday celebrated annually on October 1. The holiday was established in 2014 by decree of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko as the Day of the Defender of Ukraine, and was first celebrated on October 14, 2015.

In 2021, the Verkhovna Rada renamed it Defenders' Day to emphasize the equal contribution of women and men to the defense of the country. From 2023, following calendar reform, the holiday was moved to October 1, which coincides with the new date of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin.

This holiday honors all those who defend the country. These are the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as volunteers, medics, law enforcement officers, veterans, and reservists who contribute to the security of the state. The holiday is an opportunity to thank the families of defenders who support them in difficult times.

In times of full-scale war, Defenders' Day takes on special significance. It is not only a celebration of courage, but also a symbol of the unity of Ukrainians in the struggle for freedom. It reminds us of the importance of everyone who joins the defense, from the front lines to the rear. The events of this day emphasize society's gratitude to the defenders who risk their lives every day.

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Ukrainian Cossack Day

Ukrainian Cossack Day is a Ukrainian holiday celebrated annually on October 1, the day of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin. Before the reform of the church calendar in 2023, Cossack Day was celebrated on October 14. This holiday is dedicated to honoring the exploits of the Cossacks and the influence of their traditions on Ukrainian culture. The Cossack era is one of the most interesting periods in our history, which makes Ukrainians proud. It is a great honor to be the descendants of such brave heroes.

Intercession of the Holy Virgin

October 1 is also celebrated as the Protection of the Holy Virgin, one of the most revered Christian holidays. On this day, believers turn to the Holy Virgin with prayers for protection and help. The Protection is considered the patron saint of the Ukrainian Cossacks, so this holiday has special significance for Ukrainians.

Today, Ukrainians across the country pay tribute to those who defend our independence. There are solemn ceremonies, laying flowers at monuments, concerts, and other events dedicated to the defenders of Ukraine. This is a time when we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom and those who continue to fight for the future of our state.

A symbol of unity

Defenders' Day and Ukrainian Cossack Day are not only holidays, but also symbols of the unity of the Ukrainian people. They remind us of the importance of preserving our culture, traditions, and history. This is a time when we come together to honor our heroes and thank them for their dedication and courage.

October 1 is a day when we remember our heroes of the past and present. It is a time when we pay tribute to those who defend our homeland and those who gave their lives for our freedom. It is a holiday that unites us in our desire for peace, unity, and prosperity for our country.

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