April 11: What holidays are celebrated in Ukraine and around the world
On April 11, Ukraine and the rest of the world observe a number of important international and commemorative dates, including International Day of Liberation of Prisoners of Nazi Concentration Camps and World Parkinson’s Day.
It was on April 11, 1945, that American troops entered the Buchenwald concentration camp.
Prior to this, the prisoners had staged an uprising and taken control of the camp, and after making contact with the military, they provided information about the crimes of the Nazi regime.
Religious Holiday
According to the religious calendar, today, April 11, believers honor the memory of the holy martyr Mark, Bishop of Arefousia. The saint was ordained a bishop during the reign of Constantine the Great.
The saint became famous for his fight against idolatry and personally destroyed a pagan temple, on the site of which he built a Christian church.
The date coincides with the birthday of English physician James Parkinson, who first described this disease. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the loss of nerve cells and accompanied by tremors, rigidity, and slowed movements.
Doctors note that it is impossible to completely prevent the disease, but they recommend leading an active lifestyle and maintaining a balanced diet.
Also celebrated on this day:
- Submarine Day;
- Oatmeal Day;
- Pet Day in the U.S.;
- Cheese Fondue Day;
- World Day Against Sexual Violence Against Children.
The latter is intended to draw attention to the global problem of violence against children and help combat it. According to international data, a significant portion of such crimes remain hidden due to fear and stigma.
Historical events on this day
- 1909 — The city of Tel Aviv was founded;
- 1945 — Liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp;
- 1992 — Ukraine and Russia suspended the decision regarding the Black Sea Fleet;
- 2008 — the list of “100 Great Ukrainians” was announced;
- 2014 — Pro-Russian militants seized Sloviansk.
Believers honor the memory of the holy martyr Antipas, Bishop of Pergamon in Asia. Also on this day, Great Lent—a period of spiritual purification before Easter—comes to an end.
According to popular belief:
- if birds fly high, April will be rainy;
- plenty of birch sap means a cold snap is coming;
- the appearance of bees and bumblebees signals the end of frosts.
It was also believed that this day was favorable for dental treatment, and people prayed to Saint Antipas for healing from toothaches. At the same time, it was not recommended to engage in needlework or field work.
As a reminder, on April 10, the Orthodox Church honored the holy martyrs Terentius and his companions, who died for their faith in the 3rd century. This same day marks Good Friday—the most sorrowful day of the church year, when the suffering and death of Jesus Christ are commemorated. Believers observe strict fasting, silence, and prayer.
