Ukrainians Celebrate the Intercession of the Theotokos and Defenders of Ukraine Day: The OCU Explains the Significance of October 1
Today, October 1, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine celebrates the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God. On this same day, Ukraine observes Defenders’ Day, honoring the defenders of our nation.
The OCU explained why October 1 holds special significance for Ukrainians and combines a religious holiday with a day honoring Ukraine’s defenders.
Why the Feast of the Intercession is Important for Every Ukrainian
The press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) reminded on Facebook that the Ukrainian people have held the intercession of the Mother of God in special esteem “from the times of the princes, through the glorious Cossack era, and to this day.”
It is she who has always been associated with us:
with a mother’s love;
with one’s family home;
with the Motherland.
“The Mother of God is our Heavenly Mother, Intercessor, and Helper for all of us. She helps everyone who turns to Her with faith,” the OCU stated.
It is noted that Ukrainians have passed down from generation to generation “a special hope and respect for our Heavenly Intercessor.”
The OCU emphasized that her feast day—the Intercession—is honored “with special prayer and devotion.”
“We believe that the Most Holy Virgin Mary will protect us with her omophorion from enemies—both visible and invisible. And today, in this time of war, we especially ask the Mother of God for protection for the Ukrainian people, who are suffering from the criminal actions of the Kremlin’s empire of evil,” the OCU stated.
Other important holidays falling on October 1
"It is symbolic that on the feast of the Intercession, we also have a national holiday in honor of Ukrainian defenders—our newest heroes—thanks to whom Ukraine continues to resist the aggressor," the OCU stated.
Thus, according to Ukraine’s 2026 calendar of official holidays, October 1 marks:
Defenders of Ukraine Day (official national holiday);
Veterans’ Day;
Ukrainian Cossack Day;
International Day of Older Persons.
The OCU noted that on this day, Christians:
pray for Ukrainian soldiers;
ask God for help and protection for them;
ask for healing and recovery for the wounded;
honor the memory of those who have fallen for Ukraine and ask the Lord to grant rest to their souls.
How to join the prayer service online
The Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God and Defenders of Ukraine Day is taking place at the Pokrovsky Cathedral in Rivne.
It is presided over by Metropolitan Epiphanius.
Those believers who are physically unable to attend the liturgy in person can follow it and join in communal prayer remotely—online.
“Today, on the Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, with tears in our eyes and hope in our hearts, we call out in faith to the Mother of God: ‘Rejoice, our Joy, cover us and all of Ukraine from every evil with Your holy omophorion!’ Most Holy Mother of God, save us,” the OCU concluded.
This was reported by the press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) on Facebook.
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