Meeting of the Lord 2025: date and traditions of the celebration according to the new church calendar.

The Meeting of the Lord is a significant church holiday, regarded as one of the twelve most important in the church calendar. Before the Orthodox Church of Ukraine transitioned to the new calendar, the Meeting of the Lord was celebrated on February 15; however, the date has now shifted to February 2.

Meeting — New Date and Traditions of the Holiday

In 2025, following the transition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to the new ecclesiastical calendar, the Meeting of the Lord will be celebrated on Sunday, February 2. This holiday is connected to one of the episodes in Christ's earthly life, which is why it is referred to as the Lord's meeting.

The Meeting of the Lord symbolizes the encounter of humanity, which awaited the arrival of the Messiah in this world, with God. The righteous Simeon represents all of humanity. Additionally, it is believed that on this day, winter meets spring.

On this holiday, believers attend festive services. One of the main and ancient traditions of the Meeting is the sanctification of water and candles in churches. The candles brought from the church during the Meeting are used to protect homes from evil forces. These candles are also popularly known as 'gromnichny' candles, and they are lit during severe weather, lightning, and thunder, as well as during storms and heavy rains. The water blessed on the Meeting of the Lord is believed by the faithful to have healing properties.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on the calendar for the entire year of 2025. How many holidays and weekends Ukrainians will have.