VR proposes making November 30 a public holiday in honor of Apostle Andrew
Illustrative image: woman with a calendar. Photo: sud.ua
On December 8, 2025, Draft Law No. 14261 was registered in the Verkhovna Rada, proposing an amendment to Article 73 of the Labor Code that would introduce a new public and non-working holiday – the Day of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, reports the Judicial and Legal Gazette.
The document proposes establishing an annual state celebration on November 30. If adopted, this date will become an official public holiday enshrined in labor legislation. The Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans’ Rights has been designated as the lead committee for consideration.
The authors of the initiative emphasize that the holiday should commemorate the Apostle Andrew’s role in Ukraine’s spiritual history and strengthen national identity. In the explanatory note, lawmakers cite ancient sources according to which the apostle visited the hills of Kyiv and blessed the future city.
It is separately noted that the establishment of the holiday aligns with the OCU’s and UGCC’s transition to the New Julian calendar, where the Apostle’s feast is celebrated on November 30. According to the initiators, this will help synchronize state and church dates.
The proposal also frames honoring the Apostle Andrew at the state level as a “restoration of historical justice” and a response to Russia’s attempts to appropriate the religious heritage of Ancient Rus’.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Rada had turned its attention to combating antisemitism.
Read also
TRC officers mobilize rector of UOC parish in Radisne
Archpriest Mykhailo Bilokin was detained on his way to a service in the Kamianske Eparchy, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Metropolitan Onuphry consecrates Annunciation Church in Bukovyna village of Ostrytsia
Thousands of faithful from the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC gathered for the service in the newly consecrated Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.
U.S. delegation visits St. Sophia of Kyiv ahead of peace talks
Zelensky took the U.S. negotiators to St. Sophia of Kyiv.
Rescuers urge Hasidic pilgrims in Uman not to perform rituals in local quarry
The State Emergency Service warned Hasidic pilgrims in Uman about the dangers of ritual immersion in a flooded quarry that is not equipped for swimming.
UOC Social Department provides food packages to 100 displaced families
In Kyiv, 100 internally displaced families received food and essential supplies from the UOC Social Department.
Third Armenian judge refuses to hear case against Catholicos
A third judge has refused to hear the case against the head of the Armenian Church and six bishops, with the case materials sent to the Court of Cassation.