NBU presents commemorative coin “Spirit of Christmas” featuring didukh
Obverse side of the commemorative coin "Spirit of Christmas". Photo: NBU
The National Bank of Ukraine has presented a new commemorative coin titled “Spirit of Christmas” with a denomination of 10 hryvnias, the National Bank reported on its Facebook page.
Speaking at the presentation of the commemorative coin, the Governor of the NBU, Andrii Pyshnyi, noted that the straw didukh is a traditional attribute of Ukrainian Christmas. For this reason, the obverse of the coin features a straw didukh at the center, with a straw angel at its base. The background is divided into two parts adorned with stars, one of which is the Star of Bethlehem – a 1.5 mm diamond is set at the center of this star.
The reverse depicts a traditional pre-Christmas meal of a Ukrainian family, whose members are identified with the heavenly bodies: the father’s halo symbolizes the moon, the mother’s halo the sun, and the children’s halos the stars. Before the family stands a table with twelve dishes and garlic – described as “a talisman against evil spirits”.
The statement notes that from ancient times Ukrainians “on the eve of Christmas, on Christmas Eve, placed a didukh in their homes – a guardian of the family and prosperity, a symbol of the harvest and the spirit of ancestors”.
The coin is made of 925 sterling silver. The weight of the precious metal is 31.1 grams. The mintage of the commemorative coin is up to 15,000 pieces.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that euro coins featuring Orthodox saints were issued in Bulgaria.
Read also
Online poll asks Ukrainians about their church affiliation
Among Threads users who responded to a question about which church they attend, nearly five times as many identified with the UOC as with the OCU.
Stryi authorities plan to restore 19th-century synagogue
Stryi authorities plan to restore the abandoned synagogue using funds raised from project partners.
Lviv City Council loses case seeking demolition of OCU chapel
Courts at all levels have rejected Lviv officials’ demands to demolish an OCU chapel.
German historian points to media silence over Sviatohirsk monk’s murder
German historian and publicist Herbert Ammon criticized the “black-and-white” approach of European media, pointing to their failure to cover the murder of monk Varsonofy.
Orthodox Church celebrates Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos
The faithful celebrate the first of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Church year, marking the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s plan for the salvation of mankind.
Metropolitan Pimen consecrates altar and iconostasis at UOC church in Dubno
The ruling hierarch of the UOC’s Rivne Eparchy consecrated the altar and iconostasis at a church in Dubno before leading festal Matins.