Ukrainian orthodox saints are a fascinating group of people, and it is possible to learn a lot from their lives. These people are often quoted for their guidance and inspiration. In this article, we’ll discuss the missionary work of the Ukrainian orthodox saints. You’ll also learn about Vespers service and the Twelve Great Feasts.
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Vespers service
Vespers services are held to commemorate the day of a Ukrainian orthodox saint. These services feature special liturgical elements. For example, the liturgy includes the recitation of the Creed. The altar curtains remain open during the service. The clergy and people share the Eucharist. The service is accompanied by festive carols.
Vespers services are traditionally held in the church, usually on Saturday evenings, and on the vigils of feasts and a day when a Ukrainian Orthodox saint is venerated. In the past, the Vespers service began with the exclamation of “Blessed be the Kingdom of Heaven!” Then, the priest and deacon would enter the church to chant the Psalms. At the end of the service, catechumens were prayed for.
After the service, the clergy would change into their lenten vestments. This served as a turning point in the service. During the Vespers service on lenten days, the clergy will wear darker vestments.
Symbols for the Twelve Great Feasts
Ukrainian Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast day of Prince St. Vladimir, the father of the Kyivan Rus people. The Ukrainian government also observes the feast day as Ukrainian Statehood Day. In recent years, Ukrainian Orthodox churches have hosted massive public celebrations of these feasts. These events are not simply a means of celebrating baptisms, but also a way to foster unity and cooperation among Orthodox Christians of Ukraine.
Traditionally, the 12 Great Feasts are marked by symbols. For example, the Christmas kutia is made from poppy seeds, while pyrizhky is made from cabbage. In central Ukraine, the cock is also blessed, as it is believed to be the first sign of Christ’s resurrection.
Missionary work of Ukrainian orthodox saints
Missionary work in Ukraine has been steady and methodical. After the country gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, and the Verkhovna Rada proclaimed Ukraine independent on September 12, a mission was formed. In 1993, the first institute classes and seminary classes were held. On September 14, the Church was formally registered with the city of Kyiv. The mission president Howard L. Biddulph prayed that registration would be delayed but in the end the official came and registered the mission.
Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been active in Ukraine for two decades. The first missionaries to the country were Elders Ivan Stratov and Brian Bradbury, who were transferred from the Finland Helsinki East Mission. They were accompanied by the Austria Vienna East Mission President Dennis B. Neuenschwander. In October 1990, they gathered 17 people for an informal devotional meeting. Later, they organized the first Church sacrament meeting at the Writers’ Union Hall in Kyiv.
St. Theodosius
On the Ukrainian Orthodox Saints Days, people commemorate St. Theodosius, who was a holy hierarch of Chernigov. When he was a boy, he spent his free time in prayer, contemplation of God, and reading the Divine Scriptures. However, his mother was opposed to his spiritual aspirations and punished him for it. His mother also beat him when he ran away from home. Her punishment included locking the future Venerable Theodosius up in his room.
Theodosius of the Caves is a 11th-century saint. Along with Anthony of Kiev, he introduced Cenobitic monasticism to Kievan Rus’. Together with Anthony of Kiev, he founded the Kiev Caves Lavra. The caves are also the site of a monastery dedicated to St. Theodosius.
St. Bede
St. Bede’s day is celebrated in many Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. He is also revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He was buried in the church’s south porch. However, his body was eventually moved to a place closer to the altar. Today, his holy relics are kept in Durham Cathedral. His name was mentioned by Dante in Paradiso.
Bede was a prolific writer. His works include over 60 books. His passion for learning led him to study the Bible and other ancient texts. During his life, Bede was devoted to teaching and prayer. He also wrote commentary on Holy Scripture.