January 22 is a day filled with historical, religious and national events. This day has a special meaning for Ukrainians, as it is a national holiday – Day of the Unity of Ukraine, and in the church calendar – the day of memory of the Holy Apostle Timothy, writes IZ. There are also a number of folk signs, important historical dates and traditions associated with this day.
Church holiday January 22: the day of the Holy Apostle Timothy
On January 22, believers commemorate the memory of the holy apostle Timothy, who was one of the closest disciples of the apostle Paul. Timothy was born in the city of Lystra, in Asia Minor, into the family of a Jewish woman and a Greek man. From an early age, he deeply studied the Holy Scriptures and became a zealous servant of the faith. His close spiritual connection with the apostle Paul is reflected in two epistles that were included in the New Testament.
Timothy carried out important commissions of the apostle Paul, was bishop of Ephesus, and was martyred in 97. On this day, it is customary to pray for strengthening faith, spiritual wisdom, and faithfulness in the performance of duties.
What not to do on January 22:
• Engage in heavy physical labor.
• Argue, swear, or use bad language.
• Take out the trash late at night.
Folk Signs and Traditions
January 22 was popularly called “Timothy the Midwinter,” because this day was considered the middle of winter. Peasants watched the weather to predict the future:
• If the shutters are fogging up in the cold – expect warming.
• A blizzard on this day promises a week of snowfall.
• The quiet hum of bees in the apiary foreshadowed a fruitful year.
Historical events of January 22
• 1918 – adoption of the IV Universal by the Central Rada, which proclaimed Ukraine an independent state.
• 1919 – signing of the Act of Union between the UNR and the ZUNR, which united Ukrainian lands.
• 1992 – establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Iran and recognition of its independence by the Philippines.
In modern history, a special event was the living chain of unity, created on January 21, 1990 between Kyiv, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. This symbolic act showed the desire of Ukrainians for unity.
Unity Day of Ukraine
This holiday symbolizes the unity of Ukrainian lands and reminds of the importance of preserving territorial integrity. Despite all the challenges, Unity Day remains a powerful reminder of the struggle of Ukrainians for independence and unity.
Recall that we previously wrote about what is celebrated on January 21, what traditions exist on this day, and memorable events
