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Learn the main features and traditions of today
On 16 April, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine celebrate one of the most important feast days of the year – Holy, or Great Wednesday, according to the new style. There are 259 days left until the end of the year, RBC-Ukraine writes.
Great Wednesday: what is this church holiday
On Holy Wednesday Christians remember the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, who, tempted by money, sold Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver. This day is a reminder of the bitter cost of betrayal, the fragility of the human soul before temptation, and the infinite power of God’s mercy. It is on this Wednesday that the most tragic part of the Gospel story begins.
On this day Jesus informed the apostles that the moment of his suffering and death was approaching and that one of them would betray him. On Holy Wednesday, the elders, scribes and chief priests finally decided to destroy Jesus. Judas Iscariot agreed with them to betray Him in exchange for silver pieces, thus condemning the Master to suffer.
Also on Wednesday, a woman is remembered who came to Jesus in sincere repentance. She washed His feet with her tears, anointed them with costly myrrh and wiped them with her hair, a gesture of deep contrition and love. The owner of the house where this happened wondered why Jesus allowed the sinner to touch Himself. But Christ responded with a parable, explaining that great forgiveness is given to the one who repents sincerely.
What not to do on 16 April
On Holy Wednesday, there are important restrictions that help to maintain a spiritual attitude during Holy Week. On this day you must not quarrel, offend others, or hold celebrations, birthdays or weddings.
It is believed that fun and loud celebrations are incompatible with the atmosphere of sorrow, because this period is dedicated to reflecting on the sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is also not recommended to visit the cemetery and to hold commemorations of the dead.
To refuse help during this period is considered an unkind sign.
You should not engage in physical labour such as chopping wood, sewing, knitting or embroidery. This is a time for inner purification and prayer, so it is important to be patient, kind and help those in need.
Folk signs and traditions on 16 April
In churches at the morning service on this day for the last time during Lent, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated. The faithful, as a rule, go to the evening service for confession. On this day it is recommended to keep dry fasting, which means eating only vegetable food without heat treatment and oil. In houses and yards general cleaning continues, and also preparation of products for baking of kulichs and colouring of eggs begins. In the evening it is already possible to put on the opara for the cakes.
Rain on this day is an omen that spring will be late and cold.
If the wind blows from the south, it promises good growth of spring crops. And if the wind is from the north, you should expect rain.
The blossoming of mother and stepmother at night portends unpleasant events.
Who has an Angel Day on 16 April
On 16 April 2025, the following people have a birthday:
- Leonid
- Mikhail
- Pavel
- Vasilisa
- Galina
- Irina
- Nika
The talisman for people born on the 16th of April is onyx, a type of quartz. Since ancient times, this stone has been considered to have special magical powers. In particular, it was associated with the properties of a true leader.
