Church holidays in August 2025: when to celebrate the Savior and the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1 August 2025 05:16
In August 2025, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine will celebrate several important church holidays. This month is traditionally associated with the three Savior’s Feasts – Honey, Apple, and Walnut – as well as with major Christian events: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Beheading of the Holy Prophet John the Baptist. "Komersant Ukrainian" publishes a full list of Orthodox holidays that fall in August 2025.
After the Ukrainian Church switched to the New Julian calendar, the dates of fixed religious holidays shifted 13 days earlier. Thus, such holidays as the Exaltation of the Holy Bones of the Life-Giving Cross, the Transfiguration of the Lord, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Transfer of the Non-Manufactured Image of Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople now fall on different dates, and the Beheading of John the Baptist is celebrated in August instead of September.
Church holidays in August 2025 according to the new style:
- august 1 – Transfer of the Holy Cross; Holy Martyrs of Maccabiah; Makovia or Honey Savior; Beginning of the Assumption Fast.
- august 2 – Transfer of the relics of the holy first martyr Stephen;
- august 3 – the holy saints Isaac, Dolmat, and Favst;
- august 4 – the holy seven martyrs of Ephesus; the holy martyr Eudocia;
- august 5 – the Feast of the Transfiguration; the Holy Martyr Eusebius;
- august 6 – Transfiguration of the Lord (popularly known as the Apple Savior);
- august 7 – Holy Martyr Dometius;
- august 8 – Holy Confessor Emilian; Holy Martyrs Eleutherius and Leonidas;
- august 9 – the Holy Apostle Matthias;
- august 10 – Holy Martyr Lawrence, Archdeacon;
- august 11 – the holy martyr Euphemius;
- august 12 – the holy martyrs Photius and Anikita;
- august 13 – the Feast of the Transfiguration; St. Maximus the Confessor;
- august 14 – Feast of the Assumption; transfer of the relics of St. Theodosius of the Caves;
- august 15 – the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
- august 16 – the Feast of the Non-Manufactured Image of Our Lord Jesus Christ (popularly known as the Nut Savior); the Holy Martyr Diomedes;
- august 17 – Holy Martyr Myron;
- august 18 – the Martyrs Florus and Laurus;
- august 19 – the Holy Martyr Andrew Stratilat and others;
- august 20 – the Holy Prophet Samuel;
- august 21 – Holy Apostle Thaddeus; Holy Martyr Vassa;
- august 22 – the holy martyrs Agathonikos, Severian and others;
- august 23 – of the Assumption; the holy martyr Luppus; the holy martyr Irenaeus of Lyons;
- august 24 – Holy Martyr Eutychius;
- august 25 – Holy Apostle Titus; Holy Apostle Bartholomew;
- august 26 – Holy Martyrs Andrian and Natalia;
- august 27 – the Holy Martyr Pimen;
- august 28 – St. Moses Murin; St. Augustine of Hippo;
- august 29 – Beheading of the Holy Prophet John the Baptist;
- august 30 – Saints Alexander, John, Paul, Patriarchs of Tsargrad;
- august 31 – Laying of the girdle to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast lasts from August 1 to 14 and is one of the four multi-day fasts in the Orthodox calendar. Although it is the shortest, its significance is enormous, as it prepares believers for the feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During the fast, believers abstain from meat and dairy products, and on some days, from oil.
The spiritual purpose of fasting: Fasting helps to purify the soul through prayer, repentance, and good deeds. It is a time for inner concentration and renunciation of worldly temptations.
Food restrictions: Vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, and honey are allowed. Fish is allowed on Saturday and Sunday, as well as on the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6).
Traditions: Believers attend churches, participate in evening services, and prepare for the feast of the Dormition through confession and communion.
The Dormition Fast is not only a food restriction but also an opportunity for spiritual growth. It reminds us of the importance of humility and gratitude, preparing our hearts for the great feast.
