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The saints of Kyivan Rus’ include prominent historical figures such as Saint Volodymyr the Great, who baptised the people of Rus’ in 988, as well as early bishops, monastics like Saint Anthony and Theodosius of the Kyiv Caves, and countless holy men and women who faithfully lived the Christian life in Ukraine. This feast celebrates their lasting spiritual legacy and encourages the faithful to draw strength from their example.
Alongside these ancient saints, the day also commemorates the Ukrainian martyrs of the 20th century, including bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople who endured persecution and death for their steadfast faith during the Soviet era. The beatified martyrs—such as Blessed Mykolai Charnetskyi, Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky, and Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska—are remembered for their heroic witness and sacrifice.
Liturgically, this feast features hymns and prayers that unite the faithful in honoring this rich heritage of sanctity and martyrdom, reminding all that holiness is a call extended to every generation.
Through this celebration, the UGCC renews its commitment to live the Gospel courageously, inspired by the saints and martyrs who laid the spiritual foundations of the Church in Ukraine.
Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans,* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day,* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan,* O only Lover of mankind.
You arose in glory from the tomb* and with Yourself You raised the world.* All humanity acclaims You as God,* and death has vanished.* Adam exults, O Master,* and Eve, redeemed now from bondage, cries out for joy:* “You are the One, O Christ, Who offer resurrection to all.”
The Holy Martyr Theodotus lived in Ancyra of Galatia in the third century. He was distinguished by his kindliness and concern. At the height of the persecution under Diocletian (284-305), he provided Christians with everything they needed and gave them shelter in his home. There they secretly celebrated church services.
Saint Theodotus visited the Christian captives in prison, paid their bail, and reverently buried the bodies of martyrs who had been thrown to the wild beasts. Once he buried the bodies of seven holy women martyrs, who were drowned in the sea (May 18). This was reported to the governor.
After refusing to offer sacrifice to idols, and denouncing the folly of paganism, Saint Theodotus confessed Christ as God, for which they subjected him to terrible tortures and beheaded him with a sword. They wanted to burn the holy martyr’s body, but could not do so because of a storm which had arisen, so they gave his holy relics to a certain Christian for burial.
Saint Theodotus is also commemorated on May 18.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyr Theodotus and his companions, O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 2
(Podoben: “Seeking the highest...”)
You struggled well, O Theodotus, / together with your fellow athletes and passion-bearing virgins. / You have received crowns of honour. / Therefore, unceasingly pray to Christ God for us all.
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The Holy Martyr Theodotus lived in Ancyra of Galatia in the third century. He was distinguished by his kindliness and concern. At the height of the persecution under Diocletian (284-305), he provided Christians with everything they needed and gave them shelter in his home. There they secretly celebrated church services.
Saint Theodotus visited the Christian captives in prison, paid their bail, and reverently buried the bodies of martyrs who had been thrown to the wild beasts. Once he buried the bodies of seven holy women martyrs, who were drowned in the sea (May 18). This was reported to the governor.
After refusing to offer sacrifice to idols, and denouncing the folly of paganism, Saint Theodotus confessed Christ as God, for which they subjected him to terrible tortures and beheaded him with a sword. They wanted to burn the holy martyr’s body, but could not do so because of a storm which had arisen, so they gave his holy relics to a certain Christian for burial.
Saint Theodotus is also commemorated on May 18.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyr Theodotus and his companions, O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 2
(Podoben: “Seeking the highest...”)
You struggled well, O Theodotus, / together with your fellow athletes and passion-bearing virgins. / You have received crowns of honour. / Therefore, unceasingly pray to Christ God for us all.
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