Until 2023 Epiphany in Ukraine was celebrated on 19 January, but with the transition to a new church calendar, the date of the holiday shifted 13 days earlier – on 6 January. This holiday is the end of the Christmas cycle, honouring the baptism of Jesus Christ, and is also a symbol of the cleansing properties of water.
Read also bathing in an ice-hole on Epiphany is not a Ukrainian tradition: destroying myths
Celebrating Epiphany in Ukraine includes many traditions and customs. One of the most popular is walrus bathing, i.e. immersion in the ice-hole. Such a ritual has nothing in common with church canons. On the contrary, the ritual of bathing in icy water came to us from our ancestors who lived in pre-Christian times.
Besides, it is customary to consecrate water in churches, drink it and sprinkle it on houses to cleanse them from all evil.
Greetings on Epiphany
- On the great day of Epiphany I wish you to be cleansed with holy water and remain pure in soul, healthy in spirit and strong in faith. Be happy and loved.
- Let the pure holy water wash away sorrows and hardships on the Feast of the Epiphany. Peace in your home, warmth in your heart, close relatives and faith that everything in your life will work out just fine!
- The magical holiday of Epiphany has come to every home. On this wonderful and divine day we would like to wish peace, kindness, honesty and justice to everyone. Let the miracle live in your hearts and give you a bright hope for a wonderful future.
- I wish you good health, inner warmth that warms your soul and heart, success in all endeavours. I wish you to be surrounded by dear people on this bright day. Let your homes be filled with joy, laughter and positivity!
- On the day of Christ’s Epiphany I would like to wish you only light, real and pure things. Let all the bad things pass by, and all the good things wait at the door. Goodness, radiant sunshine, loyal and true friends near you. Regular luck, creative ideas and fun holidays!
- Congratulations on the Jordan and from the bottom of my heart I wish you to put all your sorrows to the very bottom of the ice-hole, and further – with pure hope, free soul, strong faith and true love to continue your way, filling the world of loved ones and your inner world with joy. I wish you good health, prosperity and goodness!
- From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on the bright Christian holiday of Epiphany. This holiday symbolises cleansing from everything insincere and unkind. It is a holiday of light and new beginnings. Christ is baptised!
- I congratulate you on this great day – Epiphany! I wish you, washing yourselves with holy water, to wash away all bad things, all unnecessary things, to warm your soul and body. May this soul-warming holiday give you good health and clear, pure thoughts!
- Congratulations on the Epiphany! May the Holy Spirit protect you and bless you for good deeds, and let the drops of crystal consecrated water strengthen your faith, hope love, and give you confidence in tomorrow!
- Congratulations on the Feast of Epiphany! May your soul be pure and your life be full of blessings and joy!
Radio Maximum tells you what church holidays are celebrated in January 2026. Read when you should visit the temple and greet your relatives.
And more Epiphany greetings: Jordan greetings for children and adults in verse