Ukraine proposes to introduce a new holiday – Bible Day: will October 31 be a day off?

The Verkhovna Rada has registered a draft resolution No. 16166, which provides for the establishment of a new annual holiday in Ukraine – Bible Day. It is proposed to celebrate it on October 31 in honor of the release of the first complete translation of the Bible in the modern Ukrainian literary language. At the same time, no additional day off is provided.

Why is Bible Day proposed to be celebrated on October 31

The initiators of the resolution propose to establish a memorable date in honor of an important event in the history of Ukrainian culture and book publishing.

It was on October 31, 1903, that the complete translation of the Bible in the modern Ukrainian literary language was published.

Three famous Ukrainian figures worked on the translation:

Panteleimon Kulish – writer, translator and historian.

Ivan Nechuy-Levytskyi – Ukrainian writer and translator.
Ivan Pulyuy – physicist, inventor and public figure.

Their joint work became an important stage in the development of the Ukrainian literary language and translation tradition.

The authors of the initiative believe that establishing Bible Day will contribute to the preservation of historical memory, the popularization of the Ukrainian language and drawing attention to the cultural heritage of the state.

Will October 31 become an official holiday

Despite the proposal to introduce a new commemorative date, no additional day off is provided for Ukrainians.

If the resolution is adopted, October 31 will have the status of an annual day of celebration, however, enterprises, institutions and organizations will continue to operate as usual.

Thus, establishing Bible Day does not provide for changes to the length of the working week or the introduction of an additional non-working day.

What events can be held for Bible Day

If the initiative is supported by the Verkhovna Rada, thematic events can be organized for the new commemorative date.

In particular, these include:

educational lectures and historical exhibitions;

events in libraries, museums and educational institutions;

presentations dedicated to the history of the Ukrainian translation of the Bible;

cultural and educational initiatives aimed at popularizing the Ukrainian language and literature.

According to the authors of the project, such events can help the younger generation become better acquainted with the history of Ukrainian book publishing and the contribution of Ukrainian figures to the development of national culture.

When can a new holiday be introduced in Ukraine

At the moment, this is only a legislative initiative that requires consideration and support by the Verkhovna Rada.

The corresponding document is registered under number 16166.

Until the parliament adopts the necessary decision, Bible Day does not have the status of a commemorative date officially established by the Verkhovna Rada.

You can read the document on the official portal of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.