On the day after Christmas, January 8, our ancestors celebrated Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God. For believers, this holiday is no less important than Christmas. The Orthodox Church interprets the name of this event as a gathering of believers in honor of the mother of Jesus. In Ukraine, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos is also called simply “Theotokos”.

The Feast of the Mother of God gathers together the whole family for a prayer to the mother of Christ, without whom Christmas itself could not exist, and to the entire Holy Family.

During the year, several holidays dedicated to the Holy Mother of God are celebrated, but January 8 is considered a cathedral day, that is, a general day. On this date, not only the Virgin Mary is honored, but also other family members and saints related to her: Jesus Christ himself, Saint James, Saint Joseph and others.

The Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos is such an ancient holiday that the date of its foundation dates back to the era of early Christianity. However, it is known that in the 4th century AD they already gave praise not only to God, but also to the Mother of God who gave birth to him. The official recognition of the celebration is enshrined in the Rules of the Ecumenical Council, which took place at the end of the 7th century AD.