“On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the Orthodox Church honors the holy martyrs of Tires, Leukius, Philemon, Apollonius and Kalinikus. They showed indomitable faith and courage during the persecutions in the 3rd century. The holy martyrs suffered for their faith during the time of Emperor Diocletian, when Christianity was banned. Tires and Leucius were executed in Caesarea (Bithinia) for their open confession”, — write on: ua.news
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the Orthodox Church honors the holy martyrs of Tires, Leukius, Philemon, Apollonius and Kalinikus. They showed indomitable faith and courage during the persecutions in the 3rd century.
The holy martyrs suffered for their faith during the time of Emperor Diocletian, when Christianity was banned.
- Tires and Leucius were executed in Caesarea (Bithinia) for openly confessing Christ.
- Apollonius, who was initially frightened by the torment, asked the Christian Philemon for help. Philemon, being a singer, volunteered to go to the execution instead of him. Apollonius, impressed by Philemon’s powerful faith, repented and also accepted the martyr’s crown.
- Kalinicus was one of the executioners who, seeing how bravely Philemon and Apollonius endured the torture, believed in Christ himself and was executed.
All five saints were martyred, proving their devotion to the Christian faith.
The beginning of Hanukkah
According to the civil calendar in 2025, Hanukkah begins on December 14 and ends on December 22.
The second name of the Jewish holiday is Hag Urim (“Feast of Lights”). Hanukkah appeared as early as the 2nd century BC. in memory of the liberation and purification of the Temple after the victory of the Hasmoneans (Maccabees) in the rebellion against King Antiochus IV. When the majority of Jews betrayed their faith, a small group of devoted people saved the Temple and returned their brothers to the Most High, to the faith of their forefathers.
Let us remind you that Christmas is celebrated annually in Ukraine, which is an important event for Christianity, symbolizing the birth of the Savior. With the transition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the New Julian style, the date of the celebration shifted from January 7 to December 25.
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