Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
A draft resolution was registered in the Verkhovna Rada to establish a Day of the Bible in Ukraine without an additional day off. The initiative foresees the annual observance of the commemorative date on 31 October. This was reported by “Glavkom,” citing the draft resolution card on the Verkhovna Rada website.
One of the co-authors of the resolution told Glavkom that the initiative is supported by the Christian members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. According to him, the emergence of the new document is connected with the need to secure the support of all parliamentary factions and deputy groups.
“This draft is requested by all Christian members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations,” the co-author of the resolution said.
He also explained that the new draft is intended to ensure broad support in parliament: “The appearance of the new draft resolution is related to securing coalition support — currently it has the signatures of all factions and groups.”
What events are proposed to be organized
According to the draft, it is proposed to celebrate the Day of the Bible every year on 31 October. The document does not provide for an additional day off.
In the explanatory note, the authors link the chosen date to the publication of the first complete translation of the Bible into modern Ukrainian literary language. The edition was published in Vienna on 31 October 1903. The translation was done by Panteleimon Kulish, Ivan Nechuy-Levytsky, and Ivan Pulyuy.
The authors of the resolution propose holding cultural, educational, scientific, and informational events on the occasion of the commemorative date. In particular, the Cabinet of Ministers is recommended to create an organizing committee and approve a plan for observing the Day of the Bible.
The Ministry of Education and Science is proposed to organize thematic educational hours, lectures, and roundtables in educational institutions dedicated to the history of the Bible’s translation into Ukrainian, its influence on Ukrainian literature, and legal culture. The proposal also mentions support for relevant research projects by students of the Minor Academy of Sciences.
The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications is recommended to organize thematic exhibitions in libraries, museums, and art galleries. The State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting is proposed to cover events for the Day of the Bible and ensure the screening of popular science films and programs.
Some proposals concern commemorative paraphernalia. The National Bank of Ukraine is recommended to issue a coin devoted to the Day of the Bible and Ukrainian translators of the Holy Scriptures, and Ukrposhta — to prepare a thematic postage stamp and an illustrated first-day cover.
Control over the implementation of the resolution is proposed to be assigned to the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy. If adopted, the document is to come into force on the day of its adoption.
Who became a co-author of the initiative
Among the co-authors of the resolution are Serhiy Rudyk, Mykyta Poturaiev, Iryna Konstankevych, Heorhiy Mazurashu, Oleksandr Aliksiichuk, Solomiia Bobrovska, Yuliia Sirko, Oksana Savchuk, Viktor Myalyk, Pavlo Bakunets, Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, Mykola Kniazhytsky, Volodymyr Viatrovych, Oleh Syniutka, Oleksandr Vasiuk, and Mykhailo Volynets. The accompanying letter notes that the parliamentary deputy to report on the matter at the plenary session should be Serhiy Rudyk.
The Day of the Bible had been proposed in parliament before
On 24 February 2026, Member of Parliament Heorhiy Mazurashu registered draft law No. 15045 to amend Article 73 of the Code of Labor Laws of Ukraine regarding the observance of the Day of the Bible without a day off. The document envisaged adding the corresponding date to the list of holidays and non-working days without introducing an additional day off.
The new initiative is formalized as a draft resolution of the Verkhovna Rada. In addition to establishing the commemorative date, it includes recommendations to state institutions regarding the organization of thematic events.
Recall that the history of translating the Bible into Ukrainian is connected with the development of the Ukrainian literary language and book publishing. The first complete translation into modern Ukrainian literary language was published in Vienna in 1903. Glavkom has previously told the story of this edition.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "День Біблії в Україні: депутати пояснили появу нової ініціативи". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: ZmiOne.