Beekeeper's Day (Ukrainian. Pasichnik Day) — professional holiday of beekeepers — is celebrated annually in Ukraine on August 19. The day was established by Decree of the President of the country № 815/97 of August 15, 1997, in support of the initiative of the Ministry of Agro-Industrial Complex of Ukraine and the Union of Beekeepers of Ukraine.
On the day of the celebration, the first two outstanding beekeepers of Ukraine —, Pyotr Prokopovich (1775-1850) and Nikolai Vitvitsky (1764-1853), are remembered. Traditionally, conferences, round table meetings and other thematic events are timed to coincide with the holiday, at which honey products from beekeepers and companies in Ukraine are presented.
In addition, there is a presentation of new published literature on beekeeping and, undoubtedly, a tasting of honey and other honey products. Today, about five million bee colonies operate in the country's apiaries.
On the same day, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord, which is popularly called the Apple Savior. On this day, according to tradition, apples and honey are blessed in churches. Beekeepers consecrate hives before the onset of cold weather so that the bees overwinter well.