Ukrainian Orthodox Christians gathered for services on Sunday as the country marked Christmas on December 25 for the first time. This change in date was a deliberate move by the government to distance itself from Russia, as January 7 is traditionally celebrated by most Orthodox believers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the unity of the Ukrainian people in his Christmas message, stating that they all celebrate together as one big family and one united country. The shift in date was seen as an important step in asserting Ukraine’s independence.
In various cities across Ukraine, churchgoers attended Christmas Eve services and prayed in beautifully decorated cathedrals. One parishioner expressed the desire to celebrate Christmas in a new way, separate from Moscow, and highlighted the importance of celebrating with the whole of Ukraine and their independent nation. The majority of eastern Christian churches follow the Julian calendar, which places Christmas on January 7, but Ukraine’s decision to adopt the Gregorian calendar for Christmas reflects its efforts to distance itself from Russian influence.
In addition to the Christmas celebrations, Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down multiple Russian drones and intercepting missiles and fighter jets launched from the annexed Crimea peninsula. These military actions highlight the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church officially severed ties with the Russian Orthodox Church in 2014 due to Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. This political rift has led to a significant shift in religious affiliations, with many priests and parishes switching allegiances to the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Worshipers gathered at St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv for a Christmas service led by the primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Yepifaniy.
The decision to change the Christmas date received widespread support from Ukrainians, who saw it as a symbol of the country’s desire for change and independence. In Lviv, a city relatively untouched by the war, residents expressed the need to join the civilized world, while others expressed joy in finally celebrating Christmas on the same day as the rest of the world.
Overall, the shift in Christmas date represents Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to assert its independence from Russia and forge its own path. It is part of a broader movement to remove traces of Russian and Soviet influence, including renaming streets and removing monuments. Ukrainian Christmas traditions, which include a special dinner and various customs, continue to be celebrated with enthusiasm and pride.
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