Ukrainian Orthodox Christians gathered for Christmas services on December 25, marking a historic shift from the traditional January 7 celebration. The change in date, initiated by the government, is seen as a symbolic departure from Russian influence.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a Christmas message, emphasized the unity of Ukrainians, stating, “We all celebrate Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country.”
In Odesa, churchgoers attended Christmas Eve services, expressing the desire to celebrate the holiday “far away from Moscow.” The move to December 25 is regarded as a new message of solidarity with an independent Ukraine, particularly poignant in the wake of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Most Eastern Christian churches, following the Julian calendar, traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 7. However, Zelensky signed a law in July to shift the date to December 25, breaking away from the Russian tradition imposed on January 7.
This change is part of broader efforts to distance Ukraine from Russian and Soviet legacies since the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine officially separated from the Russian Orthodox Church, leading to shifts in congregations and the establishment of the independent Ukrainian church.
Worshippers gathered at St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv, the headquarters of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, for a Christmas service on December 25. The new date has garnered support across the country, with many embracing it as a symbol of Ukraine’s path toward independence.
While the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church also adopted the December 25 date, the historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church continues to observe Christmas on January 7. This division reflects the complex religious landscape in Ukraine amid geopolitical tensions.
The date change aligns Ukraine with the Gregorian calendar used by Western churches, symbolizing a break from Russian traditions. The celebration included various Ukrainian Christmas customs, such as a dinner with 12 meatless dishes, the decoration of homes with wheat sheaves, and the singing of carols.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its identity amid regional conflicts, the shift in the Christmas celebration date stands as a poignant symbol of the nation’s determination to forge its path independently of Moscow.
