Ukrainian Orthodox Christians are breaking with tradition and observing Christmas on December 25 for the first time, moving away from the traditional celebration date of January 7 according to the Julian calendar.
This shift is notable as it brings Ukraine in line with the Western, or Gregorian, calendar that the country uses in its daily life, signaling a departure from the historical alignment with Russia.
The change in Christmas observance follows an amendment to legislation by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July.
The amendment allows Ukrainians to abandon the Russian tradition of celebrating Christmas in January and align with the Gregorian calendar.
In his Christmas message shared on Twitter on Sunday evening, President Zelensky expressed hope and unity in the face of ongoing conflicts with Russian forces.
He stated, “Darkness will eventually lose. Evil will be defeated. Today, this is our common goal, our common wish, and what we pray for. For our freedom. For our victory. For our Ukraine. Christ is Born! Glorify Him!”
The shift in the celebration date is part of broader efforts by Ukraine to distance itself from Russia.
This includes renaming streets and removing monuments with historical ties to Russia, reflecting Ukraine’s determination to assert its independence and identity in the face of historical connections to the Soviet Union and ongoing geopolitical challenges with Russia.
