Ukrainian Orthodox Christians gathered for services on a groundbreaking December 25, marking the first time the country celebrated Christmas on this date instead of the traditional January 7, a divergence from Orthodox tradition, and a deliberate move to distance itself from Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the unity of the Ukrainian people in this festive season, embracing the change in Christmas observance.
In Odesa, parishioners attended a Christmas Eve service in the Cathedral of the Nativity, adorned with festive decor, expressing the sentiment that celebrating on December 25 was a departure from Russian influence and a symbolic embrace of an independent Ukraine. The shift in the Christmas date stems from a law signed by Zelenskyy in July, to break away from Russian practices and cultural impositions.
This transformation is part of broader efforts post-invasion to eradicate remnants of Russian and Soviet legacies, encompassing actions like street renaming and monument removal. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine formally distanced itself from the Russian Orthodox Church due to Moscow's actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, with the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine gaining momentum and support.
Worshippers flocked to St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv for a Christmas service led by the primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The change in Christmas celebration received widespread backing, symbolizing support for Ukraine's ongoing transformations. Kyiv's Golden-Domed Monastery hosted a service that embraced the December 25 date, marking a significant shift post-invasion.
Ukrainians across the country endorsed the date change, viewing it as an affirmation of Ukraine's desire to align with global practices. The Christmas traditions, including a dinner with 12 meatless dishes, elaborate wheat sheaves, carol singing, and nativity scenes, reflect a cultural shift away from Russian influences and a move towards integration with the civilized world.
While the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church aligned with the December 25 celebration, the historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church retained the January 7 date, a stance met with skepticism by many Ukrainians. The adoption of December 25 for Christmas aligns with Ukraine's aspiration to break free from Russian ties and embrace a more globally recognized cultural and religious calendar.
