Ukrainians Mark Historic Occasion as They Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25 for the First Time

Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians marked a significant milestone this year as they celebrated Christmas as a public holiday on December 25, distancing themselves from the later date traditionally followed in Russia. This change, enacted in July through legislation signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, not only reflects the country’s discontent with the Russian invasion but also serves as an affirmation of their national identity.

While Ukraine is predominantly Orthodox Christian, the faith is divided between two churches, one of which has had a longstanding affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church. However, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which did not recognize the authority of the Russian church and was considered schismatic, was granted full recognition in 2019 by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the highest authority in Orthodoxy.

In 2022, after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which was previously a branch of the Russian church, announced its decision to break ties with Moscow and establish itself as autonomous. However, its parishes continue to follow the liturgical calendar of the Russian church and will celebrate Christmas on January 7.

The shift to celebrating Christmas on December 25 was embraced by many Ukrainians with enthusiasm. Yevhen Konyk, a 44-year-old serviceman, described it as “historical justice” and emphasized the importance of moving forward with the traditions of their country. Oksana Poviakel, the director of the Pyrohiv Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine, where the Christmas celebrations took place, highlighted the significance of this change for self-identification.

According to Poviakel, celebrating on December 25 helps separate Ukraine from its neighbor, which is currently attempting to destroy the state and its people. Asia Landarenko, whose son is serving in the military, expressed her hope for victory and said that the true celebration of Christmas will come after they achieve it.

The celebrations in the village of Pirogovo outside Kyiv were filled with people dressed in national attire, singing carols and coming together to commemorate the birth of Jesus. This shift in the Christmas date not only carries religious and cultural significance but also serves as a symbol of Ukraine’s determination to assert its independence and resilience in the face of adversity.