A Historic Shift from January 7
For the first time since 1917, Ukraine has decided to celebrate Christmas on December 25th, instead of January 7th as it used to do under the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church. The corresponding bill was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, December 22, 2023. The purpose of the new law was to “abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on January 7th,” highlighting the deepening rift between churches in Kyiv and Moscow.
The move was welcomed by many Ukrainians, who see it as a sign of their country’s independence and sovereignty from Russia, which has been waging a hybrid war against Ukraine since 2014. According to a recent poll, 62% of Ukrainians support celebrating Christmas on December 25th, while only 23% prefer January 7th. The rest are indifferent or undecided.
However, not everyone was happy with the change. Some Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar, still consider January 7th as the true date of Christ’s birth and regard December 25th as a Western imposition. They also fear that the new law will create divisions and conflicts among the faithful, especially in the eastern regions of Ukraine, where the Russian Orthodox Church has more influence.
A Joyful Celebration Amid a Difficult Situation
Despite the controversy, many Ukrainians celebrated Christmas on December 25th with joy and enthusiasm. They attended festive services in churches, decorated their homes with lights and ornaments, exchanged gifts and greetings, and enjoyed traditional dishes such as kutia, a porridge made of wheat, poppy seeds, honey, and nuts.
Some also took part in charitable activities, such as visiting orphanages, hospitals, and nursing homes, or donating money and goods to those in need. Others joined volunteer groups that support the Ukrainian army, which is facing a constant threat from Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region.
One of the most popular slogans during the Christmas celebrations was “We pray for our warriors,” expressing solidarity and gratitude to the soldiers who defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Many churches also dedicated their prayers and lit candles for the peace and security of Ukraine.
A Message of Hope and Unity from the President
President Zelenskiy, who is a practicing Christian, also celebrated Christmas on December 25th with his family and friends. He attended a service at the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv, where he was greeted by Patriarch Filaret, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate, one of the three major Orthodox churches in Ukraine.
In his Christmas address, Zelenskiy wished all Ukrainians a merry Christmas and a happy new year. He also urged them to stay united and optimistic in the face of the challenges and difficulties that the country is facing.
“We have a lot of work to do to make our country better, stronger, and more prosperous. But we also have a lot of reasons to be proud of our achievements, our culture, and our identity. We are a free and democratic nation, and we will never give up our independence and dignity,” he said.
He also called for dialogue and reconciliation among the different religious communities in Ukraine, saying that they all share the same values and goals.
“We are all children of God, and we all celebrate the birth of his son, Jesus Christ, who came to this world to bring love, peace, and justice. Let us respect and support each other, regardless of our differences. Let us be tolerant and compassionate, as Christ taught us. Let us be one nation, one family, one Ukraine,” he concluded.
