Ukrainian Orthodox Christians broke from tradition this year by observing Christmas on December 25, a notable departure from their customary celebration date.
Traditionally following the Julian calendar, aligning with Russia’s practice, Ukraine had observed Christmas on January 7. However, in a significant shift away from Russian tradition, the country has adopted the Western Gregorian calendar for Christmas, matching its everyday usage.
President Volodymyr Zelensky initiated this change in July, emphasizing its significance in distancing Ukraine from its historical association with Russia, which celebrated Christmas in January.
In his Christmas address on Sunday, Zelensky emphasized the unification of all Ukrainians through a simultaneous celebration on the same date, portraying it as a symbol of unity for the nation.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), established as an independent entity in 2019, also transitioned its Christmas date to December 25. This change followed the formal separation from the Russian Orthodox Church due to Moscow’s actions in Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Throughout the country, people gathered to pray and illuminate candles in observance of the occasion. In Lviv, a western city relatively spared from the conflict, children in traditional attire sang carols and engaged in celebratory processions.
Despite the transition, many worshippers still adhere to the historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and will continue to celebrate Christmas on January 7.
The UOC attributes its 2022 split from Moscow to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, though skepticism remains among the populace regarding the reasons for the division.
