Most Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians. But in July this year, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill making December 25 the official Christmas holiday as the country adopted the Western, Gregorian calendar.
Saturday 23 December 2023, 9:50am, UK
Many Ukrainians are preparing to celebrate Christmas for the first time on December 25th.
The main Orthodox Church traditionally celebrates the holiday on January 7th and follows the Julian calendar – which Russia also uses.
The most Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians. But in July this year President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill making December 25 the official Christmas holiday as the nation adopted the Western, Gregorian calendar.
The move, supported by the church, marks another step by Kiev toward eliminating all traces Russian influence in the country as it continues to fight Moscow's invasion.
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The attack, which began in February 2022, mobilized the nation and sparked a rejection among many Ukrainians of historical ties to the former Kiev ruler, including Russian language and culture.
Ukraine also wants to join the European Union, and many citizens see membership as an important confirmation of what they believe is their country's historical place in Europe.
Ukrainian MP and leader of the Golos Zmin party, Kira Rudik, told Sky News that changing the date to December 25 was “incredibly important,” adding: “We are joining our European ones in all aspects of our lives Family, even on the day we celebrate.” Christmas.
“Not only is it vital to people in their daily lives, but it is.” [also] important at the level of culture, at the level of business, if we have the holidays on the same date.”
“Our children wouldn't even remember that it was different at some point, for them it will be normal. We want to make it the new normal for them and say we are with our European family. Like all Democrats, we celebrate the progressive world.”
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She added: “We are very grateful to the leaders of religious organizations for supporting us in this.”
Tetiana, 25, stood in front of the golden-domed St. Michael's Monastery in Kiev and said she would celebrate for the first time on December 25.
She said it would feel “a little unusual” but it was “the right thing to do.”
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Tetiana also said: “It turns out that Ukrainians, like the rest of Europeans, celebrated Christmas on December 25th.”
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Meanwhile, Kiev Orthodox priest Mykhailo Omelian said: “Everything that had to do with Russia, and everything that Russia did just like us, caused disgust among people.”