Ukrainians are predominantly Orthodox Christians. Due to the country’s adoption of the Western Gregorian calendar, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a measure into law in July of this year designating December 25 as the official Christmas holiday.
On December 25, numerous Ukrainians are making preparations to observe Christmas for the very first time.
The primary Orthodox church has traditionally observed the holiday on January 7, following the Julian calendar, which is also used in Russia.
Ukrainians are predominantly Orthodox Christians. However, since the country adopted the Western Gregorian calendar in July of this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ratified a law designating December 25 as the official Christmas holiday.
The action, supported by the church, signifies an additional stride by Kiev in its ongoing struggle against Moscow’s invasion, with the aim of eliminating any remaining vestiges of Russian influence in the nation.
The February 2022 assault galvanized the nation and incited a great number of Ukrainians to renounce historical ties with the former sovereign of Kyiv, such as the Russian language and culture.
Furthermore, Ukraine aspires to become a member of the European Union, and a significant number of its citizens regard membership as a crucial validation of their nation’s historical status in Europe.
Ukraine’s Christmas Shift: Embracing European Identity and Traditions
Kira Rudik, leader of the Golos Zmin Party and a member of parliament from Ukraine, stated that the date change to December 25 was “extremely significant,” adding: “We are becoming part of the European family in every way, including on the day we celebrate Christmas.
The alignment of holidays with that of a particular date is not only crucial for individuals in their daily lives but also for culture and commerce.
Our children would not even recall a time when things were different; they will soon consider everything normal. We intend to establish a new norm for them by announcing that we are in Europe with our family. We are celebrating as the entire progressive democratic world does.
She further stated, “We are extremely appreciative of the religious organization leaders’ assistance with this.”
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Tetiana, 25, announced, while standing outside the golden-domed St Michael’s Monastery in Kyiv, that she would be celebrating her first birthday on December 25.
Although it would feel “a little unusual,” she stated that it was “the right thing to do.”
Tetiana further stated that, similar to the rest of Europe, Ukrainians used to observe Christmas on December 25.
In the interim, Kyiv Orthodox priest Mykhailo Omelian stated that the populace was abhorred by everything associated with Russia and anything that Russia replicated our actions upon.
