Ukrainians are preparing to celebrate Christmas for the first time on December 25, another step towards erasing all traces of Russian influence in the country. This is because until last year, Ukraine, like Russia, celebrated the birth of Jesus on January 7th.
Now, since the majority of Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians, the country’s main church has agreed to abandon the traditional Julian calendar used in Russia and begin celebrating Christmas on the 25th.
Moscow’s attack in February 2022 led many Ukrainians to abandon the Russian language and culture. “Everything that was connected with Russia, and everything that Russia did the same as us, disgusted people,” said Kiev Orthodox priest Mikhail Omelyan. Reut.
“Ukrainians celebrated Christmas on December 25, like other Europeans,” said Tatiana, 25, who will be celebrating Christmas on this day for the first time. “The same as it was before January 7 was imposed on us,” says Bogdan, a soldier stationed in eastern Ukraine.