On December 25, 2023, Ukraine celebrates Christmas, marking the culmination of years of cultural and ecclesiastical evolution. For the second consecutive year, this date is now recognized both as the national holiday and as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ by believers of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC). According to data from the International Republican Institute, last year, 53% of Ukrainians celebrated Christmas on December 25, up from 42% the year before.
This significant shift dates back to historical events where church leaders have made the momentous decision to switch their liturgical calendar. The decision has been solidified through consultations with prominent figures within the church hierarchy, emphasizing the need to move away from the traditional January 7 celebration, which followed the Julian calendar.
With advocacy from leaders such as Metropolitan Epiphanius, who has articulated the importance of the change, the OCU stated, "The main point for Christians is not the date or specific numbers on the calendar, but the content and meaning of the event we honor—Christ is born, glorify Him!" This statement reflects not only the religious sentiments of many within Ukraine, but it outlines the church's dedication to aligning itself more closely with the broader Christian practices observed globally.
This marking of Christmas aligns Ukraine's observance with significant portions of the Western world, where December 25 has long been recognized. The historical background reveals long-standing discussions around the Christmas celebration, with the first known records of December 25 as the birthdate of Jesus appearing as far back as the 4th century AD, culminating in the formal decision made at the Council of Ephesus.
With the advent of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the conversation around church calendars gained urgency. The UGCC and OCU accelerated their discussions on aligning practices and distancing themselves from narratives perpetuated by the Russian Orthodox Church, which frequently taps on themes of “brotherhood” to influence perceptions throughout the region.
The Ukrainian government has also been involved, with President Volodymyr Zelensky issuing decrees synchronizing state celebrations with the new church calendar. This action, along with social sentiments, highlights the growing disconnect with Russian narratives and drives toward defining Ukrainian identity through its own cultural and religious practices. A recent survey revealed 63% of Ukrainians support the transition to the new liturgical calendar, indicating strong national consensus around this issue.
While the churches have provided flexibility for communities not fully ready to switch, the overarching sentiment emphasizes unity and cultural identity. By adopting the new calendar, church leaders portray it as synchronizing with the momentous efforts undertaken by Ukraine to craft its identity away from Russian influence.
The transition encompasses not only the celebration of Christmas but the reshaping of various ecclesiastical events to reflect contemporary understandings and identities. This year, for the first time, Christmas will witness the alignment of the Catholic and Orthodox celebrations, fostering new traditions and practices. Many Ukrainians are expected to attend midnight masses and family gatherings, and there is hope for revitalizing festivities around the holiday.
With established traditions such as inviting carol singers and lighting candles to invoke warmth and good fortune, Ukrainians are weaving their newly affirmed celebrations with historical practices as well. During this time, the message of peace and unity resonates even more amid the trials of war, symbolizing resilience. The cultural repercussions of this change can lead to significant shifts toward religious identity and cultural independence.
The churches' commitment to maintaining shared traditions has not gone unnoticed and reflects broader movements within the community. Future celebrations will aim to bridge traditional customs with newfound recognition, marking this transitional period as both historical and deeply personal. The decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25 signifies hope and unity for Ukrainians during times of adversity.
