Kyiv - Ukrainian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25 for the first time, departing from the traditional Julian calendar observed in Russia, where Christmas falls on January 7.

President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision in July to align Ukraine's Christmas celebration with the Western (Gregorian) calendar marked a symbolic break from Russian influence. In his Christmas message, Zelensky emphasized unity, stating that Ukrainians now celebrate Christmas together on the same date.

The move to a unified Christmas date holds special significance for many, fostering a sense of togetherness and gratitude.

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), established in 2019, also shifted its Christmas date to December 25. The OCU formally separated from the Russian Orthodox Church in 2014, following Moscow's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Across the country, people marked the occasion with prayers and candle-lighting ceremonies.

In Lviv, a western city relatively untouched by the conflict, children in traditional costumes sang carols and participated in festive processions on the streets. While many have embraced the OCU in recent years, millions still follow the historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), maintaining the January 7 Christmas tradition.

The UOC asserts its 2022 split from Moscow resulted from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, although skepticism lingers among some. Despite differences in Christmas dates, the festive spirit remains strong, with some Ukrainians likely to celebrate twice, embracing the joyous occasion on both December 25 and January 7.