Ukraine will celebrate Christmas on December 25 for the first time in 106 years; Distance from Russia or closeness to Europe?
Relatives of soldiers from the Azov Regiment, who were captured by Russia in May after the fall of Mariupol, sit at the Christmas table in a flashmob action under the Christmas tree demanding to free the prisoners, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
For the first time since 1917, this year, like many other countries, Ukraine has decided to celebrate Christmas on December 25 instead of January 7. This step is not just a change in the date. Actually, according to the Julian calendar, the date of Christmas is January 7 and this festival is celebrated on this date in Russia.
This decision is considered a big step in the ongoing efforts for cultural change in the country. This step has been taken as part of efforts to eliminate Moscow’s influence on Ukraine. Ukraine has now adopted the Western Gregorian calendar which shows that the country is trying its best to bring itself in line with Europe.
There is a decoration factory in Klavdievo-Tarasove, a small town outside the capital Kiev. This factory once supplied Christmas decorations to the entire Soviet Union. Once upon a time a large number of people used to work here but now it is not so.
Both countries share many cultural ties
In 2022, when Russia occupied this area a month after the attack, this factory was completely closed. However, now one-third of the people working here have returned and the work of making decorations has been resumed and these are being sent to the rest of the country.
Ukraine and Russia share many cultural ties and both countries will always be in close proximity. But Russia’s aggression has only strengthened Ukraine’s identity. Also, considering Russia’s stance, Ukraine is continuously trying to change these common relations.
‘Ukraine is moving closer to Europe, not far from Russia’
One church in Kiev is the Church of St. Andrew. According to the BBC report, Father Andriy here says that it is unfortunate that Ukraine is always seen as Russia’s neighbor. But I think Europe is more our neighbor. Changing the calendar is not moving away from Russia but coming closer to Europe.
On the question whether there is a possibility of forgiving Russia if Russia will always be with Ukraine under all circumstances, Father Andrey said that God forgives only those who repent of their mistakes. We do not think that Russia is repenting of its mistakes. In such a situation, it would be too early to talk about forgiveness.
