Ukrainian Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas in December for the first time this year | CBC News

For many Ukrainian Orthodox Christians, this year will mark the first time they celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25.

The move is meant to distance the church from the Russian Orthodox Church, which has traditionally celebrated Christmas on Jan. 7 every year.

The change was made official in July, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law to move the Christmas holiday. A note attached to the law said the goal is to “abandon the Russian heritage,” citing the “relentless, successful struggle” for Ukrainian identity and their desire to have their own traditions and holidays.

Reverend Father Myroslav Shmyhelskyy, who leads the congregation at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Sophia in Waterloo said his congregation is looking forward to celebrating Christmas Day at the same time as all Canadians this year.

“This may take maybe one year, maybe two years, just to get used to,” he said, adding that the changes will also allow the younger members of his congregation to celebrate Christmas with everyone else in Canada.

“We’re together and this is much more easy for the people, to enjoy the church and make the celebration.”

Taras Kinash, the priest at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Cathedral in Ottawa, explained the significance moving the date has had on some members of his congregation.

“Many people who came here from Ukraine since war broke out, they suffered from Russian aggression and everything which is connecting to Russia, including celebrating Christmas on Jan. 7.”

He added that some Ukrainian Orthodox Christians may still feel torn about the date adjustment.

“There is still a group of people who would prefer to have it as it was before because it is something exclusive, something close to their tradition. But in terms of the research that was done, in terms of the surveys which was made all over the country [in Ukraine], most of the parishioners are in favour to switch to the newer … Julian calendar,” Kinash said.

“You don’t want to have nothing familiar with Russia.”