Ukraine snubs Russia to celebrate Christmas on December 25 for first time

Ukraine is celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the first time since its independence. In defiance of Russia, where most Orthodox believers celebrate on January 7, the Ukraine government changed the date by passing a law in July. Earlier, Ukraine followed Russia's date of celebration.

Believers attend a Christmas Eve service at the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral (Mykhailivskyi Zolotoverkhyi) as Ukrainians celebrate their first Christmas according to a Western calendar(REUTERS)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a Christmas message which was released on Sunday evening. He highlighted that Ukraine would be celebrating the festival on the same date as one united country.