Zelensky introduces bill to abolish Christmas on 7 January
Zelensky will no longer congratulate Ukrainians on 7 January. Photo: President’s website
On 28 June 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky registered Bill 9431, which envisages cancelling the celebration of Christmas on 7 January in Ukraine, as well as postponing the dates of Statehood Day and Defenders’ Day, which coincide with the Orthodox holidays of the Baptism of Rus' and the Intercession of the Virgin Mary.
The explanatory note says that "the purpose of the bill is to reject the Russian legacy of imposing Christmas on 7 January and to set the date for celebrating Christmas on 25 December".
Zelensky recalled that the OCU "on May 24, 2023, at the Council of Bishops approved a full transition from 1 September 2023 to the new – New Julian calendar, which is used by most Orthodox Churches in the world and which, in particular, provides for the celebration of Christmas on December 25 and not January 7".
As a consequence, "the dates for celebrating the Day of Ukrainian Statehood (from July 28 to July 15), which honours the memory of St. Volodymyr the Great, an outstanding statesman, and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine (from October 14 to October 1), which is associated with the Ukrainian military tradition of celebrating the Day of the Protection of the Holy Virgin.
The draft law envisions cancelling days off on January 7, July 28 and October 14. In addition to 25 December, it is proposed to make 15 July and 1 October days off.
As reported, according to Yelensky, after the OCU switches to the new calendar, state holidays should be moved.
Read also
UOC hierarch serves memorial service for victims of Kulykove Pole tragedy
Memorial services were held at the Holy Dormition Monastery in Odesa for all those who died as a result of the tragic events of May 2, 2014.
ROCOR rejects to receive clerics of Constantinople Patriarchate
The hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in Munich declined Bishop Emilianos’ petition and rescinded the reception of a deacon from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
DESS experts are publicly linked to OCU – legal scholar
Professor of law Dmytro Vovk noted that DESS experts operate “from the orbit of a competing enterprise,” violating the principle of impartiality.
In Kyiv, fines for destruction of architectural monuments to be increased
The authorities acknowledged that the current sanctions do not stop developers from destroying the cultural heritage of the capital.
UOC monk detained by police in Zhytomyr region, handed over to draft office
Police reportedly used force during the detention of a hieromonk of the Zhytomyr Eparchy of the UOC.
In Munich, 100th anniversary of German Diocese of ROCOR prayerfully celebrated
A solemn Liturgy with the participation of hierarchs and guests from other Churches was held at the Cathedral of the New Martyrs of Russia.