Zelenskyy signs law on moving Christmas to new style
Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: tvcenter.ru
On July 28, 2023, the Day of the Baptism of Rus, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Law № 9431 "On Amendments to Article 73 of the Labour Code of Ukraine", as well as Decree № 455 "On Amendments to some decrees of the President of Ukraine".
It goes about changing the dates of some holidays, which are celebrated at the national level.
Now in Ukraine, Christmas will be officially celebrated on 25 December instead of 7 January.
In addition, the dates of other holidays have also changed:
- The Day of Ukrainian Cossacks and Defenders' Day are moved from 14 October to 1 October;
- Day of Ukrainian Script and Language – from 9 November to 27 October;
- Day of Baptism of Kievan Rus-Ukraine and Ukrainian Statehood Day– from 28 July to 15 July;
- Adoption Day – from 30 September to 17 September.
- Family Day will be celebrated on 15 May.
On 14 July, the Verkhovna Rada approved a draft law on moving the celebration of Christmas, Ukrainian Statehood Day and Defenders' Day of Ukraine.
As previously reported, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will continue celebrating Christmas on 7 January.
Read also
OCU parishioners in Kosmach sue each other over December 25 service
An OCU parish in Ivano-Frankivsk Region held no services either on December 25 or on January 7.
Analyst likens Bankova’s case against UOC to Stalin-era repression
Bondarenko said the way the authorities justify pressure on the Church may amount to the rhetoric of the totalitarian era.
Christmas caroling and festive concerts held across UOC eparchies
During the January celebration of the Nativity of Christ, UOC communities across the country sing carols, hold concerts, and organize charitable initiatives.
Primate: God’s law is written in every human heart
During a sermon in Boryspil, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the meaning of Christmas and the need to live according to God’s commandments.
Media: Transgender-identified inmates sexually assault women in US prisons
Female inmates, who have been interviewed extensively as part of the research on the impact of gender ideology in custodial settings, describe the facility as “a haven for sexual predators who pretend to be transgender.”
Guardian: Bible sales in Britain hit new highs in 2025
Specialists are noting growing interest in Christian texts amid social change and a rethinking of faith’s role in contemporary society.