Russians suppress Christmas celebrations in occupied Ukrainian territories
Photo: Russians are trying to ban Christmas celebrations in the occupation (Getty Images)
Russians in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are trying to suppress the celebration of Christmas according to the New Julian calendar, which is celebrated on December 24 and 25, according to the ATESH guerrilla movement.
The guerrillas said that collaborators at the enterprises collect information about people who observe this tradition and pass it on to the FSB. People who observe Ukrainian traditions are considered potential saboteurs.
Russian occupiers perceive the celebration of Christmas from December 24 to 25 as a manifestation of Ukrainian identity and a threat to them.
In addition, Russian occupiers seek to suppress any cultural traditions associated with the Ukrainian church and people.
“However, attempts to eradicate Ukrainian culture are doomed to failure,” the guerrillas emphasized.
Christmas celebrations
With the transition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) to the New Julian calendar, the traditional dates of church holidays in Ukraine have changed. Christmas is officially celebrated on December 25. Historically, it was also customary in Ukraine to celebrate Christmas on this date.
The transition to the New Julian calendar was the result of social changes and public demand. While the Julian calendar was previously perceived as part of an ancient Ukrainian tradition, it is now increasingly associated with Russian church culture.
In May 2023, the Bishops' Council of the OCU decided to switch to the New Julian calendar. It is more accurately aligned with astronomical phenomena than the Gregorian calendar and lacks the disadvantages of the Julian calendar.
According to the New Julian calendar, Christmas in 2024 falls on Wednesday, December 25. Christmas Eve, accordingly, was on Tuesday, December 24.
