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
Synod of Ukrainian Orthodox Church сanonizes Blessed John Pokhodenchyk
In July of this year, the Commission on the Canonization of Saints reviewed materials regarding the glorification of the ascetic from the Kirovohrad region.
November 2 – International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
Over six months ago, UOJ Orthodox journalists were arrested and placed in detention, facing life sentences for covering the religious situation in Ukraine.
Met. Longin’s lawyer: Judges wanted to ban video recording of the trial
After the judge decided to conduct the session 'in camera', Metropolitan Longin suffered a heart attack.
Odesa UOC Eparchy: "We can no longer be silent; we will defend the Church"
The press service of the Odesa Eparchy commented on the statement regarding the ROC's actions toward dioceses in occupied territories.
OCU cathedral in Lutsk decorated with frescoes of businessmen
Due to criticism of this initiative, the images had to be redone.
Yelensky on UOC bishops’ statement: We expect an exit from the ROC, not talks
The DESS head suggested that the Primate did not support this statement, as he hadn't put his signature on it.