Despite Government Measures, Ukrainians Maintain High Nativity Attendance
Orthodox Nativity in Ukraine drew large, vibrant congregations, showing that deeply rooted religious traditions persist despite political and administrative pressures.
KYIV — Orthodox Nativity services in Ukraine were widely attended this year, with full churches and visible congregations, despite administrative and political pressures, reports Politika Online, Serbia’s oldest daily newspaper. Videos and social media posts documenting the celebrations prompted reactions from some radical elements, with threats to report worshippers to Ukrainian security services.
The article notes that government measures, including the symbolic declaration of January 7 as “Programmer’s Day,” aimed to diminish traditional religious observances in public life. Yet, the large turnout shows that deeply rooted religious practices cannot be easily changed by administrative decrees.
Special attention was given to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, where Metr. Onufriy led the Nativity Liturgy. Social media searches indicate that Nativity greetings and religious content were among the most common queries during the holidays. Ukrainian refugees in Europe also reported observing family traditions independent of state calendars, highlighting the enduring strength of faith and custom in Ukrainian society.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Ecumenical Patriarch urged the canonical UOC to "reconsider its stance" regarding the illegitimacy of the OCU.
