Zelensky: Today all Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the same date

Zelensky assured that all Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on 25 December. Photo: a screenshot of Zelensky's YouTube channel

On 24 December 2023, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, standing in front of the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas. The video message is posted on Zelensky's YouTube channel.

"Today all Ukrainians are together, we meet Christmas on the same date as one big family, one nation, one united country," assured Zelensky. He believes, "Today our common prayer, people's prayer, will be more powerful than ever."

"Today it will unite millions of voices, more than ever before," the President is convinced. “And it will sound without a time difference of two weeks, together with Europe and the world."

Zelensky believes that this prayer is "unique" because it will be "for people, for peace, for justice, for life". He particularly stressed that this prayer will be "from different denominations" and, therefore, "will have no boundaries".

The President mentioned that Ukrainians are "going the path to obtain spiritual independence, freedom of our faith from the ideology of slavery, from the cult that has nothing human and sacred."

Zelensky said the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is "a symbol of Ukrainian history, culture, religion, Orthodoxy, all Eastern Christianity".

"The Lavra is a place of strength for people," the President said, highlighting that the monastery will always be "a source of spirit for those who believe in the victory of truth and Ukraine”.

At the end of the address, Zelensky quoted lines from the pre-Christian pagan carol: "Oh, how it was from the beginning of time": "So that the heavens and the earth ripen, the heavens – with stars, the earth – with flowers, oh, God grant."

As reported, Volodymyr Zelensky lit a menorah with Jews at the President's Office.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.