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Orthodox Christmas Day in Ukraine is celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in the West. This tradition reflects the country's dominant Orthodox Christian faith, particularly within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Traditionally, Ukrainian Christmas festivities begin on Christmas Eve, known as "Sviatyi Vechir" or "Holy Evening," with a family meal called "Sviata Vecheria" (Holy Supper), which includes twelve dishes symbolizing the twelve apostles. The meal often starts when the first star appears in the sky, signifying the Star of Bethlehem.
Key elements of these dishes are Kutia (sweet grain pudding), pickled herring, borscht (beet soup), varenyky (dumplings), and other foods that have been fasted from during Advent. The supper begins with a prayer or carol and might include sharing a special Christmas bread called "kolach."
Families also attend church services either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas morning. Carols known as "koliadky" are sung by groups who visit homes spreading good wishes; this practice is known as "koliaduvannya."
In recent years, especially after Ukraine's independence in 1991 and following political and cultural shifts away from Russian influences, both Western (December 25th) and Orthodox Christmas have been recognized. However, for many Ukrainians, particularly those adhering to the Orthodox faith, January 7th remains a significant date for religious celebration.
The term "suspended" could imply that certain public celebrations or official observances were put on hold due to specific events such as political decisions or public health concerns.
