All Ukrainian Orthodox Churches, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, most Ukrainian Evangelical Christians and Jerusalem, Russian, Serbian, and Georgian Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on January 7. This day is an official public holiday in Ukraine.
All Ukrainian Orthodox Churches, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, most Ukrainian Evangelical Christians and Jerusalem, Russian, Serbian, and Georgian Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on January 7. This day is an official public holiday in Ukraine.
The decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25 was made at Ephesus (Third Ecumenical) Church Council in the year 431.
A key role in implementing a separate Christmas celebration in the East was played by three Eastern Church Fathers: St. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. Under the influence of St. Gregory the Theologian this feast was introduced in Constantinople. In Jerusalem, Christmas was celebrated with Epiphany up to 634. In the fourth century Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, built a church in Bethlehem.
In Ukraine, Eastern rite Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7, December 25 according to the Julian calendar — the official date of birth of Jesus. The integral feature of the celebration of Christmas in Ukraine is carol singing, which glorifies the newborn Christ. Carolers go from house to house, proclaiming the good news — the birth of Christ. In all the churches festive Christmas Liturgies are celebrated. The whole family gathers at the holiday table. The greeting words during the Christmas season are "Christ is Born! Glorify Him!"