Church bells and chanting rang throughout Ukraine's capital as Orthodox Christians attended Christmas services on Sunday, a defiant break from Russian religious leaders who will mark the holiday in two weeks.
Worshippers receive Holy Communion during the Christmas Mass in Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, aka Latin Cathedral, in western Ukrainian city of Lviv on December 25, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Yuriy Dyachyshyn/ AFP
Worshipper Olga Stanko told AFP on Sunday she supported any move that would distance Ukraine from Russia—and said she believed shifting the Christmas date was overdue. An Interfax-Ukraine poll showed that, like her, nearly half of Ukrainians are in favour of moving the holy day, up from 26 percent in 2021—though 31 percent were still against it.
In his sermon, Archpriest Mykhailo Omelyan appeared to allude to widespread power and heating cuts caused by Russian attacks that have affected millions in and beyond the city. Other reminders of the war included burnt-out Russian tanks on display in the square outside the church, and an air raid siren that sounded about 25 minutes into the service.
Yet the same church will also hold a Christmas service on January 7 to accommodate those who aren't ready to change, said Father Andriy.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
LOOK: Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee's Christmas partyOver the past few days, a lot of us have probably attended a number of Christmas parties, all leading up to the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations we'll be having with our families. Celebrities are no different from us, as evidenced by the Christmas bash Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee held at their shared home a few days ago. Of course, the famous friends invited their own famous friends, such as Max Collins, designer Chris Nick, and Kimson Tan. CHECK OUT SOME SCENES FROM RHIAN RAMOS AND MICHELLE DEE'S CHRISTMAS PARTY IN THE GALLERY BELOW.
Read more »