ffileblog91

       Ukraine celebrates Christmas on December 25 for the first time and distances itself from Russia Christmas has more than spiritual weight for many Ukrainians this year: the country celebrates it as a public holiday for the first time on December 25, rather than the later date that follows in Russia. KRYVORIVNIA, Ukraine (AP) — Christmas took on more than spiritual weight for many Ukrainians this year, as the country newly celebrated it as a national holiday on Dec. 25, rather than the later date that followed in Russia. The change, adopted in legislation signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, reflects both Ukrainians' dismay at the 22-month-old Russian invasion and their push for a national identity. Ukraine is predominantly Orthodox Christianity, but the faith is divided between two churches, one of which has long been associated with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which did not recognize the authority of the Russian Church and was consi