Ukraine Watches a Calendar Change in the Orthodox Church
Since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, Ukrainian religious life began a new phase as faith communities sought to redefine their ties with Moscow. In the wake of a year-long war that began in February, the question of church alignment has deepened, stirring conversations about identity, history, and how religious practice can shape a nation in conflict. This moment could alter the face of Ukrainian religious life for generations, with implications for ecumenical relations and national sovereignty. [Source: Reuters]
Over the past weekend, two leading church figures sat down in Kiev for talks that have drawn wide attention. Sviatoslav Shevchuk leads a church that historically recognized the authority of the pope. Epiphanius I leads the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, a body formed in 2018 as part of a broader realignment from Moscow and a step toward greater autonomy for Ukrainian church communities. [Source: Associated Press]
The meeting concluded with a notable announcement: a potential shift within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church that could include adopting the Gregorian calendar, which is standard in many Western Catholic countries. Until now, Ukrainian Orthodox communities have used the older Julian calendar named after Julius Caesar. The move would align Ukraine more closely with Western Christian practice, mirroring changes seen in neighboring countries while raising questions about tradition, liturgical timing, and unity among Orthodox and Catholic observers. [Source: Reuters]
Christmas and Easter
If implemented, this shift would affect the dates celebrated for major feasts. The birth of Jesus, Christmas, is currently observed on January 7 by Ukrainian Orthodox communities, while Catholics celebrate December 25. Easter observance, which also depends on calendar calculations, could be impacted as well. The change is not automatic and would require careful negotiation within the church leadership and among parish communities. [Source: BBC]
For now, Epiphanius I has allowed flexibility within the faithful. Parishioners may choose to mark Christmas on December 25 or January 7, depending on local tradition or personal preference. A spokesperson for the Kyiv Orthodox Archdiocese clarified that the church has not officially changed Christmas date and emphasized that the changes are conditional on future circumstances shaped by the ongoing conflict. The date December 25 is already recognized as a holiday in Ukraine since 2017. [Source: Kyiv Post]
The decision, as explained by church officials, is tied to wartime realities and potential future adaptations. The aim is to respect the diversity of parish practices while maintaining unity within the broader Ukrainian church family. [Source: Reuters]
Politics in Between
The broader backdrop is political. In early December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed restricting the Moscow branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a long-standing symbol of ties to the Russian Orthodox Church. The proposal noted that action could be pursued legislatively. [Source: New York Times]
Legal and practical obstacles persist. Analysts point to existing protections for religious groups, even as some church leaders publicly supported Moscow during the conflict. In recent months Ukrainian authorities reported the detention of priests accused of collaborating with Russian forces, underscoring the tense atmosphere in which religious institutions operate. [Source: Reuters]
The evolving situation illustrates how faith groups in Ukraine navigate national security concerns, historical loyalties, and the desire for spiritual autonomy. The upcoming days may reveal whether the church can balance identity with diplomacy in a country striving for stability. [Source: Associated Press]