The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) has decided to allow believers to celebrate Christmas on 25 December, its Secretariat has reported.
The OCU noted that they took into account the numerous requests from believers and the discussion that "has been going on for many years in the Church and in society" regarding the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ according to the Revised Julian calendar.
"Where there are pastoral circumstances for this and the desire of the faithful is confirmed, as an exception, to allow, by the decision of the priest and the community, on 25 December 2022 to hold the Nativity of Christ service and subsequently inform in writing the Kyiv Metropolis via the diocesan administrations about the number of participants in such a service," the Secretariat said.
During the celebration, its participants on this day are exempt from the restrictions of fasting.
Earlier, OCU head Metropolitan Epifaniy (Dumenko), said that it would be possible to carry out a calendar reform and switch to celebrating Christmas on 25 December in 10 years.
Meanwhile, 30% of religious communities in Ukraine celebrate Christmas on 25 December.