The President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the unity and warmth of Ukrainians embody the true spirit of Christmas and its unique atmosphere.
He made this statement during his Christmas greetings to Ukrainians. In particular, the president highlighted the difference between Ukrainians and Russians by referencing the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, where the great Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych lived and worked for several years. The composer taught music to children in the city, established a choir, and it was in Pokrovsk that he composed the second version of "Shchedryk," which is now heard in every corner of the Earth during this time. According to Zelensky, Leontovych gifted the world the musical spirit of Christmas.
"The divine music created there and the evil brought by Russia vividly illustrate the difference between us and them," Zelensky emphasized.
The president noted that Ukrainians aspire to create, while "for some, the meaning of life is to sow death." "We want peace, we want justice, we want tranquility," the head of state stressed.
"All we need is to live peacefully on our land, to see the sun, our sky, and in it - the Christmas star, rather than Iranian 'shahids' and Russian missiles. Yet for some, 'it's boring and they crave action.' These words are proof of how far they are from God, from Christianity, from true faith. And this is evidence of why their captivity and darkness are destined to fail. We know this. The world knows this," the president is convinced.
Zelensky believes that God knows this, and evil will ultimately lose.
"Ukrainians believe in this and pray for it. That all this misery and dirt may disappear from our land forever. And Ukrainians undoubtedly deserve this," the president stated.
Moreover, the head of state reminded that Ukrainians are celebrating Christmas for the third time during the war, which prevents "our large Ukrainian family from celebrating it fully - as we would like, as it should be."
The president expressed regret that "not all of us are at home." "Unfortunately, not everyone has a home. And sadly, not everyone is with us. However, despite all the hardships brought by the enemy, they have not succeeded in capturing or destroying the most important thing - our hearts, the light within us, our faith in goodness and mercy, the humanity inside each of us," the president noted.
He emphasized that Ukrainians have not lost their values, and therefore today they honor all those who gave their lives to protect them.
"We are praying today for all those on the front lines, for their safe return. For all those in captivity, that they may come home. For all those whom Russia has forced into occupation. For all those who were compelled to leave. For everyone who is struggling, but who have not lost Ukraine within themselves, which means that Ukraine will never lose them," the president said.
Additionally, the president noted that "we are celebrating Christmas for the second time on the same date as one big family, one united country."
"For the second time in our new history, Christmas unites all Ukrainians. Today we stand side by side. And we will not be lost. In person or in spirit, we will congratulate each other, call our parents, kiss our children, embrace our loved ones, and remember those who are dear to us. Whether in person, from a distance, or in our souls - Ukrainians are together today. And as long as we do this, evil has no chance. Our unity and warmth towards each other is the true spirit of Christmas, its unique atmosphere, which we will preserve within ourselves and share with those around us. With everyone we love. With everyone who is so dear to us," Zelensky concluded.
The head of state wishes that the light of faith reigns in our souls, our hearts are filled with the light of hope, and every home is filled with love and abundance.
Christmas on December 25
In 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church transitioned to the New Julian calendar to celebrate Christmas on December 25. This year, Ukrainians are celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the second time.