image source, GETTY IMAGE
Ukraine is going to celebrate Christmas on December 25 for the first time since 1917. Earlier Christmas was celebrated here on 7th January. This was done on the basis of the Julian calendar, which Russia also uses.
Celebrating Christmas on December 25 is not just a change in the festival day, but it is a part of the steps taken by Ukraine for cultural change, under which it wants to end the influence of Russia in it.
Adopting the Western Gregorian calendar is also part of Ukraine's efforts to bring itself closer to Europe.
Be it war or peace, Christmas comes every year. There is a decorative goods factory in Klavdievo-Tarasov, a small town outside Kiev.
At one time, there used to be a total of three factories including this factory, where the manufactured goods were sent to the entire Soviet Union.
Leokadia, who has been working here since 1978, says, “Earlier many people used to work here, but not anymore.”
She is blowing glass into the shape of a ball on the gas furnace installed on her desk. In this winter season, this furnace is also protecting from cold.
Leocadia
war symbol decorations
Already the production of this factory had gradually reduced. Then in the year 2022, when Ukrainian soldiers attacked and occupied this place for a month, the work came to a complete halt.
Another artisan named Henya says, “I felt very scared when the tanks were running on the streets. We were not going out. There was no news. Were cut off from the rest of the world. “There were very scary circumstances.”
Now, compared to earlier, only one-third of the workers have returned to work, but the work of making decorative items continues. Decorative items are being prepared with great care and are being sent across the country.
What does Henya wish for those Ukrainians who will celebrate Christmas this time under Russian occupation?
She says, “You have to have faith, you have to have hope and you will definitely find salvation.”
'We will win soon'
Henya's work is a bit artistic. He and his co-workers have to paint each glass ball by hand.
You will find many army themed items among the goods made by them. Such as miniature soldiers, MiG fighter jets and even a Ukrainian tractor pulling a Russian tank. All of these are made to hang on the Christmas tree.
“I think whoever sees this kind of ball will feel hopeful that our country will soon win.”
Tamila says all this in such a loud voice, which is rarely heard here in Ukraine.
image source, REUTERS
A Ukrainian soldier looks at his country's destroyed tank
Strengthening Ukrainian identity
Ukraine and Russia have deep cultural ties and will remain each other's neighbors in the future. But Ukraine's identity is being boosted by Russia's aggression.
The kind of Russian aggression that Bucha town had seen would hardly have been seen anywhere else. This town is a few kilometers away from this decorative items factory.
When Russian soldiers were advancing towards Kiev last year, they were accused of killing more than 500 civilians. These are the most gruesome allegations of atrocities so far in this war.
The names of some of these killed people are written on the memorial built in front of St. Andrews Church.
Amidst the golden domes shining in the winter sun, some parts are visible where some grass has grown.
This is the same place where a mass grave built during the Russian occupation was found. It was only when the Russians left that the bodies of those killed could be removed from here.
image source, Getty Images
Black smoke rising after Russia's attack in Kiev.
Will Ukrainians be able to forgive Russia?
“Unfortunately, many people in the world think that Ukraine is related to Russia, but I think we are closer to Europe,” says Father Andrey, sitting by candlelight in the crypt of St. Andrews Church.
He says, “We did not change the calendar because we are moving away from Russia. “Rather, we are going back with Europe, where we really belong.”
BBC
God forgives sinners, but only those who repent. We don't think they (the Russians) are repenting for their sins or mistakes.
I asked that Russia will always be Ukraine's neighbor, so will you ever forget what its attack has done to your native land.
He says, “God forgives sinners, but only those who repent. We don't think they are repentant for their sins or mistakes. In such a situation, it would be too early to talk about forgiveness.”
Russia's repentance for Ukraine will begin only when it stops the invasion. But there are no signs of this happening.
(Additional reporting by Hannah Cournauer, Vicki Riddell and Anastasia Levchenko)
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