Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Many Ukrainian Christians celebrate Christmas Day early

Russia Ukraine War Orthodox Christmas

Ukrainian priest Rostyslav Korchak celebrates Christmas mass in Bobrytsia, Ukraine Source: AAP / Felipe Dana/AP

SBS News In Depth
View Podcast Series
Download the SBS Audio appAvailable on iOS and Android

Ukrainian Orthodox Christians usually celebrate Christmas on January 7, as do other Orthodox communities - including the Russians. But this year some Orthodox Ukrainians are observing Christmas on December 25, like many other Christians around the world.

Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.

Share

Latest podcast episodes

Person on phone using AI technology.
PAULINE HANSON SENATE
Two women are walking on a path in the forest.
Smoke and flames rise from an Israeli airstrike that hit the Qasmiyeh Bridge near the coastal city of Tyre, Lebanon, Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Recommended for you

A hand holding a petrol pump
A graphic of stock market panel and fighter jets
A man wearing a hat and a blue beach shirt stands beneath a tall coconut tree, his hands clasped in front.
A man in a blue shirt fills his car with petrol at a petrol station
A person holds Australian banknotes
A composite image showing a busy street in South Asia filled with motorcyclists on the left, and a Shell “Reddy express“ fuel price sign on the right. The left side captures several commuters on motorbikes wearing helmets in dense traffic. The right side features a tall white petrol station sign displaying a “save 4¢“ offer, with Unleaded priced at 213.9 and Diesel at 191.9.
Person waiting, holding passport and boarding pass at the airport terminal
A group of three women, all protesters, hold a sign carrying the banned phrase, 'From the river to the sea'. The sign also reads “No better tea than sovereignty“.

Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world