Some Ukrainians move up Christmas to part ways with Russia

A woman attends a Christmas mass at an Orthodox Church in Bobrytsia, outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022. [AP Photo]

Ukrainians usually celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, as do the Russians. But not this year, or at least not all of them.

Some Orthodox Ukrainians have decided to observe Christmas on Dec. 25, like many Christians around the world. Yes, this has to do with the war, and yes, they have the blessing of their local church.