In Rus’, the Christmas and New Year’s period was always thought to be imbued with particular magical powers. Yet the rites and traditions connected with it have roots not only in Christianity ...

According to Lagunina, the main day of celebration "is actually not Christmas, but New Year." "It's all about New Year," she says. "This comes first in the Orthodox calendar, so Christmas is ...

Aleksandr Kondratuk/Sputnik Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Russia are filled wit traditions linked to both Christianity and ancient Slavic beliefs. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates ...

Ukraine passed a law moving the date of its official Christmas holiday to Dec. 25, dropping the Russian Orthodox Church’s tradition of celebrating the holiday on Jan. 7.

Local residents joined for the annual Christmas Bazaar and Food Festival in Santa Rosa. Anthony Maximov wore his shiny blue traditional Russian blouse reverently Sunday. His outfit was one of many ...

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday signed a law moving the official Christmas Day holiday to Dec. 25 from Jan. 7, the day when the Russian Orthodox Church ...

Ukraine picks new Christmas date in break with Russian tradition. For the first time in a century, Ukraine will celebrate the holiday on December 25 rather than January 7.

Ukraine has passed legislation moving its official Christmas holiday to December 25, further distancing itself from the traditions of the Putin-aligned Russian Orthodox Church, which celebrates ...

KYIV, Ukraine >> Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday signed a law moving the official Christmas Day holiday to Dec. 25 from Jan. 7, the day when the Russian Orthodox Church ...