We are together – a big Ukrainian family, and wherever we are now – at home, at work, in a trench, on the road, in Ukraine or abroad – our family is more united than ever, said Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in a video greeting on Christmas according to the Julian calendar.
“Unity in its faith in a single victory. We are still bringing it closer. Every day. Still standing for each other, side by side. Every day. We defend our land, our culture, our traditions, our faith. As our ancestors did – the Cossacks – defenders of the faith and the Church of Christ. And just as all their descendants and continuators of the traditions of our army and our people did,” Zelensky said.
“Today, the spirits of our ancestors help us every day. Beat those who came to our land,” the president stressed.
According to him, “we live in a special time and all our holidays are special. And we have to break some of our traditions to protect our traditions.”
“You can’t wear dark or old shabby clothes for the holidays, so that trouble doesn’t come to the house. But trouble came to our house on Feb. 24, 2022, so we haven’t worn white clothes since then and we fight black forces,” he said.
“Guests should be treated with special cordiality and care. Guests, but not occupiers. On the holy day, you can’t clean and take the trash out of the house, but we fight the devils and take the trash out of our house more than three hundred days in a row,” Zelensky continued.
“It is forbidden to sew and knit, but we weave camouflage nets and sew body armor, overcoming evil. Our ancestors didn’t go hunting these days, but we fight not to become prey and defeat the beast. That’s what God sees. The world sees it,” he said.
The president reminded that the “Carol of the Bells” written to music by Nikolai Leontovich is sung in more than 150 variations and the Ukrainian “Shchedrik” gives the Christmas spirit to the whole planet. “The spirit of hope, goodness and wonder. This year this spirit of peace is given not only by our music, but also by Ukrainian courage, indestructibility, defiance, invincibility,” the president said.
“Today we all have the same dream. May accord come to every family, prosperity to every home, victory to the Ukrainian land, and with it a thousand years of peace and prosperity. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a tasty kuti! Take care of yourselves, take care of your families and take care of our Ukraine!” – Zelensky concluded.
