Orthodox churches in Ukraine are further distancing themselves from Russia by celebrating Christmas on December 25, as the invasion of their country continues.

Ukraine, like Russia, had observed Orthodox Christmas on January 7 according to the Julian calendar. But earlier this year, Kyiv officially changed the date to align with Western European countries.

On Sunday, Christmas Eve services were held across the country. At Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, people gathered for prayers from 5 p.m.

The monastery was said to have strong Russian influence before the invasion. But this year, the Christmas Eve service was held in the Ukrainian language. The country is parting with Russian religious and cultural traditions amid the prolonged fighting.

A woman who came to pray at the monastery said she thinks changing the official date of Christmas is very important. She said the country should distance itself from Russia and its holidays.

The woman's husband is a soldier fighting on the frontlines, who said he hopes Ukraine will win soon so that they can put down their machine guns and return home.