Less than a year ago, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was granted Independence from the main body of Russian Orthodoxy. There is now an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with its own hierarchy, free of the Russian yoke.

Even though I am a Jew, I love Christmas music, and one of my  main favorites has a new meaning, in the light of the above news. (actually, my maternal grandfather was born in Odessa, now a part of independent Ukraine, so I do have a connection).  Each year, I try to pick up a new Christmas CD, and a few years ago I found this disk of Kiev Christmas Liturgy.  I love the sound of the male voices, singing in Russian.  Sublime, and I hope you like it too.