It's a Christmas of many firsts for this family in Australia who fled the war in Ukraine.
Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ on 7 January.
"On the table should be 12 types of food. We don't have all types. But we're in a new country, and we try and provide the best we can," she said through translation provided by eldest son Denys. At the age of 16, he has picked up English rapidly in the last five months.Orthodox Christians of various denominations celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ on 7 January based on the Julian calendar.
The shadow of the 11-month conflict in their home country of Ukraine is very much present as they engage in rituals to mark the birth of Jesus. But settling into a new country from a war zone with limited English language skills has not been easy. "The first two months was so hard. I just cried for two months. After that, I understand that life continues and I should do something because I have a life when others do not," Mrs Drobushar said."It is the hardest time for us, this Christmas. In the past, we always celebrate this day with my mother. Now we're celebrating alone [without her] - just us.
"We come together to open our hearts, to pray for peace. We are aware of the many conflicts in the world today, including in Ukraine. We pray because there are also many innocent people who are killed every day."Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukraine rejects Vladimir Putin's call for Orthodox Christmas truceUkraine spurns an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin for a 36-hour ceasefire over Orthodox Christmas, saying there would be no truce until Russia withdraws its invading forces from occupied land.
Read more »
Orthodox Christians in Ukraine and Russia celebrate Christmas in shadow of warOrthodox Christians attend church to celebrate Christmas, a holiday darkened for many by the conflict raging between Russia and Ukraine.
Read more »
3.3 million US adults displaced by natural disasters in past year – surveyHurricanes responsible for more than half of the forced locations, according to US Census Bureau
Read more »
'Break the convention': Belinda Clark says first female cricketer statue should inspire 'courage'The first statue of a female cricketer joins the 73 sculptures of male ones across Australia.
Read more »
Super Bomberman saved my Christmas – and my middle-aged gaming dad prideDominik Diamond’s 18-year-old son was setting off for his first Christmas away from home. How could he send him off with memories to savour?
Read more »