French actor Gerard Depardieu celebrated Orthodox Christmas in Ukraine with the former Soviet republic's PRESIDENT VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO. The GREENCARD star was invited to the state palace by Yushchenko and his wife KATERYNA for the event which is celebrated on January 7 every year. The actor is an ardent supporter of the president, who has been responsible for leading his country to democracy. Depardieu says, "I hold in high respect the president (Yushchenko) and love dearly Ukraine."