Dumenko congratulates OCU “hierarch” who bears the Russian saint's name

Drabinko and Dumenko. Photo: Facebook page “For the Ukrainian Church”

“Hierarch” of the OCU Alexander Drabinko published on his Facebook page a photocopy of the congratulations on his name day received from Epifaniy Dumenko. In his message, the head of the OCU notes that Drabinko’s “heavenly patron” is the Venerable Alexander Svirsky, a Russian saint (1448–1533), founder of the Trinity Monastery in the modern Leningrad region.

The “bishop” received congratulations from Dumenko on September 12 – the day of remembrance of St. Alexander of Svirsky according to the Julian calendar. Drabinko’s Facebook page also reports that the day before he “served festive Vespers with the reading of an akathist to St. Alexander,” and a “liturgy” on his name day.

As the UOJ wrote, Epifaniy Dumenko previously stated that Ukrainians should renounce their saints, in whose honor they were baptized, if these saints are related to the Russian Orthodox Church or Russia. He was also disappointed that at the request of believers, it was necessary to “temporarily” retain famous Russian saints in the church calendar.

The UOJ also reported that from September 1, 2023, the OCU switched to a new style. Drabinko stated that it was on his initiative that the OCU called on the authorities to move public holidays according to the updated church calendar.

According to another “hierarch” of the OCU, Simeon Shostatsky, those who continue to adhere to the old style continue to live “a little bit by the Moscow calendar”.

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