Those who are not for Russia: OCU reminds of the beginning of Nativity Fast

Mikhail Zinkevich. Photo: pravoslavlaviavolyni.org.ua

The head of the Volyn and Lutsk dioceses of the OCU "metropolitan" Mikhail Zinkevich reminded those reluctant to celebrate Christmas by the Russian calendar that the Nativity Fast had begun, according to the official website of the diocese.

"We congratulate the Christians who began their fast on November 15 to celebrate the Nativity of Christ the Savior with Europe," Zinkevich said.

In his opinion, calendar controversies should not cause any argument in Ukraine. "Feel free to celebrate Christmas when it is celebrated in Russia or in Constantinople or elsewhere, since it is everybody's individual right, while the OCU must support and respect both positions," said the “hierarch".

He is convinced it is important that the fast be observed, because "it is not important when you start it, but how you will do it."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the OCU in Volyn celebrated Christmas because "the Maidan stood for it", however, the leadership of the Ukrainian schismatics did not like such an initiative and condemned Zinkevich's decision to celebrate Christmas in a new style.

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