UOC hierarch comments on attempts to impose a common Easter date

Metropolitan Boholep. Photo: Screenshot from the Alexandria Eparchy's YouTube channel

On the YouTube channel of the Alexandrian Eparchy, Metropolitan Boholep of Alexandria and Svitlovodsk commented on the initiatives of Pope Francis and representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate regarding the establishment of a unified Easter date for Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

The hierarch analyzed in detail the statements made by Pope Francis, Patriarch Bartholomew, and other representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate concerning the 2025 anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and the proposal to establish a common Easter date.

He refrained from making any direct assessments of these initiatives but called on the faithful to approach them with prudence and wisdom.

"In our tradition, especially in modern times, we associate Easter with various situations. For us, Easter is a source of inspiration, a time of hope. By sharing this information – which is already widely known – I want to draw your attention to these aspects. We must be wise, informed, and understanding," emphasized the metropolitan.

He stated that "we must at least try to understand, within our abilities, the processes taking place today in the world, particularly in the Christian world."

The hierarch also mentioned the position of the Romanian Church, which maintains that any discussion about changing the Easter date should only take place within the framework of a Pan-Orthodox Council.

At the same time, he hinted that in the current political climate, he could not say much more.

"I anticipate that some of our viewers will say that the bishop spoke about everything yet about nothing. Yes, under such conditions, we must at least discuss certain facts. But to reflect on these difficult yet highly relevant topics of our spiritual reality, we must arm ourselves with knowledge, prayer, understanding, patience, and humility," the hierarch stated.

He expressed hope that "this dry and seemingly uninteresting topic will make some people think."

"May the upcoming Easter be for us a time of strengthening in our faith, in Christ’s love, and in the awareness that God is with us," concluded Metropolitan Boholep.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Pope Francis had called on Christians to establish a unified Easter date. Meanwhile, the Romanian Church stated that any initiative regarding the Easter date should only be discussed within a Pan-Orthodox Council.

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