OCU explains why it intends to switch to a new calendar style
According to Dumenko's associates, abandoning the Julian calendar is another step in leaving the influence zone of the Russian Orthodox Church and Russia, reports 5ua.
"The point is put where we identify ourselves with the event and with European culture, with European traditions and distance ourselves from the post-Sovietism that Russia now represents," notes Liudmila Filippovych, vice-president of the Ukrainian Association of Religious Studies.
One of the "hierarchs" of the OCU, Afanasiy Yavorsky, noted that after the transition to the new calendar, the UOC will start "speculating" on the issue, calling them Catholics.
"We seek to join most of the Orthodox churches in the world because the old Julian calendar is inaccurate," Yavorsky added.
As reported, the OCU "synod" allowed rectors to decide themselves on the Christmas celebration date.
Read also
A monk of the Svityaz Monastery of the UOC was killed in the war
The Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese expressed condolences to the brotherhood of the monastery and called on the faithful to offer fervent prayers for the repose of the cleric.
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.