Jerusalem Patriarch rejects proposal to celebrate Christmas on December 25
Patriarch Theophilos with the community of the Metropolis of Ptolemais and Acre. Photo: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, at a meeting with the priest and parish commissioners of the Abellin community, declined the request for a joint liturgical celebration of the Nativity of Christ on December 25.
Responding to the request from representatives of the community, which is under the jurisdiction of the Metropolis of Ptolemais and Acre, Patriarch Theophilos referred to a synodal decision of the Church of Jerusalem.
Under the Holy Synod’s decision, December 25 on the new calendar corresponds to December 12 on the Julian calendar – the feast day of St. Spyridon of Trimythous. Patriarch Theophilos explained that on that day, churches celebrate the prescribed service for St. Spyridon.
The Primate stressed that the Jerusalem Patriarchate marks the day with representatives of other Christian denominations only on a social level, not liturgically. Mutual courtesy visits are intended to maintain a positive Christian witness to the world and do not involve joint worship.
As reported by the UOJ, OCU “Metropolitan” Mykhailo Zinkevych said that celebrating Christmas on January 7 would disappear with the death of UOC believers.
Read also
Khust Eparchy honors memory of St. Job of Uholka
A Liturgy is served in Mala Uholka, a birthplace of St. Job of Uholka, on the saint's feast day.
UOC parish in Cologne donates ultrasound machine to Kharkiv region hospital
In Cologne, UOC believers raised funds for an ultrasound machine for the Kehychivka district hospital in the Kharkiv region.
Shevchuk tells Pope Leo of Ukraine's preparations for "another harsh winter"
The head of the UGCC expressed "special gratitude" to the Pope for his phone calls with Putin and Zelensky.
Berlin hierarch comments on Phanar document published by UOJ-USA
Metropolitan Mark called the information about the 2018 "Unification Council" alarming if confirmed, and expressed hope that Patriarch Bartholomew will reconsider his position.
UOC marks Synaxis of All Saints of Volyn Land at Lutsk cathedral
Metropolitan Serhiy of Ternopil and Kremenets led the Liturgy on the feast day of the Lutsk cathedral of All Saints of the Volyn Land.
SBU detains OCU cleric who organized draft evader's escape for money
In Transcarpathia, law enforcement officers detained a clergyman of the OCU who arranged for a draft evader to be smuggled into Slovakia for $15,000.