OCU announces calendar reform

The head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko. Photo: pomisna.info

The issue of implementation of a general calendar reform in the OCU will be considered by its next “bishops' council”, but for now, parishes and “monasteries” can apply for permission to adopt a new calendar style. This is discussed in the resolution passed today at a meeting of the “synod” of the OCU.

According to the document, parishes and "monasteries" were given the right, through diocesan "bishops", to ask the "synod" for a "blessing for the use of the New Julian calendar in the practice of ministry." The transition to a new style is possible if the initiative is supported by at least two-thirds of the members of the religious community.

In the "synod" Dumenko noted that for the time being such transitions are allowed as an exception, "by oikonomia", and they recommend not to rush with such petitions, waiting for a "general church" decision.

As the UOJ reported, in December 2022, the head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, and the head of the UGCC, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, "agreed on positions" on the reform of the church calendar and decided to create a joint working group to develop specific proposals.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.