OCU okays Christmas celebration on December 25
The “Synod” of the OCU allowed, by decision of the rector and the community, to celebrate Christmas according to the New Julian calendar, i.e. on December 25th. It is reported by pomisna.info.
The message says that the decision was eventuated by many years of discussion in the Church and in society; due to the circumstances of the war, and also "in order to study the real need of the church to implement calendar changes in the near future."
Also, the decision of the "Synod" notes that if the parish chooses to celebrate the Nativity of Christ on December 25, the participants in the service on this day are exempted from fasting restrictions.
As the UOJ reported, the OCU started talking about the transition to a new style back in December 2021. Then Dumenko promised that his OCU would switch to the New Julian calendar within 10 years.
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.