OCU in Volyn celebrates Christmas because "Maidan stood for that"
The representative of the OCU "Metropolitan" Mikhail Zinkevich of Lutsk and Volyn. A photo: volynpost.com
On December 25, 2019, the representative of the OCU "Metropolitan" Mikhail Zinkevich of Lutsk and Volyn said after the “liturgy” at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Lutsk that those who celebrate Christmas in December are “true Europeans”, reports "VolynPost".
Reportedly, the “metropolitan” himself, explaining that he had been celebrating Christmas on December 25 for many years, nevertheless, decided to hold two services – on December 25 and January 7.
After the “liturgy” in the cathedral, Mikhail Zinkevich delivered a welcoming address to those who, in his opinion, were celebrating Christmas for the first time in Lutsk “like real Europeans”.
“Thank you all for having finally thrown off the old Moscow [yoke] with all its traditions – secular and religious, because there is the expression" a person has left the Soviet Union, but the Soviet Union has not left him". Today you showed that you are true Europeans in every sense of the word. It is necessary to overcome old stereotypes and habits,” said the “hierarch” of the OCU.
In an interview with 5 Channel, Zinkevich said: “If we went out to the Maidan for European values, then to celebrate Christmas on December 25th, as all of Europe celebrates, is quite logical. Therefore, I am glad for the Volyn people who’ve worked their way up to it."
We recall that earlier Mikhail Zinkevich, justifying his decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25 and January 7, said that “for the general order it is necessary that there should be a logic in the behavior”, because “there is no difference when to celebrate the birth of Christ – on December 25 or January 7 if you sincerely believe in His birth," and, "if you celebrate Christmas on January 7, much in our life has no logic. In particular, lighting the Christmas tree on December 19, a day off on December 25, a loud celebration of the New Year during Lent and the like.” Zinkevich added that the celebration of Christmas on January 7 is just out of habit.
Read also
Orthodox Bioethics Conference Makes Key Statements on Euthanasia
The 3rd International Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate recently concluded in Crete.
ROCOR Parish in Wales Fundraising to Secure a Church
The parish is hoping to establish a permanent Orthodox church in Cardiff — a home of prayer, worship, and renewal for Wales, where the ancient faith once flourished.
UOC Priest: St. Gabriel of Georgia Healed Ukrainian Soldier
A serviceman - who had been unable to speak for nearly a year due to a concussion - began to speak again after an appearance of the Georgian saint.
2025 St. Herman Youth Conference to Be Held in NY This December
Annual gathering to bring together Orthodox youth from across North America for fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.
HCHC Community Holds All-Night Vigil Honoring Philoptochos Society and Its Patron Saints
Special prayers offered for members of the National Board and all Philoptochos chapters in gratitude for their decades of support.
Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle
The foundation of a church was blessed at Georgia's Oncology Center — construction resumes on the Church of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist.