Zinkevych: Those who celebrate Christmas on January 7 are not with Ukraine

Mykhailo Zinkevych. Photo: Facebook page of the Volyn Diocese of the OCU

During a sermon at the Lutsk cathedral, Volyn "Metropolitan" of the OCU Mykhailo Zinkevych implied that he does not consider those who celebrate Christmas on January 7 to be Ukrainians.

"Christmas is celebrated on December 25, while Razhdestvo is on January 7," Zinkevych stated, deliberately contrasting the Ukrainian and Russian pronunciations of "Christmas." Following this remark, the hierarch urged Ukrainians to "make their choice."

"We celebrate on the 25th with Ukraine, while the 7th of January is for those celebrating with Putin. Decide for yourselves," Zinkevych declared.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to the head of the Volyn Regional Military Administration, Ukraine is currently engaged in a war between December 25 and January 7.

Read also

Metropolitan Longin Alleges Assassination Plot Against Him

Bancheny hierarch claims a group from Ivano-Frankivsk was sent to kill him.

Archbishop of Cyprus: Decision on Metropolitan Tychikos’ Appeal Expected in August

Hierarch retains presumption of innocence amid ongoing review by Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Holy Cross Seminarians Conclude Pilgrimage with Spiritual Encounters in Thessaloniki and Mount Athos

Students reflect on ministry and heritage during the final days of the transformative journey.

Estonian Government Passes New Law Against Orthodox Church

New legislation would force the Estonian Orthodox Church to cut its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. This is depsite the fact that the Estonian Church has been autonomous since 1993.

Over 100 Souls Received Into the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa

The Russian Orthodox Church's missionary efforts bear fruit in Zambia and Cameroon.

OCU and Uniates Conduct Joint Consecration for Military Church Construction

"Hierarchs" Dumenko and Greek-Catholic Chaplains Conduct Joint Rite