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
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.