Parma, Ohio, February 1, 2024
Photo: googleusercontent.com
The Ukrainian Orthodox cathedral in Parma, Ohio, has petitioned the bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (Patriarchate of Constantinople) to switch to the new calendar.
Since its founding in the early 20th century, the UOC-USA has served according to the old calendar.
Archbishop Daniel of Pamphlion recently visited the St. Vladimir Cathedral in Parma, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and presided over a general parish meeting, reports the UOC-USA.
Following a discussion on the matter, the parish community resolved to request a blessing from the Council of Bishops to begin using the new calendar, with 83.8% in favor.
“The decision to adopt the new calendar, holds implications not only for the liturgical practices but also for the broader identity and connection of the St. Vladimir Cathedral with the greater Ukrainian Orthodox Christian community,” the UOC-USA reports reads. And further:
The decision reflects a commitment to fostering greater connections with the broader Christian world… The journey towards embracing the Revised Julian Calendar is not just about a shift in dates; it is a testament to the St. Vladimir Cathedral community's commitment to unity, inclusivity, and a shared identity within the larger Christian tapestry.
With this decision, the cathedral is following the lead of the Ukrainian Uniates, schismatics, and state authorities, all of whom made their own switch to the new calendar last year. The state already operated according to the Gregorian calendar, but is now also using the new calendar to date public holidays tied to Church feasts, such as Christmas and the feast of St. Vladimir.
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