UOC cleric: By cancelling Christmas on January 7, Rada committed a crime

Priest Dmytriy Sydor. Photo: YouTube channel screenshot

On December 22, 2024, during Sunday worship, Archpriest Dmytriy Sydor, rector of the Uzhhorod Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), stated that the Verkhovna Rada had committed a crime by cancelling the celebration of Christmas on January 7.

At the beginning of his address, the priest reminded the congregation of the upcoming feast of Saint Spyridon, to be celebrated on December 25 under the new calendar (December 12 under the old calendar).

He emphasized that Zakarpattia had been free of religious or national conflict for nearly three decades. However, he said, there are those who attempt to create division.

“They invent accusations, drag us to court, but they cannot prove anything,” he said, adding that Zakarpattia remains a region of peace where Orthodox Christians respect adherents of other religions.

“No matter what plans are devised somewhere, in some centers, to provoke a religious war here – it will not succeed; we will not allow it,” the priest declared.

He also noted that Orthodox Christians in Zakarpattia respect the holidays of their neighbors and members of other confessions.

Father Dmytriy focused particular attention on the Verkhovna Rada’s decision to cancel the celebration of Christmas on January 7, leaving only December 25. He described this decision as a crime.

“The Verkhovna Rada may decide on five Christmases, five Sundays – they have that right. But they have no right to take away the existing holiday on January 7, which has been in place for 30 years. By doing so, they committed a crime. Let me emphasize, the Verkhovna Rada committed a crime,” he stated.

Father Dmytriy expressed hope that the local authorities in Zakarpattia would decide to retain the public holiday on January 7 so that Orthodox believers could freely celebrate Christmas.

In conclusion, the priest wished all believers to bring peace and joy into their homes during the holiday season.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that UOC cleric Dmytriy Sydor believes that MPs who voted to ban the UOC have excommunicated themselves from the Kingdom of Heaven.

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