All Christmas services canceled in OCU church in Prykarpattia region due to calendar disputes

The OCU church in honor of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Kosmach (Ivano-Frankivsk region) did not hold Christmas services on December 25 or January 7. This situation was the result of calendar disputes that arose among the adherents of the OCU in Kosmach, most of whom wished to celebrate Christmas in the old style, but this position was opposed by other villagers who expressed a desire to switch to the Gregorian calendar.

According to Suspilne.Ivano-Frankivsk, on January 7, the parishioners were expecting a festive service, which was previously reported on social media. However, the rector of the local OCU community, Vasyl Kifor, was absent, and no religious events were held. According to the head of the local village council, Dmytro Mokhnachuk, «the priest was ill.» Thus, instead of the service, the church choir regent read an akathist and the choir sang several carols.

Earlier, we reported that approximately 300 parishioners of the OCU church in honor of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Kosmach, Ivano-Frankivsk region, were unable to get to their church for Christmas services on December 25. The entrance to the church was blocked by other believers who insist on celebrating Christmas on January 7.