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Why did we change from the Old calendar to the New calendar?
Answer to Question 588 In the 1920s the Holy Synod of the church of Greece decided to adopt the New Calendar which all the world followed so that Greeks could celebrate Christmas with the rest of the world. After a few years the Church of Cyprus also adapted the New Calendar. The Churches of Russian and the eastern block did not take part in the decision because at that time they were under a communist regime. Mount Athos and the Church of Jerusalem decided to remain with the Old calendar. Thus with all these churches, even though we celebrate events on different calendars we are still in full communion. When Greece and Cyprus adopted the new calendar certain fanatics took offence and broke away from the church and formed their own church known as the Old Calendarist. With these churches we share the same faith and theology, but we have no communion with them because they broke away from the church.
Same member Great so why not follow the Old calendar?
Reply Because the Holy Synod of Bishops of our church made a decision and we as faithful servants of the church believe that the Holy Synod does not work alone but is guided by the Holy Spirit, thus we are obedient to the rulings of the Holy synod. The calendars do not define the faith, they are not dogmas, they do not change what we believe.
Another member Wasn't it the new calendar who moved away ??
Reply No, the Old Calendarist broke away from the Main Orthodox church and formed their own church
Same member Isn't the old calendar the right church then, didn't the New calendar join the Pope?
Reply We didn't join the Pope. Yes we were one church and when the Church of Greece decided to adapt to the New Calendar which was the calendar that the rest of the world followed, a group of over fanatic Orthodox decided that the decision of the Holy Synod of Greece was heretical and so broke away from the existing church and formed their own. A calendar does not define if a church is right or wrong, our faith is not a matter of dates. Whether the decision of the Church of Greece and then Cyprus, which followed, was right or wrong, we remain obedient to the Holy Synod and don't break away forming our own group every time we disagree with something. Obedience is the only right thing, not a calendar
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