WHAT ABOUT THE OLD CALENDAR?

©  2004 by Orchid Land Publications

[20040508]

     Much misinformation makes the rounds.  One of the more egregious examples is that the new calendar is "heretical' (how could it be)?   What are the reasons for rejecting the new calendar for Orthodox use?  They range over a wide territory.  But the only reason this writer finds compelling is that the new calendar represents just one more instance of that assimilation of Eastern Orthodox Christianity to Western ways that reduces Orthodoxy's  appeal to those looking for something different from the potpourri of American Christianity.  (See R300.)  There are some parts of America and the world where Eastern and other non-mainstream religions are thriving, yet Orthodoxy languishes because of its westernization in so many ways.  (For terminology, CLICK R297.)

    Other reasons are given by those who search the internet.  One is the problem of the Festival of the Annunciation, which falls out in certain years because of a conflict of its date with the last days of Great Week and the lack of adequate provisions for transferring it, which would take it out of Great Week.  For those who are turned off by the commercialism and secular partying of Santa Clause Day, it is a relief to observe Christ's Birthday (currently, thirteen days later) in a proper Orthodox manner.  

Today You appeared to the cosmos and
Your light, Lord, has shined on us,
Who with understanding praise You:
Light unapproachable, You have arrived 
and revealed Yourself!
[sung on the festival of Lights,
the Theophany, when the 
Great Blessing of Water
recalls Christ's Baptism]

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