Adopting the Revised Julian Calendar
The Holy Volodymyr Patriarchal Cathedral in Kyiv will begin using the Revised Julian calendar for all its services starting April 30, 2026. This decision was made with the blessing of Metropolitan Epifaniy, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), following the passing of Patriarch Filaret. This calendar change aligns the cathedral with the majority of the OCU, which observes the more astronomically accurate Revised Julian calendar. The move marks a significant liturgical shift for one of Ukraine's most prominent cathedrals.
Earlier, on March 23, 2026, the Holy Volodymyr Cathedral transitioned from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Patriarch Filaret, who led the cathedral for over six decades, had conducted services there for the last 50 years of his life. In December 2019, the Holy Synod of the OCU granted him lifetime residence and use of the building complex at 36 Chykalenka Street, along with the right to conduct services at the Kyiv cathedral until his death.
Farewell to Patriarch Filaret
A farewell service for Patriarch Filaret was held at the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, where Metropolitan Epifaniy led a memorial service. Patriarch Filaret was laid to rest inside the Holy Volodymyr Cathedral itself. The cathedral's press service stated that the calendar transition represents a crucial step in the community's development:
“We inform all our parishioners that, by the decision of the rector and the Parish Council of the cathedral, and with the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, services in the cathedral will transition to the Revised Julian church calendar, which is followed by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”
The first services scheduled according to the new calendar are:
- April 30 – All-Night Vigil
- May 1 – Divine Liturgy
This transition symbolizes a new chapter for the cathedral and its congregation, while also underscoring the traditions of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The shift reflects broader changes within Ukrainian religious life, occurring amidst the country's ongoing social and cultural transformations. While it may require adjustment for parishioners accustomed to the old calendar, it also presents new opportunities for the community within the context of contemporary church practice, emphasizing the unity and modern adaptation of the OCU.
In light of the upcoming changes at the Holy Volodymyr Cathedral, it is worth noting that Metropolitan Epifaniy will also lead a significant service at Kyiv's Saint Sophia Cathedral on March 27. This event highlights the continuing evolution of liturgical practices within the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, reflecting the broader shifts in the community's spiritual life. For more details on this upcoming service, visit Metropolitan Epifaniy’s service at Saint Sophia Cathedral.