Old Believers (or Old Ritualists) are Eastern Orthodox Christians who kept the liturgical practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church before the reforms of Patriarch Nikon of Moscow, between 1652 and 1666. They were persecuted for centuries by the Russian religious authorities.

To understand the present and the future, you need to know your past. From October 2 to October 4, the Odessa Old Believers' community invites everyone to the exhibition "Old Believers of Ukraine: History, Traditions and Modernity", which will be held at the Center of Bulgarian Culture (9 Vice-Admiral Zhukova St.) in Odessa.

The Old Believers' Archdiocese of Ukraine took upon itself the mission of: 1) acquainting all interested residents of cities and villages of the Odessa region with the rich culture and religious life of the Old Believers of Ukraine; 2) meeting with people who have preserved the Orthodox faith and the values ​​of their fathers: a strong family, conscientious work and help to one's neighbour; 3) to contribute to the revival of the glory and authority of the Old Orthodox Church of the Old Believers.

Archdiocese of Old Believers of Ukraine

The exhibition will feature historical and modern photographs of churches and photographs from the life of Old Believers from all regions of Ukraine, unique books, Old Believer clothing and church accessories.

Visitors to the exhibition will have access to the publishing materials of the Archdiocese (magazines, calendars, newspapers, etc.), modern literature in the field of culture and everyday life of Old Believers in Ukraine and in the Odessa region, particularly. One of the central links of the exhibition is live choral singing, therefore, at the opening, the bishop's choir will perform ancient Orthodox spiritual and church hymns.

It is important that young people can see and get acquainted with all the richness of culture and religious life of Old Believers in Ukraine. This is a great opportunity to get to know people who have preserved the Orthodox faith and want to study this issue.

Old Believer

The exhibition programme can be found on the official page of the Old Believers of Ukraine and on the event page.

Source: Dumskaya.net