Hieromonk Sergei Senchukov (Feodorit) stated that making wishes for New Year and Christmas is considered sinful.
He explained that the practice of making wishes has nothing to do with the church.
Orthodox Christianity considers making wishes on holidays to be a superstition with ancient roots, notes the Public News Service .
Feodorit suggested not to forget one thing when Orthodox Christians make a wish over a glass of champagne.
He called for not associating this tradition with Christianity and treated it with humor.
The hieromonk reminded that the religion of Muslims and Jews does not include fortune telling. This activity has always been considered sinful.
The priest noted that a believer who makes a wish in the form of a joke does not violate anything.
He also suggested not to tell fortunes during the holidays, but to visit a church where you can pray and ask the Lord for the year to bring joy.
A similar rule applies to Christmas. Theodoret reminded that on this day one must be in church and pray.
Author: Elena Gutyro
