diff --git a/app/etc/config.xml b/app/etc/config.xml
index 7e97dbc704a..e587f98f01f 100644
--- a/app/etc/config.xml
+++ b/app/etc/config.xml
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
                     <password/>
                     <dbname>openmage_lts</dbname>
                     <model>mysql4</model>
-                    <initStatements>SET NAMES utf8</initStatements>
+                    <charset>utf8</charset>
                     <type>pdo_mysql</type>
                     <active>0</active>
                     <persistent>0</persistent>