In Strumica, UOC metropolitan concelebrates with Macedonian Church bishops

Metropolitan Philaret serving in Macedonia. Photo: religija.mk

On August 3, 2025, the first public concelebration between hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric took place, reports the Macedonian outlet religija.mk, citing the press service of the Strumica Diocese.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Monastery of St. Leontius and the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in Vodoca (Strumica Diocese), with Metropolitan Philaret of Lviv and Halych (UOC) presiding. He was concelebrated by Metropolitan Naum of Strumica and Auxiliary Bishop Jacob. Clergy and monastics of the Macedonian Church also took part in the service.

The day before, Metropolitan Philaret attended a Liturgy in Skopje, presided over by Archbishop Stefan, the Primate of the Macedonian Church. During the service, Metropolitan Philaret received Holy Communion in the altar.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Synod of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric had expressed its support for the UOC.

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