UOC Synod to His Beatitude: Your ministry reflects faithfulness to the Truth
The Synod congratulated Metropolitan Onuphry on the 35th anniversary of his ordination. Photo: UOC
On December 9, 2025, the members of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church congratulated His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry on the 35th anniversary of his episcopal consecration, thanking him for his steadfast example of fidelity to the truth of Christ. The information was reported by the UOC’s Information and Education Department.
On behalf of the hierarchs, the congratulatory address was delivered by Metropolitan Theodor of Kamianets-Podilskyi and Horodok. He emphasized that a pastor is entrusted with “the most precious gift — human souls,” and that the episcopal ministry is possible only through the grace of God.
The hierarch noted that for three and a half decades Metropolitan Onuphry has carried his archpastoral cross with dignity and wisdom, uniting zeal, attentiveness to each person, and unswerving loyalty to the truth of Christ.
He further stressed that in the difficult circumstances of the present time, the Primate demonstrates that true strength lies not in outward might, but in humble prayer, patience, and inner peace. According to the Synod’s members, his word always brings consolation, while his firmness and prayer strengthen the clergy and laity of the Church.
In conclusion, the hierarchs wished Metropolitan Onuphry strong health, spiritual steadfastness, and joy in Christ, invoking God’s blessing upon his continued ministry.
As reported by the UOJ, the Primate of the UOC prayerfully marked the 35th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.
```
Read also
Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos
The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.
UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary
Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl
UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.