Monastic tonsure performed in Kholodna Balka village nunnery
Archbishop Viktor and the nuns after the tonsure. Photo: Odesa Eparchy press service
On April 4, 2026, a monastic tonsure was performed at the women’s monastery dedicated to the “Healer” Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Kholodna Balka, Odesa Region.
With the blessing of Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail, the rite was led by the eparchy’s vicar, Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz, the Odesa Eparchy press service reported. During the tonsure, Rassophore nun Nataliya received the name Lydia, in honor of the Holy Martyr Lydia.
At the conclusion of the rite, Bishop Viktor also congratulated the abbess of the monastery, Abbess Sofia, on her name day. He wished Mother Sofia spiritual joy, good health, and God’s abundant help in carrying out her abbatial ministry for the good of the Holy Church.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that monastic tonsures had been performed at the Tykhvin Convent in Dnipro.
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.