Chernivtsi hierarch consecrates new church for persecuted UOC parish

Metropolitan Meletiy consecrates the altar of the new church in Berezhonka. Photo: Facebook page of Chernivtsi Eparchy believers

On August 23, 2026, Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna consecrated a new church for the persecuted UOC community in the village of Berezhonka. The faithful built the church in honor of the Holy Prophet Elijah to replace the previous church building, which the parish lost as a result of actions by OCU supporters, Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy believers reported on Facebook.

Following the rite of consecration, Metropolitan Meletiy celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with the hierarch were eparchial secretary Archpriest Dymytriy Shcherban, Dean of the Vyzhnytsia District Archimandrite Daniil, and parish rector Priest Vasiliy Luchak.

At the request of the ruling hierarch, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine blessed the elevation of Priest Vasiliy Luchak to the rank of archpriest.

In the new church, the faithful joined the hierarch in offering prayers for peace in Ukraine, for the protection of soldiers, and for help for people facing difficult circumstances. Metropolitan Meletiy offered words of spiritual guidance and support to his flock. In response, Archpriest Vasiliy Luchak thanked the hierarch for consecrating the church and celebrating the service together.

Earlier, on November 24, 2023, OCU supporters, with police assistance, cut the locks on the parish’s former church. Despite this, the faithful and their rector, Priest Vasiliy Luchak, remained steadfast in their faith and love for the Church, and through the parishioners’ joint prayers and efforts, a new church was built.

As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Meletiy consecrated the altar of a new UOC church in Ispas.

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