UOC hands over tests for COVID-19 to Zhytomyr Regional Laboratory Centre

Tests for coronavirus detection were handed over to doctors on behalf of the UOC by the ruling bishop of the Zhytomyr Eparchy. Photo: Facebook page of Metropolitan Nikodim (Gorenko)

On April 7, 2020, on the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, the ruling bishop of the Zhytomyr Eparchy, Metropolitan Nikodim, on behalf of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, passed tests to detect coronavirus to the Zhytomyr Regional Laboratory Centre at the Ministry of Health, as reported on the Facebook page of the hierarch.

The event was attended by deputy chairman of the Zhytomyr Regional State Administration Viktor Gradovsky and chief sanitary doctor of the region Zinovy Paramonov.

During the briefing, the hierarch congratulated those present on the feast, urged everyone to join in charity and to unite in prayer and the combat against the epidemic. Metropolitan Nikodim also emphasized that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church prays for doctors, "who, on the front lines, as soldiers, save people today".

As reported earlier, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church donated 100,000 tests for the detection of COVID-19, purchased by Vadim Novinsky's “Pokrov” Charity Foundation, to all regions of Ukraine. The distribution of equipment and protective means acquired by regions was organized by the Ministry of Health and the Coronavirus Epidemic Headquarters at the Office of the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky.

Read also

DESS draws parallels between liquidation of UGCC and present day

An event in Kyiv marked the 80th anniversary of the Lviv Council, at which a decision was taken to dissolve the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Bulgarian Church warns of sectarian threat after mass suicide

The Lovech Eparchy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has issued a warning following the tragedy of a mass suicide involving sect members near the Petrohan Pass.

UN reports violations of rights of believers and communities in Ukraine

A UN document points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, attempts to ban it through the courts, and cases of forcible church seizures.

Middle East Council of Churches calls for protection of Christians in the region

Christian churches in the Middle East warned of growing threats to the region’s Christian communities and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, urging the international community to step up support.

Albanian Archbishop: First in Orthodoxy does not mean supreme

The head of the Albanian Church spoke to UOJ about Orthodox unity, the limits of national identity, and the role of humility in Orthodoxy’s witness to the world.

Poland begins phasing out social benefits for Ukrainian refugees

A new law has taken effect in Poland providing for a gradual reduction in social benefits and some other support measures introduced for Ukrainian refugees after 2022.