Temple of the ROC's Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate consecrated in Romania

The consecration of the Ukrainian temple was performed by the Archbishop of Timisoara and Metropolitan John (Seledjan) of Banat. Photo: romania.mfa.gov.ua

On August 30, 2020, a new temple of the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate of the Romanian Orthodox Church was consecrated in Timisoara, the third largest city in Romania. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Ukraine in Romania.

The consecration of the Ukrainian temple was performed by the Archbishop of Timisoara and Metropolitan John (Seledjan) of Banat, a member of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. During the worship, the bishops offered a prayer in memory of the Ukrainians who died in the struggle for independence of Ukraine.

The service was attended by local officials and representatives of the Ukrainian community in the region.

At the invitation of the Union of Ukrainians of Romania, the celebrations were attended by the Chargé d'Affaires of Ukraine in Romania Paun Rogovey.

"Paun Rogovey held a meeting with Metropolitan Ioann, during which they discussed certain issues related to the prospect of recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by the Romanian Orthodox Church," the press service of the Ukrainian embassy said.

It is noted that the church consecrated in Timisoara is the tenth Ukrainian church in the Romanian county of Timis (Transylvania region).

As reported by the UOJ, on July 21, 2020, the Synod of the Romanian Church approved the "Regulations on the organization and functioning of the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate of the Romanian Orthodox Church." The UOC DECR explained that the Ukrainian Vicariate in the Romanian Orthodox Church has existed since 1990, and the approval of its statute is a step aimed at improving and optimizing the pastoral care of Ukrainians based in Romania.

Read also