UOC Primate: Cross procession postponed is a spiritual trial
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: news.church.ua
The Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, believes that the postponement of the cross procession in Kyiv from the Day of the Triumph of Orthodoxy to a "more favourable time" is a spiritual trial, reports the UOC Information and Education Department.
His Beatitude thanked the vicar bishops, clergy, monastics and laity of the Kyiv Eparchy for their willingness to hold the religious procession with "spiritual enthusiasm and responsibility" on the Day of the Triumph of Orthodoxy in Kyiv.
But, His Beatitude noted, "today it became known that additional quarantine restrictions excluding the planned cross procession will be introduced in Kyiv from March 20 of this year".
The archpastor wrote that "by supporting the capital authorities in striving to improve the epidemic situation as soon as possible and offering prayer to the Merciful God about this, we are postponing the cross procession to another more favourable time".
“We perceive this situation as our spiritual trial,” His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry emphasized.
He called on the flock to strengthen fasting, to repent of sins and bear worthy fruits of repentance "so that the Lord will heal our bodily and mental infirmities".
As reported earlier, the cross procession in Kyiv on the Day of the Triumph of Orthodoxy was postponed.
Read also
UOC’s humanitarian mission delivers aid to Kherson and Donetsk regions
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s humanitarian mission provided food and medicines to residents of Kherson Region and frontline towns in Donbas.
Foreign Minister: Phanar is strengthening spiritual independence of Ukraine
Andrii Sybiha noted the “wisdom” and “fatherly love” of the head of the Constantinople Patriarchate.
In Pasika, Transcarpathia, priest defects to OCU while community remains in UOC
In the village of Paseka in Transcarpathia, believers discussed the future fate of their church.
In Sumy, Presentation Church of UOC damaged by shelling
In the Sumy Eparchy, the walls and fence of the Presentation Church were damaged as a result of shelling, but divine services continue.
Ukraine loses almost 98% of cases at European Court of Human Rights
According to the ECtHR’s 2025 report, nearly all complaints against Ukraine end with findings of human rights violations.
UOC Chancellor on Kyiv Council decision targeting UOC: Obvious lawlessness
Metropolitan Anthony said the document adopted by the Kyiv Regional Council violates the Constitution, interferes with freedom of religion, and exceeds the body’s authority.