Irish press covers the life of a local UOC community

The weekly local publication "The Nenagh Guardian", founded in 1838, is one of the oldest local newspapers in the country. Photo: open sources

The Irish newspaper The Nenagh Guardian published an article about the life of the Ukrainian Orthodox community in the town of Nenagh. Olena Arkhangelska, the article's author, shares that two years ago, her job involved supporting Ukrainians in Nenagh. Through her interactions with fellow Ukrainians, she realized the need to establish a new Orthodox community.

"I heard their heartbreaking stories: some families remained in Ukraine, risking their lives daily under shelling, others had loved ones mobilized and facing constant danger, and some had lost family members," she shared. "At the same time, life went on – children were being born and needed to be baptized, young couples wished to get married in the church."

Thanks to the support of compassionate Irish locals, particularly Charles Stanley Smith, an Orthodox parish was established. Bishop Benjamin, who oversees the Western European Vicariate, appointed a UOC priest who moved to Ireland with his family to lead the parish.

This year, for Theophany (Epiphany), the Ukrainian Orthodox community invited their Irish friends to express gratitude for their support and assistance.

"Our hosts prepared traditional Ukrainian dishes, dressed in national attire, and sang carols and shchedrivky for the guests," Olena recounts.

During the gathering, Irishman Per Pat Gilbert remarked: "We are very happy to welcome you into our Christian community in Nenagh. You are already part of our community, and we will continue to offer you help and support."

"I have never met such open, hospitable, and kind people in my life," said parish rector Archpriest Vitalii Svirid, referring to the Irish locals who support the Orthodox community.

"People need prayer. We have parishioners who travel more than 160 km just to attend our Sunday services," added Father Vitalii.

As previously reported by the UOJ, UOC parishes abroad in Ireland celebrated Easter with overflowing churches.

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