In Zakarpattia’s Stroyne, Bishop Hilary consecrates a new altar

Bishop Hilary at the Liturgy in Stroyne. Photo: Press Service of the Mukachevo Diocese

On April 7, 2025, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, a new altar was consecrated in the Church of St. Elias in the village of Stroyne. The service was led by Bishop Hilary of Svaliava, reports the press service of the Mukachevo Diocese.

Following the consecration rite, the Divine Liturgy began, during which prayers were offered for peace and rest on the long-suffering Ukrainian land, for an end to the war, for the soldiers-defenders, and for all those in trouble, illness, and sorrow.

In his concluding address, Bishop Hilary delivered a heartfelt archpastoral sermon to the clergy and faithful. He congratulated everyone on the Feast of the Annunciation – the day when the most wondrous of all good tidings was proclaimed: the incarnation of the Son of God for the salvation of humankind.

The bishop also conveyed greetings, archpastoral love, and blessings from Metropolitan Theodore, the ruling hierarch of the Mukachevo Diocese. He offered special thanks to the parish rector, Archpriest Petro Popdiakunyk, for his diligence, zeal, and care for the house of God.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Ephraim consecrated a house church in honor of St. Ephraim of the Caves.

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