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.
Read also
U.S. bishops call for Church unity on Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy
The Assembly of Bishops of the USA has issued an encyclical for the Triumph of Orthodoxy on Church unity, veneration of icons, and support for pan-Orthodox ministry.
OCU organizes harassment of businessman for aiding UOC
Hryshchuk called for boycotting the business of the entrepreneur who built a UOC church in the Rivne region.
Head of Lavra Reserve: I believe UOC monks will move to the OCU
Ostapenko said there are 140 UOC monks and novices on the territory of the Lower Lavra.
"Shield of Judah": Biblical name given to operations against Iran
A joint Israeli–US military operation against Iran has received a code name referencing the biblical forefather of the Jewish royal line.
In Syria, Islamic militants behead statues of Christ and Virgin Mary
Vandals beheaded statues of the Lord and the Mother of God at the entrance to the "Cave of the Virgin Mary" in the village of Al-Basiya near the coastal city of Banias in Syria.
Icon with particle of Gabriel Urgebadze's relics to be brought to Uzhhorod from Georgia
The holy icon, painted in Georgia, will be brought to the Holy Trinity Church of the Mukachevo Eparchy of the UOC.