UOC hierarch celebrates Annunciation Liturgy in frontline Kostiantynivka

Divine Liturgy in Kostiantynivka. Photo: t.me/pokrovvicariate

On April 7, 2025, on the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Spyridon of Dobropillya, vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Assumption Church in the city of Kostiantynivka.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were the rector of the church and dean of the Mykolaiv district, Protodeacon Andrii Chycherynda; the dean of the Iovo-Pochaiv district, Protodeacon Vadym Ilchuk; the dean of the Kurakhove district, Protodeacon Yaroslav Herus; along with other clergy of the vicariate.

During the service, a fervent prayer was offered for peace in Ukraine. Following Communion, Protodeacon Yaroslav Herus delivered a sermon to the faithful.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a festive glorification of the Feast was held, including a prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos. Archbishop Spyridon also addressed the congregation with an archpastoral message, offering words of encouragement in the face of ongoing trials.

Despite the dangers posed by continued shelling and the military situation, Kostiantynivka remains spiritually alive: believers come to church, take part in the Sacraments, and hold fast to their faith. The festive service became a source of comfort and spiritual joy for them.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UOC had published a video showing a church in Kostiantynivka destroyed by shelling.

Read also

DESS expert tells US State Department reps about religious freedom in Ukraine

Andriy Smirnov held a meeting with staff of the US State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom.

Eight people killed in drone strike on monastery in Ethiopia

Two nuns and six priests were killed in the strike on the monastery; several more people were seriously injured.

Church commemorates St. Seraphim of Sarov

The venerable saint began his path of asceticism after a pilgrimage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and prayer before the Caves saints.

DESS responds to statements by UOC lawyers

Yelensky’s agency claimed that the UOC’s lawyers are “discrediting” Ukraine’s leadership and spreading “disinformation.”

Lawyers collect statements from faithful to defend Kyiv Metropolia in court

UOC lawyers have prepared a procedure enabling clergy and laypeople to take part in the court proceedings over the DESS lawsuit.

UOC faithful make pilgrimage to Georgia’s holy sites

The pilgrims visited churches and monasteries in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kutaisi, and at the foot of Mount Kazbek.