Cleric of UOC Ovruch Eparchy banned from priesthood for schismatic evasion
Dumenko is personally receiving Vadym Hvozd from Kalynivka. Photo: OCU
Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch and Korosten issued a decree on April 9, 2025, prohibiting the cleric of the Ovruch Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the priesthood. This was reported by the eparchy's press service.
The rector of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the village of Kalynivka, Korosten district, Zhytomyr region, Priest Vadym Hvozd was subjected to a penance for "joining another religious jurisdiction (OCU), which is not recognized by the Jerusalem Patriarchate and other Orthodox Churches," and for violating his priestly oath.
The priest is instructed to return the Antimension. Metropolitan Vissarion warned him of the lack of grace in the Liturgies and Sacraments performed under the ban.
"We hope that you realize your sin and will return, in the near future, with repentance to the Holy Canonical Church of Christ," the decree states.
Earlier, the UOJ reported on a priest who voluntarily joined the OCU.
Read also
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.