ROC conducts episcopal reshuffles in occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia

ROC Synod. Photo: Moscow Patriarchate
On May 15, 2025, the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church made a decision to appoint a new bishop for the occupied territory encompassing the Berdiansk and Zaporizhzhia Eparchies.
According to Journal No. 30, Bishop Theodor, who was appointed in March 2024 as “Bishop of Berdiansk and Prymorsk,” was removed from his post and transferred to the Pokrovsk Eparchy of the Saratov Metropolis.
He was replaced by the former Bishop of Zlatoust, Peter. Like his predecessor, Bishop Peter will also be tasked with “temporarily overseeing the parishes and monasteries of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy in the territories of the Veselivka, Kamianka-Dniprovska, Melitopol, and Mykhailivka districts, as well as the cities of Melitopol and Enerhodar.”
Earlier, the UOJ analyzed the legality of the ROC’s decisions to appoint bishops on the canonical territory of the UOC, and examined the situation concerning the Berdainsk Eparchy.
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.