Volyn Metropolitan consecrates a newly built church in Lutsk

Cross procession around the newly built UOC Church of St. John the Theologian in Lutsk. Photo: Volyn Eparchy

On May 18, 2025, the Fifth Sunday after Pascha, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, Metropolitan Nathanael of Volyn and Lutsk celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the rite of great consecration of the newly built Church of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian in Lutsk, according to the website of the Volyn Eparchy.

Concelebrating with the archpastor were Archpriest Vadym Lebed, dean of the Lutsk Cathedral District; Archpriest Ioann Pipash, rector of the parish; Archimandrite Paisios (Khomych), head of the eparchial chancery; as well as local clergy and visiting priests.

During the service, special petitions were offered for peace in Ukraine, deliverance from the enemy, the Lord’s mercy upon the people of Ukraine, protection for those in despair or who have lost their homes, and blessings for all people of goodwill who aid those in need.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Nathanael expressed gratitude to the rector, faithful, and benefactors who labored to build the house of God. His Eminence awarded church benefactors with UOC orders and presented diocesan certificates of appreciation to active parishioners.

The new church has become an important spiritual center for UOC believers in Lutsk, where, despite the challenges of the times, church life continues, and prayers are lifted for peace in Ukraine.

Earlier, it was reported that a new UOC church was consecrated in Molomolyntsi to replace one that had been seized by the OCU.

Read also

In Armenia, the Catholicos's case has been referred to court, he faces prison

Hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church are accused of obstructing the enforcement of a secular court ruling.

A Jehovah's Witnesses elder was tried for refusing to bear arms

The Dikansky court sentenced the elder to three years of imprisonment suspended, denying him alternative service.

UOC Social Department sends aid to frontline regions of Donbas

About four tons of humanitarian aid from the UOC will be delivered to affected civilians, monasteries, and parishes in the frontline regions of Ukraine.

Icon with Mary Magdalene's relics to be brought from Athos to Vinnytsia for veneration

The wonderworking icon of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene with a particle of her relics will be present in the churches of the Vinnytsia Eparchy from July 31 to August 9.

UOC faithful begin procession from Kovel to Pochaiv Lavra

Orthodox pilgrims from Volyn are heading to Pochaiv for the August 5 celebrations marking the feast of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God.

New York’s Phanar church community urged to cancel dinner honoring Zelensky

A petition has been created in the US to cancel the Beacon of Hope Award, which is to be presented to Zelensky at a dinner hosted by the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate's community.