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

18th-century gates of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra presented in London

State art historians have identified masterpieces by Kyiv goldsmiths in London.

In mosque, OCU "bishop" and DESS experts dine at iftar during Ramadan

At an iftar in Kyiv, authors of expert assessments against the UOC were awarded Islamic orders in the presence of the deputy head of DESS and a "hierarch" of Dumenko's structure.

Shevchuk tells Budanov of UGCC’s “state-building role”

The head of the Uniates told the head of the Presidential Office that his Church was ready to partner with the state and presented him with a book on the work of special services in the Church.

Authorities decline to disclose Ukraine’s population size

The State Statistics Service acknowledged that it has up-to-date population estimates for the country, but has decided not to make them public.

Lithuanian govt vows to protect Orthodox Church from Russian intelligence

Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has called for curbing the influence of Russian intelligence services on the Church, while an adviser to President Nausėda warned against labeling the entire structure a security threat.

During Ramadan, Patriarch Theodoros hosts Islamic iftar at his residence

Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria hosted a meal for Muslim workers breaking their fast in the courtyard of the Patriarchate and thanked a sheikh for his “brotherhood.”