UOC Synod to His Beatitude: Your ministry reflects faithfulness to the Truth

The Synod congratulated Metropolitan Onuphry on the 35th anniversary of his ordination. Photo: UOC

On December 9, 2025, the members of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church congratulated His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry on the 35th anniversary of his episcopal consecration, thanking him for his steadfast example of fidelity to the truth of Christ. The information was reported by the UOC’s Information and Education Department.

On behalf of the hierarchs, the congratulatory address was delivered by Metropolitan Theodor of Kamianets-Podilskyi and Horodok. He emphasized that a pastor is entrusted with “the most precious gift — human souls,” and that the episcopal ministry is possible only through the grace of God.

The hierarch noted that for three and a half decades Metropolitan Onuphry has carried his archpastoral cross with dignity and wisdom, uniting zeal, attentiveness to each person, and unswerving loyalty to the truth of Christ.

He further stressed that in the difficult circumstances of the present time, the Primate demonstrates that true strength lies not in outward might, but in humble prayer, patience, and inner peace. According to the Synod’s members, his word always brings consolation, while his firmness and prayer strengthen the clergy and laity of the Church.

In conclusion, the hierarchs wished Metropolitan Onuphry strong health, spiritual steadfastness, and joy in Christ, invoking God’s blessing upon his continued ministry.

As reported by the UOJ, the Primate of the UOC prayerfully marked the 35th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

```

Read also

Georgian Church Synod to present three candidates for Patriarchal throne

Georgian hierarchs will select candidates for the Patriarchal throne, after which the Extended Council will make the final decision.

Metropolitan Tychikos' lawyers respond to media accusations

The hierarch's lawyers called the television stories targeted harassment.

EU Court: Hungary's law protecting children from LGBT violates legislation

The European Court ruled that Hungary's ban on promoting LGBT ideology among minors contradicts "EU values".

Facts of persecution against UOC included in world's human rights report

The Amnesty International report points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and criticism from UN experts.

Pasika activist urges believers to join Uniates if they don't want to go to OCU

Choknadiy called on UOC believers to join the Greek Catholic Church, since they refuse to join the OCU.

OCU “priest” urges SBU to punish local community head for backing UOC faithful

Volodymyr Pedko was outraged that a fallen serviceman was buried by a cleric of the canonical Church and promised to “sort things out” with the local authorities after the holidays.