Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure

The Feast Day in the village of Maliatyntsi. December 19, 2025 Photo: UOJ

The Feast Day in the village of Maliatyntsi. December 19, 2025 Photo: UOJ

On December 19, 2025, in the village of Maliatyntsi of the Kitsman Deanery, Chernivtsi Eparchy, the persecuted community of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, led by Archpriest Mykola Hubka, celebrated the patronal feast for the first time after the church was seized, reports a UOJ correspondent. During the Divine Liturgy, the rector was concelebrated by guests in holy orders.

As earlier reported, on the night of March 21-22, 2025, a group of OCU representatives, led by Mykola Herheliuk, seized the St. Nicholas Church in Maliatyntsi. Despite the results of the vote, according to which the majority of the meeting participants opposed the transition to the OCU, the police supported the raiders.

After the church seizure, the faithful arranged a space for conducting services. In September 2025, draftera abducted the rector of the church, Archpriest Mykola Hubka, and drove him around military units for several days.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Maly Kuchuriv, the persecuted UOC community celebrated the patronal feast.

Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris

Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.

Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit

More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.

Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk

Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.

Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death

The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.

Polish Culture Ministry funds restoration of Armenian cathedral in Lviv

An international project supported by Poland aims to preserve the unique artistic heritage of the Armenian Cathedral in Lviv.

Persecuted UOC parish in Rakiv Lis celebrates patronal feast in new church

The faithful marked the fifth anniversary of the consecration of the church built to replace the one that was seized, as well as its patronal feast, in the Volyn village of Rakiv Lis.