Metropolitan Nafanail consecrates iconostasis in temporary church in Lutsk

Metropolitan Nafanail consecrated the iconostasis in the Spyridonovsky Church in Lutsk. Photo: Volyn Diocese

On December 25, 2025, the day commemorating St. Spyridon of Trimythous, Metropolitan of Volyn and Lutsk Nafanail performed the rite of consecration of the iconostasis and led the Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the patronal feast at the house church dedicated to St. Spyridon, located in the Pryvokzalnyi district of Lutsk. This was reported by the diocesan press service.

Concelebrating with the hierarch were the district dean, Archpriest Vadym Lebid; the parish rector, Archpriest Ioann Popryk; the head of the diocesan chancery, Archimandrite Paisii (Khomych); as well as clergy of the Volyn Eparchy.

During the service, Metropolitan Nafanail awarded the rector of the church with a church distinction – a mitre. Special prayers were offered during the Liturgy for peace on Ukrainian soil, for deliverance from the enemy, for the preservation of people who have lost their homes and are in despair, and for God’s blessing upon all who assist those in need. The clergy also prayed for the repose of fallen Ukrainian soldiers and all departed Orthodox Christians.

At the conclusion of the service, a rite of glorification was performed before the icon of St. Spyridon. The ruling hierarch addressed the faithful with an archpastoral word, congratulated the community on its patronal feast, and presented parish certificates to active parishioners.

The temporary church was consecrated by Metropolitan Nafanail in a basement space back in 2019. Later, the faithful hoped to build a permanent church in the densely populated Pryvokzalnyi district of the city. However, they were unable to obtain permission from the local authorities.

After the consecration of the temporary church, the hierarch emphasized that the first Christians also began their saving ministry in catacombs and basements: “Therefore, even now, we must not lose heart when we encounter certain discomfort in our service and even direct persecution, but on the contrary – serve the Risen Lord with great joy and remember that after trials and persecutions there will always follow the Triumph of the victory of the Orthodox faith.”

As previously reported by the UOJ, celebrations in honor of the Synaxis of All Saints of the land of Volyn were held in Lutsk.

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