In Chernivtsi, 1,000 UOC faithful gather for Christmas evening of carols
Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi. Photo: rbc.ua
On January 11, 2026, a Christmas evening of carols took place at the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Chernivtsi, bringing together about 1,000 faithful. This was reported on the official Facebook page of the Chernivtsi–Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC.
The festive gathering featured the cathedral choirs, clergy, and numerous parishioners. Through the joint singing of Christmas carols, the faithful glorified Christ who is born.
An archpastoral address was delivered to the congregation by the head of the Chernivtsi–Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC, Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna. The hierarch recalled that for centuries the Ukrainian people have turned to God with prayers for mercy and grace.
He noted that during these Christmas days the faithful glorify the Christ Child and lift up prayers for their homeland and for their native Bukovyna, asking the Lord for salvation and well-being.
According to the archpastor, their forebears believed that wherever Christmas carols are sung, God’s blessing abides. This tradition, the metropolitan emphasized, continues today, uniting prayer with church song.
Metropolitan Meletiy also called on the faithful to turn to God in prayer, asking for His blessing and for peace and calm to come upon Ukrainian land.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that His Beatitude presided at the Divine Liturgy in Feofania on the feast day of St. Bonifatius.
Read also
Ministry of Culture allowed OCU to "restore" prayer services in the Near Caves of the Lavra
Access to the Near Caves for PCU prayers is only possible by prior appointment and accompanied by PCU representatives.
LGBT march takes place in Jerusalem
Liberal opposition in Israel has turned the annual LGBT march into a large-scale political action against the current government.
In England, Catholics launch official dialogue with Pentecostals
In London, Catholics discussed with Pentecostals the possibilities for joint preaching of the Gospel.
Pentagon excludes 180 denominations from list of recognized religions
The Pentagon chief ordered to conceal the military ranks of military chaplains, emphasizing their priority service to God.
Archbishop of Cyprus warns Met. Tychikos: vacate or face police
Former Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos received a response from Archbishop Georgios to his letter, where the Primate threatens the hierarch with police if he refuses to vacate on time.
Militants kill 37 Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia
Radicals burned down the century-old Church of Archangel Gabriel and destroyed the homes of hundreds of believers during a large-scale attack.