UOC Protection Monastery hosts “Bible Experts” Olympiad in Hoshcha town

Participants of the "Bible Experts" Olympiad. Photo: press service of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC

On January 11, 2026, the Protection Convent of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Hoshcha hosted the “Bible Experts” Olympiad among Sunday school pupils of the Hoshcha Deanery. This was reported by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC.

The event took place on the Sunday after the feast of the Nativity of Christ and united Sunday school students who took part in an intellectual competition in which participants were able to demonstrate their knowledge of the Bible and their understanding of its spiritual content.

The olympiad began with a common prayer. After that, the dean of the Hoshcha district, Archpriest Mykhailo Petrov, congratulated the children on the feast of the Nativity of Christ and wished them God’s help and success in completing the tasks.

Participants received written assignments according to their age groups and set to work. While the papers were being checked, the abbess of the monastery, Abbess Daniila, together with the sisters of the convent, treated the children to tea and sweets.

At the conclusion of the olympiad, all participants were presented with commemorative gifts.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UOC Social Department delivered Christmas gifts to displaced persons and to children with disabilities.

Read also

Authorities cancelled the transfer of heritage churches to permanent use

The government replaced the permanent transfer of heritage churches to communities with temporary hourly access.

The OCU stated that the Pope is playing into Moscow's hands

An OCU cleric rebuked the Greek Catholics for their silence in the context of the Pope's statements about the necessity of peace.

Iran raises $1.3 million for sacrificial offering to pray for ayatollah's recovery

Iranians outraged by call to fund sacrificial ritual for the health of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Zelensky signs law on the National Pantheon

The National Pantheon of Ukraine will have a non-denominational status.

Ukraine now allows matronymics alongside patronymics

Ukrainian legislation has allowed people to change their patronymic since 2021, including replacing the father's name with the mother's name.

Kharkiv's gay community announces LGBT march

At the pride march in Kharkiv, participants will demand the legalization of same-sex marriages in Ukraine.