Clergy meeting of Western European Vicariate of UOC held in Italy

The Crypt of the Saint Nicholas Basilica in Bari. Photo: UOC DECR

An annual meeting of the Vicariate clergy took place in the city of Bari under the chairmanship of Bishop Veniamin.

On February 5-6, 2026, in the Italian city of Bari, with the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, the regular annual meeting of the Western European Vicariate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was held, as reported by the press service of the UOC DECR.

The meeting was headed by Bishop Veniamin of Boyarka, head of the Vicariate. At the beginning of the event, he read the address of the Primate of the UOC to the clergy abroad. In his message, Metropolitan Onuphry emphasized the significance of pastoral ministry in emigration, when priests help believers preserve faith and hope in difficult times. He noted that the clergy, being in different countries, should unite people in Christ and be a source of comfort for them.

During the gathering, participants discussed issues of organizing parish life abroad, summarized the activities of the Vicariate for the year, and approved the document "On the Ministry of the Western European Vicariate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church." The document emphasizes that overseas parishes of the UOC provide spiritual and humanitarian support to Ukrainian citizens, including assistance to soldiers and war victims.

It was also reported that during the Christmas period, the vicariate conducted fundraising for the needs of Ukrainian soldiers.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the clergy celebrated a joint Liturgy in the crypt of th Saint Nicholas Basilica at the relics of the saint of God.

As the UOJ reported, UOC hierarchs celebrated the Liturgy at Saint Nicholas' relics in Bari.

Read also