Monastic tonsure performed in Kholodna Balka village nunnery
Archbishop Viktor and the nuns after the tonsure. Photo: Odesa Eparchy press service
On April 4, 2026, a monastic tonsure was performed at the women’s monastery dedicated to the “Healer” Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Kholodna Balka, Odesa Region.
With the blessing of Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail, the rite was led by the eparchy’s vicar, Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz, the Odesa Eparchy press service reported. During the tonsure, Rassophore nun Nataliya received the name Lydia, in honor of the Holy Martyr Lydia.
At the conclusion of the rite, Bishop Viktor also congratulated the abbess of the monastery, Abbess Sofia, on her name day. He wished Mother Sofia spiritual joy, good health, and God’s abundant help in carrying out her abbatial ministry for the good of the Holy Church.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that monastic tonsures had been performed at the Tykhvin Convent in Dnipro.
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