Thousands join cross procession to Bancheny Monastery
Cross procession to Bancheny Monastery. Photo: UOJ
On May 20, 2026, UOC faithful set out on the annual cross procession to the Holy Ascension Bancheny Monastery.
The pilgrims are walking the route as a prayerful labor ahead of the monastery’s patronal feast – the Ascension of the Lord. Laypeople, clergy, and families with children are taking part in the procession, with communal prayers offered along the way.
This year, several thousand people are participating in the traditional procession, which was established by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Chernivtsi Eparchy had earlier announced the cross procession to Bancheny Monastery. The tradition of this pilgrimage took shape many years ago and each year gathers thousands of believers from Bukovyna on the eve of the Feast of the Ascension.
Read also
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.