New altar consecrated in renovated church of UOC’s Zhytomyr Eparchy
Metropolitan Nikodym of Zhytomyr and Novohrad-Volynskyi at the consecration of the altar. Photo: Zhytomyr Eparchy press service
On May 20, 2026, the leave-taking of Pascha, Metropolitan Nikodym of Zhytomyr and Novohrad-Volynskyi celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the rite of consecration of the altar at St. Nicholas Church in the village of Vertokiivka, the Zhytomyr Eparchy press service reported.
Praying together with the hierarch were Archimandrite Gavriil (Vardaev), confessor of the Zhytomyr Eparchy; Archpriest Dimitriy Novytskyi, dean of the district church округа; Archpriest Viktor Holubovskyi, dean of the city church district; and other visiting clergy. Abbess Serafima (Meleshchuk), superior of the Savior-Protection Convent, also prayed at the Liturgy together with the sisters of the monastery.
In his sermon, Metropolitan Nikodym congratulated the church rector, Archpriest Vladyslav Starushyk, and the local community on a historic day in the life of the parish. He wished the faithful that their renovated church would always be a place of encounter with God, and called on every Christian to treasure the joy of the Risen Christ.
As previously reported by the UOJ, a new church was consecrated in the village of Levkiv to replace the one seized by the OCU. The consecration of the restored church and its new altar is a testimony to the constructive mission of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which, even in difficult times, continues to restore holy places and strengthen the spiritual life of the people.
Read also
Synod of Cyprus Church sets date for election of Metropolitan of Paphos
In Nicosia, the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus approved a new Charter.
Met Onuphry: Through the Ascension, the Lord raised our nature to heaven
The Primate of the UOC officiated at the patronal feast at the capital’s Ascension Church and called on the faithful to preserve their hope of salvation.
New altar consecrated in renovated church of UOC’s Zhytomyr Eparchy
Metropolitan Nikodym led the celebrations in the village of Vertokiivka and urged the faithful to preserve the joy of Pascha in their hearts.
Volyn council reviews reports of pressure and bribery in transfers to OCU
Deputies examined reports of possible bribery and violations during changes in parish jurisdiction in the Volyn region.
Serbian priest calls OCU Tomos a violation of canonical norms
Speaking at a conference in Belgrade, Fr. Miladin Mitrović stated that the Phanar’s decision on Ukraine triggered a serious crisis in relations among the Local Orthodox Churches.
Orthodox Christians celebrate the Ascension of the Lord
On the 40th day after Pascha, the faithful commemorate the Savior’s ascent into heaven – an event that sanctified human nature itself.