Archbishop Viktor consecrates new church in Odesa Eparchy

Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz at the consecration of the altar. Photo: Odesa Eparchy Facebook page

On May 21, 2026, Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz performed the rite of consecration of a church in honor of the Ascension of the Lord at the skete of the Archangel Michael Convent of the Odesa Eparchy of the UOC, the eparchy reported on Facebook.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail, the hierarch also led the festive Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated church. Concelebrating with him were Archpriest Pavel Poleshchuk, dean of the Odesa district, and Archpriest Pavel Netsvetaev, rector of the church.

During the solemn service, the clergy and faithful offered fervent prayers for peace in Ukraine. Those taking part in the service asked God to protect the Ukrainian people and soldiers, and to grant help to all who suffer and are in need.

In his sermon, Archbishop Viktor reminded the faithful of the meaning of the feast of the Ascension as a testimony to victory and the opening of the path to eternal life. The hierarch called on his flock to preserve firm faith and unity in prayer.

As previously reported by the UOJ, a Khmelnytskyi hierarch consecrated a new church in Lomachyntsi. The consecration of new churches in different regions of Ukraine has become a living testimony to the invincibility of faith and the constructive mission of the canonical Church. Despite continuing seizures of holy sites and systematic administrative pressure, UOC communities continue to build churches.

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