Persecuted community of Verkhni Stanivtsi celebrates archpastoral Liturgy
A persecuted community in Verkhni Stanivtsi. Photo: UOJ
On May 22, 2026, the persecuted St. Nicholas community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the village of Verkhni Stanivtsi of the Kitsman Deanery celebrated its patronal feast – the Translation of the relics of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. This is reported by a UOJ correspondent.
Bishop Job of Kitsman arrived to support the parish family and share the joy of the feast with the rector – Mitred Archpriest Ihor Pits. The clergy of the eparchy and numerous faithful joined the celebration. Due to the large number of gathered people, it was decided to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the open air. During the service, prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, for deliverance from the enemy, for those who have lost their homes, and for all people of good will who help the needy.
After the Liturgy, a religious procession was held with the reading of the Gospel and the sprinkling of holy water. Concluding the feast, His Grace Job congratulated the faithful on their patronal day, delivered a sermon, and presented blessed certificates of merit. Rector Archpriest Ihor Pits thanked the hierarch for the celebrated service, the clergy, and all those who prayed for the concelebrated prayer.
This is already the second patronal feast that the faithful are celebrating outside the walls of their church. As the UOJ reported, the persecuted community in Rynhach celebrated Christmas holidays in a house church – such situations are common for many communities in the Chernivtsi region. On April 12, 2025, supporters of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) led by Roman Hryshchuk, with police support, seized the parish church in Verkhni Stanivtsi. Since then, the faithful have been conducting services in an adapted room of a local restaurant.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.