Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch reposes in the Lord

Metropolitan Vissarion. Photo: UOC press service

On September 18, 2026, in Ovruch, Metropolitan Vissarion (Stretovych), the ruling bishop of the Ovruch Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), passed away after a prolonged illness. His repose was announced by the UOC press service.

Metropolitan Vissarion (secular name Vasyl Stretovych) was born on December 4, 1953, in the village of Poliana in the Korosten district, Zhytomyr region. In 1983, he graduated from the Theological Academy, took monastic vows at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, and was ordained as a deacon and priest.

In 1992, the Holy Synod of the UOC elected Hegumen Vissarion as Bishop of Korosten, vicar of the Zhytomyr Eparchy. A year later, the independent Ovruch Eparchy was established, which he headed with the title of Ovruch and Korosten.

In 2000, the bishop was elevated to the rank of archbishop, and in 2010 — to the rank of metropolitan. During his ministry in Polissya, three monasteries were opened, hundreds of parishes were established, and numerous churches were consecrated.

In 2023, the SBU and the National Police referred the case of Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch to court on charges of "inciting national and religious hatred." The security services claimed that Metropolitan Vissarion had allegedly "personally prepared texts of leaflets and brochures for several years in which he insulted the religious feelings of Ukrainians."

As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Vissarion was hospitalized in critical condition last year.

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