“Patriarch” Nikodym creates new UOC-KP vicariates in Italy and Portugal
The head of the Kyiv Patriarchate has admitted “Archbishop” Nicola Rimaudo of Milan into the structure.
On May 31, 2026, UOC-KP head Nikodym issued a decree expanding the organization’s activities abroad. The same decree established new patriarchal vicariates in Italy and Portugal.
The head of the UOC-KP granted the petition of “Archbishop” Nicola Nunzio Rimaudo of Milan to join the Kyiv Patriarchate. In his petition, Rimaudo also justified the move by citing “the request of the Ukrainian diaspora to remain in canonical communion with the UOC-KP.”
Nicola Nunzio Rimaudo received the title of “Archbishop of Milan” and the status of patriarchal vicar in the two countries. According to the document, he is now directly subordinate to Nikodym in his spiritual and administrative activity.
As the UOJ reported, the UOC-KP created a “vicariate” in Cyprus.
