Metropolitan Victor leads patronal feast at persecuted parish
The UOC parish in Khmelnytskyi, which lost its church after it was seized, celebrated its patronal feast in a repurposed building.
On July 21, 2026, the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Metropolitan Victor of Khmelnytskyi and Starokostiantyniv celebrated the Divine Liturgy in premises converted into a church for the Kazan Icon parish in Khmelnytskyi, the UOC eparchy’s press service reports.
More than two years ago, the church dedicated to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was seized by supporters of the OCU. Since then, the religious community has held services in a building adapted for worship.
Metropolitan Victor was concelebrated by the parish rector, Archpriest Petro Diachuk, and clergy of the eparchy. During the augmented litany, prayers were offered for soldiers, peace in Ukraine, and all those in need and affected by the war.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a hymn of praise was offered before the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Metropolitan Victor then congratulated the rector and parishioners on their patronal feast.
As the UOJ previously reported, following the seizure of the Kazan Church, the UOC community has continued its liturgical life despite the loss of its church building.
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