The Ukrainian Orthodox Church Marks the 12th Anniversary of the Primate's Enthronement

On August 17, 2026, a solemn divine service was celebrated at the Panteleimon Convent in Theophania on the occasion of the twelfth anniversary of the enthronement of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphrius. This was reported by the Information and Educational Department of the UOC.

The Divine Liturgy in the main cathedral of the monastery was led by Metropolitan Onuphrius. He was co-served by the permanent members of the Holy Synod of the UOC, bishops of the Church, clergy of the monastery and Kyiv, as well as guests in holy orders. The choir of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary sang during the service. At the Little Entrance, the Primate awarded UOC bishops for their labors for the benefit of the Church: Bishop Jacob of Drohobych and Bishop Cleopa of Novoselytsia were elevated to the rank of archbishop.

During the Liturgy, special prayers were offered for peace on Ukrainian soil, for deliverance from the enemy, for refugees and people of good will who help those in need.

After the dismissal, the Chancellor of the UOC read out greetings from the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches, and Metropolitan Sergius of Ternopil and Kremenets conveyed a message from the Holy Synod.

His Beatitude thanked those present for their congratulations and addressed the congregation, noting that every bishop bears witness to Christ Crucified and Risen both among his own flock and among those outside the Church.

The Primate also wished the faithful to live in love, patience, and mutual respect, emphasizing that forgiveness destroys sin, while its absence leads to the multiplication of evil. After the service, the faithful personally congratulated the archpastor on the day of his enthronement.

As the UOJ reported, the Serbian Patriarch congratulated the Primate of the UOC on the 12th anniversary of his enthronement.