Chernivtsi hierarch consecrated a new church of the persecuted UOC community in Berezhonka

On August 23, 2026, Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna consecrated a new church of the persecuted UOC community in the village of Berezhonka. The faithful built the church in honor of the Holy Prophet Elijah to replace the previous building, which the parish lost due to the actions of OCU supporters. This was reported by the faithful of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the UOC on Facebook.

After the rite of consecration, Metropolitan Meletiy celebrated the Divine Liturgy. The archpastor was co-served by the secretary of the diocese, Archpriest Dymytrii Shcherban, the dean of the Vyzhnytsia district, Archimandrite Daniil, and the rector of the parish, Priest Vasyl Luchak.

At the petition of the ruling hierarch, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine blessed the elevation of Priest Vasyl Luchak to the rank of Archpriest.

In the new church, the faithful together with the hierarch offered prayers for peace on Ukrainian soil, for the protection of soldiers, and for help for people in difficult circumstances. Metropolitan Meletiy delivered words of spiritual guidance and support to his flock. In a response address, Archpriest Vasyl Luchak thanked the hierarch for the consecration of the church and the joint divine service.

Earlier, on November 24, 2023, OCU supporters, with the assistance of the police, cut the locks on the previous church. However, the faithful together with the rector, Priest Vasyl Luchak, preserved their faith and love for the Church, and through the joint prayers and labors of the parishioners, a new church was built.

As the SPJ reported, in Ispas, Metropolitan Meletiy consecrated the altar of the new UOC church.