Met. Antony (Scharba) Undergoes Heart Surgery

SOUTH BOUND BROOK, NJ — Metropolitan Antony, primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and of the Diaspora, underwent successful heart surgery on August 13, 2025, marking his fourth cardiac hospitalization since January 2024. Archbishop Daniel announced the procedure, calling for “fervent and unceasing prayer” from clergy and parishioners during this critical time.

The Metropolitan’s prior hospitalizations in January and July 2024, and January 2025, all related to heart issues, have heightened concerns among the faithful for their spiritual leader’s health. Abp. Daniel praised Met. Antony’s decades of tireless service, urging the community to support him through prayer, especially during Divine Liturgy.

A special prayer was shared, beseeching Christ, the Divine Healer, to guide the physicians and grant Met. Antony strength and recovery. Following the surgery, Abp. Daniel joyfully reported that the Metropolitan has been discharged and is recovering at home under medical care.

He urged continued prayers for full restoration, citing Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” The faithful’s love and prayers reflect the unity of the Church, offering encouragement to Met. Antony and a witness of faith to the world.

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