OCU Orders Clergy to Hold All-Night Vigils

Sparse attendance at OCU-occupied church. Photo: spzh.eu

RIVNE, UKRAINE — The leadership of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) has reportedly issued directives requiring its clergy to conduct All-Night Vigils, a move described by critics as forced and indicative of deeper institutional weakness. The decree was issued by Gavriil Kryzyna, head of the Rivne Eparchy, mandating that clergy “mandatorily hold all-night vigils on the eve of Sundays and holidays.”

The order signed by Kryzyna. Source: Kozak TV/Telegram

Kryzyna added language emphasizing “increased prayer for the government,” which observers interpret as an attempt to give a patriotic justification for the order. Critics argue that the requirement exposes the gap between the OCU’s official activities and genuine popular engagement, noting that while Sunday services are sparsely attended, Saturday evening vigils are often less so.

Commentators suggest that the leadership is attempting to project the appearance of a vibrant Church, while relying on activists to fill liturgical roles rather than fostering genuine spiritual participation among the faithful. Evening services are traditionally part of Orthodox parish life and typically grow out of pastoral need and local initiative. Dictating Vigils specifically around increased prayer for the government calls into question the spiritual purpose of these directives.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCU head has called for renewed dialogue on Church unity in Ukraine.

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