UOC Community Marks Patronal Feast Despite Seizure of Church Building

Photo: UOJ-Ukraine

VERKHNI STANIVTSI, UKRAINE — As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, parishioners of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) gathered in prayer on May 22 to celebrate the patronal feast of St. Nicholas in the village of Verkhni Stanivtsi, marking the feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The celebration came more than a year after the community lost access to its church building and continues to worship elsewhere.

The festal Divine Liturgy was led by Bp. Job, who joined parish rector Fr. Igor Pits and clergy from across the diocese. With a large number of worshippers in attendance, the service was celebrated outdoors in the parish courtyard. During the liturgy, prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, for those suffering from the effects of war, and for all who provide assistance to people in need.

Following the service, the faithful participated in a procession that included Gospel readings and the sprinkling of holy water. Bp. Job congratulated the congregation on the feast, delivered a sermon, and presented certificates of blessing to members of the community. Archpriest Igor thanked the bishop, clergy, and faithful for their participation and support.

The celebration marked the second consecutive year that the parish has observed its patronal feast outside its church building. According to parish representatives, the church was taken over in April 2025 during a dispute involving supporters of the state-backed Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). Since that time, the community has conducted services in an adapted space at a local restaurant while continuing its parish life and liturgical schedule.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Michael’s Church in Bezuhlivka was seized by the OCU.

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