UOC Primate officiates ordination ceremony of newly elected bishops

The ordination ceremony of newly elected bishops in the monastery at Feofaniya. Photo: news.church.ua

On the evening of April 19, 2024, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine presided over the ordination ceremony of Archimandrite Alipiy (Tushko) and Archimandrite Kliment (Shmyhelsky), whom the Holy Synod of the UOC elected at its meeting. This was reported by the news.church.ua website.

The ceremony took place at the main cathedral of the St. Pantaleimon Convent in Feofaniya.

Archimandrite Kliment (Shmyhelsky), the abbot of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos Desiatynny (Tithe) Monastery in Kyiv, was appointed Bishop of Borova, vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis.

Archimandrite Alipiy (Tushko), the abbot of the St. Nicholas Monastery in Izmail, was appointed Bishop of Tarutyne, vicar of the Odesa Eparchy.

The following hierarchs also participated in the service: Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, Metropolitan Clement of Nizhyn and Pryluky; Archbishops Seraphim of Yahotyn, Diodor of Yuzhny, Serhiy of Bolhrad, Sylvester of Bilhorod, Dionysiy of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky; Lavr of Irpin, Mark of Borodianka, and clergy.

The episcopal ordination ceremony has been preserved from ancient practice, according to which a candidate for the episcopal rank was elected by clergy and people, and then solemnly announced, after which he consented to the ordination. In modern practice, the ceremony includes the following elements: the newly elected bishop is presented with a decree appointing him to the episcopal see, he expresses his consent, followed by a brief moleben. After the dismissal, the candidate addresses the Primate and bishops with special words, followed by a prayer for many years. In conclusion, the First Hierarch sprinkles the newly elected with holy water and receives the blessing of all the attending bishops.

On this day, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry also led the morning service with the akathist to the Mother of God in Feofaniya.

As reported earlier, biographies of the newly elected bishops were published.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.