25 Women Tonsured at Ukrainian Monastery
At Chopovichi, 25 women embraced monastic life, reflecting the continued growth and dedication of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s monastic communities.
CHOPOVICHI, UKRAINE — During the Lenten season, the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has reported numerous monastic tonsures at men’s and women’s monasteries across the country. One of the most recent ceremonies took place on March 28, the Saturday of the Akathist, at the Convent of the Athonite Icon of the Mother of God in the Kiev Diocese.
At the Chopovichi monastery, dozens of women dedicated their lives to God, marking a profound moment of spiritual commitment. The monastery, which celebrates its patronal feast on the Saturday of the Akathist, received 25 sisters taking monastic vows. Some were tonsured to the riassaphore, while others entered the small schema, or stavrophore, receiving full monastic vows.
The Divine Liturgy was led by His Eminence Abp. Alexander of Horodnitsya, vicar of the Kiev Diocese, with concelebrants including the monastery’s spiritual father, Archpriest Roman Baranovsky, and other clergy. The occasion reflected both the spiritual vitality of the monastery and the ongoing growth of monastic life in Ukraine.
Previously, the UOJ reported that seven tonsures marked a solemn night at Jordanville Monastery.
