On August 15, 2023, Metropolitan Symeon of Vinnytsia and Bar visited his native village of Raikivtsi in Khmelnytskyi region. On this day, the Church celebrates one of the twelve great feasts - the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary (the parish of Raikivtsi celebrates church holidays according to the New Julian calendar).
With the blessing of Bishop Pavlo of Khmelnytskyi and Kamianets-Podilskyi, Metropolitan Symeon led the festive Divine Liturgy at the local Church of the Archangel Michael. His Eminence was concelebrated by the rector of the church, Archpriest Yuriy Tymoshchuk, and clergy of the Vinnytsia-Barsk Eparchy.
During the service, prayers were offered for Ukrainian soldiers, victory and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
After the Liturgy and the rite of glorification before the Shroud of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Metropolitan Symeon delivered an archpastoral sermon, thanked the clergy and faithful for their joint prayer and congratulated everyone on the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
After that, Metropolitan Symeon and the clergy performed a funeral prayer at his mother's grave.
Press service of the Diocese of Vinnytsia and Bar of the UOC (OCU)
