On November 27, 2023, at the invitation of Metropolitan Roman of Vinnytsia and Bratslav, Metropolitan Symeon of Vinnytsia and Bar visited the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi and celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the local church in honor of the Theophany of the Lord. His Eminence was concelebrated by Metropolitan Roman of Vinnytsia and Bratslav, Archbishop Tikhon of Ternopil and Buchach, Bishop Borys of Kherson and Kakhovka, as well as the Rector of the church, Archpriest Igor Heriy, and guests in the holy rank.
After reading the Gospel, a prayer was said for Ukraine and the victory of the Ukrainian army, as well as for the repose of the souls of the fallen defenders of the Fatherland and Ukrainian civilians who died at the hands of the russian occupiers.
On this day, a deacon's ordination took place in the church, performed by Metropolitan Roman. A local parishioner, Petro Didych, was ordained a deacon.
At the end of the Liturgy, a prayer service was held for the Ukrainian Church, Ukraine and its people.
Metropolitan Symeon addressed the clergy and faithful with an archpastoral word. His Eminence thanked Metropolitan Roman and Archpriest Igor Gyrey for the invitation, expressed gratitude for the joint prayer of all the hierarchs and clergy, and congratulated the parishioners on the festive event in the life of their parish.
Metropolitan Roman thanked everyone for the joint prayer and wished God's help to Deacon Petro Didych in his service to the Church of Christ.
The Metropolitan thanked the mayor of Mykhailo Positko, who attended the festive service, for his cooperation and support of the local parish in spiritual, educational and charitable activities. In his turn, the Mayor thanked the bishops and clergy for understanding the needs of the city and its residents, for their joint support of Ukraine's defenders, and for their efforts to preserve interfaith peace and understanding in society. Among the guests at the service was Bishop Leon Dubravsky of the Diocese of Kamyanets-Podilsky.
At the end of the celebration, Archpriest Igor Heriy thanked Metropolitan Symeon and the bishops and clergy who came to the service, shared the joy of prayerful communion and spiritually supported the local religious community.
Press service of the Diocese of Vinnytsia and Bar of the UOC (OCU)
