Persecuted UOC community in Tovtry celebrates patronal feast

The persecuted UOC community in the village of Tovtry celebrated its patronal feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Bishop Nikita of Ivano-Frankivsk and Kolomyia celebrated the festive Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by local clergy, the faithful of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC reported on Facebook.

During the service, the clergy offered prayers for peace in the Ukrainian land and deliverance from the enemy. They also asked God to strengthen those who have fallen into despair after losing their homes.

After the Liturgy, the bishop and clergy performed the rite of glorification in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Bishop Nikita addressed the faithful with words of spiritual guidance. The parish rector, Archpriest Oleksandr Stefanitsa, thanked the bishop for celebrating the service. The priest also expressed his gratitude to the clergy and faithful for their prayer together.

On the eve of the patronal feast, Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna visited the persecuted parish. The hierarch presided over the festive All-Night Vigil. Despite the severe trials it has endured, the Orthodox community in the village of Tovtry continues to pray and remain steadfast in the faith.

As the UOJ reported, the persecuted community of the Dormition Church in Volodymyr celebrated its patronal feast.