Bishop Vasyliy (Ivasyuk) Visited Kherson

Recently residents of the city Kherson welcomed Reverend Bishop Vasyliy (Ivasyuk), Exarch of Odesa-Crimea. On the day of his arrival, in the Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Church, took place a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, which was led by the exarch in concelebration with 11 priests who, together with their faithful, came for the joint prayer from Lviv, Drohobych, Hoshiv – near and far corners of Ukraine. The solemn liturgy was accompanied by Svitlo Tykhe choir from Drohobych of the monastic Sts. Peter and Paul the Apostles Church. During the service Brother Bohdan from the Lviv region was ordained as a deacon. The bishop congratulated all present and guests “who came in order to prayer together.” The bishop thanked them for their “brotherly solidarity and support.” He expressed special gratitude to Fr. Macariy Leniv, the pastor of this church, and to Fr. Dorotey, Fr. Yoakim, and Fr. Deacon Ignatius who serve here and give testimony to Christ through prayer and zealous work in southern areas of Ukraine. In addition, Bishop Vasyliy reminded the community about how the UGCC was established here 20 years ago when Fr. Izidor began his pastoral ministry. “So much time, prayer, patience, and love to ones people was needed so that today we could pray in this church and rejoice in the growth of the monastery,” said the exarch.

Informed by Ivanna Ryzhan

Background Information:  Kherson is a new center of the Basilian order. All together there are 17 parishes in Kherson, which are ministered by 10 priests. Near the church, a monastery was established which will become the center of prayer and ministry. Last year the church and foundation of the monastery were blessed. It was planned to build in southern Ukraine a large monastery complex of the Basilian order. One of its parts is now being constructed. In the monastery live three priests and one deacon.