Persecuted UOC Community in Tovtry Celebrated Its Patronal Feast
The Bishop of Ivano-Frankivsk led the Divine Liturgy on the patronal feast day in Tovtry.
The persecuted UOC community in the village of Tovtry celebrated the patronal feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Bishop Nikita of Ivano-Frankivsk and Kolomyia led the festive Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by the local clergy. This was reported by the faithful of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the UOC on Facebook.
During the service, the clergy offered prayers for peace on Ukrainian soil and deliverance from the enemy. The clergy also asked God to strengthen those in despair who have lost their homes.
After the conclusion of the Liturgy, the hierarch and clergy performed the rite of glorification of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Bishop Nikita addressed the faithful with words of spiritual edification. The rector of the parish, Archpriest Alexander Shtefanitsa, thanked the bishop for the service performed. The priest also expressed gratitude to the clergy and faithful for their communal prayer.
On the eve of the patronal feast, Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna visited the persecuted parish. The archpastor led the festive All-Night Vigil. Despite severe trials, the Orthodox community in the village of Tovtry continues to pray and preserve the faith.
As the SPJ reported, in Volodymyr, the persecuted community of the Dormition Church celebrated its patronal feast.
