On November 15, 2024, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine presided over the Feast of St. Paisius Velichkovsky, the heavenly patron of Poltava, by leading the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Dormition Cathedral in Poltava.
The service at the Church of St. Paisius was concelebrated by Metropolitan Ioan of Cherkasy and Chyhyryn, Metropolitan Fedir of Poltava and Kremenchuk, Archbishop Mark of Kropyvnytskyi and Holovaniv, Archbishop Mytrofan of Kharkiv and Slobozhanskyi, Bishop Efrem of Vasylkiv, along with local and visiting clergy.
The service was attended by Ukraine’s defenders, local authorities, and numerous faithful.
Following the Gospel reading, Metropolitan Epifaniy delivered a sermon and offered a heartfelt prayer for Ukraine during this time of peril.
Special prayers were also made for the soldiers defending the nation, the government, and the people of Ukraine, as well as for the repose of the souls of fallen defenders and civilians who lost their lives in the ongoing war.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a prayer service was held in honor of St. Paisius Velichkovsky.
Metropolitan Epifaniy conferred church awards upon soldiers defending Ukraine, including some posthumously, as well as upon volunteers and benefactors of the diocese.
In commemoration of his visit, the Primate presented Metropolitan Fedir with a commemorative icon of the Virgin Mary and gifted the cathedral with a newly published liturgical Gospel. His Beatitude also extended congratulations to Archbishop Mark on his upcoming 45th birthday, presenting him with a commemorative gift.
Additionally, the winners of the St. Paisius Velichkovsky Prize were honored during the event. This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the revival of the Church of Ukraine, the strengthening of Ukrainian statehood, the promotion of spirituality, and exceptional achievements in the spiritual life of Orthodoxy.
Source: pomisna
