UOC Primate presided at celebrations of the 20th anniversary of metropolitan Niphont’s Episcopal Consecration
Ukrainian Orthodox Church
On April 21 the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Hierarch Niphont, Bishop of Novhorod. This day is also the name day of the ruling bishop of the UOC Diocese of Volyn – Metropolitan Niphont of Lutsk and Volyn. On these days Vladyka Niphont celebrated 20th anniversary of the beginning of his service to the Church in the rank of a bishop.
The celebrations on the occasion of this anniversary in Lutsk were led by the UOC Primate, Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
Before the beginning if the Liturgy at the Church of All Saints of the Lands Volyn the Primate of the UOC was welcomed by the clergy and faithful. We are happy to greet You, Your Beatitude, in the hospitable and sunny lands of Volyn”, said chairman of the regional council Anatoliy Hrytsiuk.
The rhymed words of greeting to His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr and His Eminence Metropolitan Niphont were presented by the youngest parishioners of the Church of All Saints of the Lands of Volyn – the pupils of the Sunday School. And their pastors expressed a desire that the Primate of the UOC presided over the first Liturgy at the Cathedral of All Saints of the Lands of Volyn, which is under construction now.
Upon completion of the Divine service, greeting the ruling bishop of the Diocese of Volyn, His Beatitude bestowed on him the Order of the Holy Hierarch Theodosius of Chernihiv.
In his turn Metropolitan Niphont of Lutsk and Volyn addressed the Primate with a word of response.
“In the turbulent years you headed our Ukrainian Orthodox Church and throughout these years You have been its wise guide. And for us, the residents of Volyn, You are spiritual father”, stated Vladyka Niphont in his word of gratitude.
After the Liturgy the Archpastor left for the museum of the Volyn Icon, where he presented his valuable gift – facsimile edition of the Peresopnytsia Gospels.
