The head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church–Kyiv Patriarchate, Nikodim Kobzar, announced a massive influx of foreign clergy

Nikodim Kobzar, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church—Kyiv Patriarchate, reported a significant increase in interest in the Kyiv Patriarchate among foreign clergy and believers, noting that the organization is barely able to keep up with processing the incoming applications for membership. He made this statement during his enthronement ceremony in Sumy.

Nikodim Kobzar emphasized that he has been approached by many clergy and bishops from abroad who are not of Ukrainian origin. “We—that is, Bishop Evgeny—can no longer keep up with processing the documents we have received for admission specifically to the Kyiv Patriarchate,” he stated.

According to Nikodim, foreign clergy are searching for an “unblemished church”—an institution that does not draw criticism from the international community. In addition, during his speech, he noted that his current ministry was allegedly foretold by his spiritual father, Archimandrite Theodore (Andriushchenko), a monk at the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra.

As a reminder, on May 31, 2026, the head of the UOC-KP, Nikodim Kobzar,officially accepted “Archbishop” Nikola (Nuncio) Rimauinto the organization and announced the creation of a new ecclesiastical vicariate covering the territory of Italy and Portugal.