A hierarch of the Serbian Church visited the Sumy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On August 4–5, 2026, a hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church—Metropolitan Gregory of Düsseldorf and All Germany—visited the Sumy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The purpose of the visit was to provide spiritual support to the clergy and laity affected by the hostilities, as well as to express solidarity with Metropolitan Evlogiy of Sumy and Akhtyr in connection with his trial. This was reported by , the website of the Sumy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

During the visit, the bishops held fraternal discussions, and Metropolitan Gregory visited the region’s key holy sites—the Transfiguration and Trinity Cathedrals in the city of Sumy. As a token of gratitude for his support, Metropolitan Evlogiy presented the guest with commemorative gifts, including a copy of the Malochernechchinsky icon of Christ the Savior, “Bread of Life,” and an honorary diocesan award.

Metropolitan Gregory’s extensive pastoral experience lends particular significance to this event; in the past, he headed the Zahum-Herzegovina Diocese and participated in the restoration of church life following the conflict in the Balkans. According to observers, his visit served as an important testament to the spiritual unity between the Serbian and Ukrainian Orthodox Churches and underscored the importance of defending human rights and religious freedom amid the current challenging circumstances.