The Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has appointed a new administrator for the Ovruch Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has made a personnel decision, appointing a new head of the Ovruch Diocese. According to the official Information and Education Department of the UOC, Archbishop Spiridon (Golovastov) of Dobropolye, who previously served as vicar of the Kyiv Diocese, has been appointed to this position. In accordance with his new appointment, he has received the title of Archbishop of Ovruch and Korosten.

This decision was made due to the need to fill the vacant see. On September 18, 2026, the former ruling bishop—Metropolitan Vissarion (Stretovich)—passed away. The late hierarch had led the Ovruch Diocese continuously for more than 32 years, making a significant contribution to its development and the spiritual life of the region.

As a reminder, on May 15, 2025, the Rivne North-Western Economic Court of Appeals ruled to transfer the complex of buildings of the St. Basil’s Convent in Ovruch to state ownership. This decision revoked the private ownership rights to an architectural monument of national significance, which had been used by a religious community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for more than 19 years.