UOC priest banned from ministry in Zhytomyr region for falling into schism

On April 9, 2025, the ruling bishop of the Ovruch Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Vissarion, issued a decree banning the rector of the Holy Cross Church in the village of Kalynivka, Korosten district, Zhytomyr region, Priest Vadim Hvozd, from ministry. The reason for the ban was the priest’s falling into schism. On April 8, the priest joined the OCU. This was reported by the official website of the Ovruch Diocese of the UOC.

The reprimand was imposed for joining the OCU and violating the priestly oath. The order states that the OCU does not recognize the majority of the Local Orthodox Churches of the world. The priest is ordered to return the Antimension and is prohibited from performing services and the Sacraments.

“We hope that you will realize your sin and return to the Holy Canonical Church of Christ with repentance in the near future,” — Metropolitan Vissarion said in his decree.

Earlier, the press service of the Kremenchuk Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reported that two priests were banned from ministry for falling into schism and violating the priestly oath. The relevant decrees were signed by Metropolitan Mykola of Kremenchuk and Lubny.