In Kyiv, OCU cleric lights Hanukkah menorah on church grounds

In Kyiv, OCU cleric Oleh Sknar lit a Jewish Hanukkah menorah on the territory of the Church of the Intercession at the military hospital. This event, celebrated on December 15, 2025, is part of an annual ceremony that symbolizes support for Ukraine’s defenders.

According to Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman, the Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony took place at the Church of the Intercession of the OCU, located on the territory of the Kyiv Military Hospital. Oleg Sknar personally conducted the event.

Rabbi Asman, commenting on the event, noted that this event has been held on the territory of the hospital for the third year in a row. «It has become more than a tradition, it is a symbol of support and gratitude to all those who defend Ukraine at the cost of their health!» wrote Asman.

It is worth noting that the Church of the Intercession used to belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Immediately after the formation of the OCU in 2019, Oleh Sknar organized a vote, which resulted in the parish’s transfer to the new church structure.

Earlier, it became known that the new President of Poland, Karol Navrotsky , decided to abandon the traditional Hanukkah celebration in the presidential palace, which has been held regularly since 2006. He explained his decision, made shortly after his election, by his personal commitment to Christian values.