Metropolitan Epifaniy will preside over a service at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv on March 27
On Friday, March 27, 2026, Metropolitan Epifaniy, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, will preside over a divine service at St. Sophia Cathedral.
According to OCU spokesperson Ivan Sydor, a prayer service will begin at 12:00 p.m. with the reading of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the “Oranta” icon.
“We invite all the faithful to join in prayer before the millennial Oranta—the Unbreakable Wall, who is the heavenly Protectress of the God-saved city of Kyiv and all of Ukraine. Since time immemorial, sincere prayers for help have been offered before this holy icon: that the Most Holy Mother of God may heal from various ailments, protect from all evil, and strengthen and safeguard our soldiers. “Throughout the centuries, our pious ancestors turned with faith and hope to the intercession of the Mother of God, imploring Her to grant peace, uphold truth, and bestow victory upon Ukraine-Rus,” he wrote.
On March 23, St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral, where Patriarch Filaret served for over 60 years, transferred from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The head of the OCU, Epiphanius, conducted a memorial service at Filaret’s grave in the cathedral.
Kyiv bid farewellto Patriarch Filaret.
