The OCU has canonized the creator of Chernivtsi’s architectural landmark
On May 11, 2026, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine decided to canonize Archbishop Yevgeny Gakman of Chernivtsi, Metropolitan of Bukovina and Dalmatia. The metropolitan is considered one of the most important figures in the region’s history, as he combined spiritual leadership with educational and public service.
This was reported by the press service of the Chernivtsi-Bukovina Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The process of preparing for canonization lasted over a century, beginning in 1891, when a special commission documented testimonies of healings following prayers to the bishop. In 1914, during the opening of the tomb, the incorruptibility of his remains was officially confirmed. For 150 years, the faithful of Bukovina continued to honor the memory of the bishop, coming to his burial site to seek his intercession.
Metropolitan Gakman played a key role in the founding of Chernivtsi University, offering to fund the theology department and provide premises in the residence. In addition to his church ministry, he actively participated in political life as Marshal of the Bukovina Sejm and a member of the House of Lords of the Austrian Reichsrat. From now on, the name of Saint Eugene will be included in the OCU’s general church calendar for official commemoration.
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has decided to defrock a group of clergy who, following the death of Honorary Patriarch Filaret, proclaimed their own “patriarch.” The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) officially condemned the anti-canonical activities of a group of individuals who are illegally using the name “Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate.”
