On October 15, the 24th Regular Sobor (Council) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA commenced its sessions in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, uniting hierarchs, clergy, and delegates from across the country.
According to the official website of the UOC of the USA, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized in his greeting that the upcoming Council, held under the slogan "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with great joy," highlights the idea that "the spirit of joyful service is the most genuine expression of the Church’s vocation - a life of gratitude, communion, and steadfast witness before the world."
Metropolitan Epifaniy, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, expressed his gratitude for the fraternal unity between the two Churches in his message to the participants of the Council. He acknowledged the faithful service of the UOC-USA, which has been ongoing for over a century:
“For more than a century, the Church in America has carried out its sacred ministry, preserving and bearing witness to the Orthodox faith and Ukrainian identity among the sons and daughters of our people who, for various reasons, found new life overseas.
In the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, we deeply value the great humanitarian work carried out by the faithful, clergy, and communities of the UOC of the USA, and by the Church as a whole, in supporting the victims of Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as supporting our heroes — veterans, displaced persons, and refugees.
From my heart, I wish the 24th Sobor of the UOC of the USA fruitful labor, meaningful deliberations, and wise decisions that will contribute to the preservation and multiplication of the spiritual and historical heritage of Ukrainian Orthodox ministry on American soil, in the face of new circumstances and the challenges of our time,” the Primate of the OCU stated in his message.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Council, expressing gratitude for the Church's sacrificial service to the Ukrainian people:
“The convening of this Council is a significant event in the church calendar, marking a special moment for meetings, dialogue, and deep reflection on faith, community service, and the future.
We are sincerely grateful to the Church for the assistance it provides to Ukraine, for the prayers that warm hearts, and for the unwavering love for the Motherland. Your Church is an integral part of the millennial tradition of Ukrainian culture and historical memory in North America," Volodymyr Zelensky wrote.
Governor Philip Murphy highlighted the important role of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in the life of the state and the nation:
“For over a century, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA has provided leadership, faith, and community values that make our world a better place. The UOC-USA not only offers spiritual guidance and charity to Ukrainians in New Jersey but also humanitarian aid to Ukraine through medical, food, and transport assistance during this devastating war.”