In Poltava, UOC-KP leader pays tribute to Paisius Velychkovsky and opens St. Nicholas’ residence

On November 27-28, Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus Ukraine visited Poltava. His visit was to mark the day of remembrance of St. Paisius Velichkovsky. 

Paisius Velichkovsky’s remembrance days have already become a tradition in Poltava, as the venerable father was born here and it is in the Holy Dormition Cathedral that his father performed his ministry. It is very symbolic that at this Cathedral Patriarch Filaret led the festive service.

The Holy Dormition Cathedral was renovated - the iconostasis which had been manufactured over five years was installed. This iconostasis is unusual, it is crowned by the trident, flanked with rose and oak leaves. "We have long consulted on this idea, and decided to make the iconostasis like this. I remember having once seen the iconostasis in a church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which was crowned double-headed eagle. I thought: our iconostasis shall be crowned with trident so everyone who crosses the threshold of the house knew – it is a Ukrainian church,” said Archbishop Fedir, Bishop of Poltava and Kremenchug.

It should be added that the evening worship service was held in Poltava, where the service composed by Paisius Velichkovsky in Ukrainian was performed. Its text was brought from the monastery where the venerable father was rector, and its translation was made by Bishop Mark of Kropyvnytskiy.

Patriarch Filaret also opened the residence of St. Nicholas in Poltava, which was built next to the Holy Dormition Cathedral. “The idea of ​​it came a year ago, and we have realized it thanks to patrons, Ukrainian and foreign philanthropists. In the first place, the children of ATO soldiers and privileged categories will be received here. The volunteers of “Poltava Enthusiasts’ Battalion” have been working over a month on the creation of toys and gifts. We think that St. Nicholas’ house will bring joy to kids of Poltava,” said Natalia Hranchak, coordinator of Poltava Enthusiasts’ Battalion.

The final chord of Paisius Velichkovsky’s remembrance days became a solemn academy in the regional Gogol Musical Drama Theater.

During the evening, many honors were awarded here - including the orders “For Self-Sacrifice and Love For Ukraine,” which were presented to relatives of deceased soldiers. In addition, the diocesan prize of Paisius Velichkovsky was awarded. Its winners are academics, philanthropists, writers and journalists. This was reported to RISU by Serhiy Yevtushenko.