The Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia of the Patriarchate of Constantinople announced the ordination of two new clergy members, including Fr. Andriy Pinchuk, a former clergyman of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP).
"Their participation is aimed at further supporting and strengthening the Metropolis's missionary and pastoral ministry across Scandinavia. This voluntary commitment exemplifies a true ecclesiastical ethos and a selfless love for one's neighbor," the Metropolis's statement reads.
Fr. Andriy Pinchuk is the parish priest of the Ukrainian-speaking community of St. Olav in Telemark, Norway. He will also address the liturgical and spiritual needs of Ukrainian-speaking faithful throughout the Kingdom of Norway, particularly those who are facing hardships. This information has been confirmed by Fr. Pinchuk himself.
"I am excited to share with my friends and readers that I have joined the Patriarchate of Constantinople. I would like to express my gratitude to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Cleopas of Scandinavia for the opportunity to continue my pastoral ministry within the embrace of the Mother Church. This has been a long journey for me," the priest wrote on social media.
Fr Andriy Pinchuk moved to Norway several years ago. Before that, he served at a parish in the village of Voloske in the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine. Pinchuk was temporarily suspended from the ministry for criticizing Moscow Patriarch Kirill due to his support for and blessing of the war against Ukraine.
He was also one of the clergy from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) who urged their church leadership to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate).
The OCU Chaplaincy Mission, established with the support of the Ukrainian Embassy in Norway, operates in Norway. It consists of parishes that have been granted official legal status within the Kingdom of Norway.
One year ago, in the city of Bergen, the Epiphany Orthodox Community — comprising mainly Ukrainian members — decided to leave the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) and now maintains its autonomous status as an officially recognized religious organization.
Additionally, there are clergy from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) active in the country who are part of the Western European Vicariate of the same church.
At present, there are no Ukrainian Orthodox communities with official status under the Metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.