Synod of Ukrainian Orthodox Church holds its regular session in Kiev

On September 16, the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church held its session under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine. The meeting took place at the Synodal Hall of the Dormition Laura of the Caves in Kiev.

According to a decision of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Feodor of Kamyanets-Podilsky and Gorodets was appointed head of the Ecclesiastical Court, replacing Metropolitan Onufry who had been elected Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine. Metropolitan Feodor became a permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The Committee on Bioethics and Ethical Issues of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Synodal Department for Pastoral Care of the Soldiers-Internationalists were dissolved. Their functions were delegated to other synodal institutions.

A number of new synodal departments were established; among them – the Education Department and the Department for Social and Humanitarian Affairs.

A scholarship in memory of His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan) of Kiev and All Ukraine was instituted for the best students of the Kiev Theological Academy and Seminary.

The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church approved the liturgical veneration of several local saints and shrines and made a number of decisions concerning the life of monasteries and dioceses and the organization of synodal and educational institutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.