Installment of new head of UOC-MP to be held August 17

The installment of the new head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, whose election is planned for August 13, will be held on August 17. This was announced by the head of the Synodal External Department of the UOC (MP) Rev. Heorhiy Kovalenko at a press conference today.

"There will be a fully recognized head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine elected bishop after the enthronement, which is tentatively scheduled for the 17th in the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and to which we have invited and expect guests from all local Orthodox churches," he said.

According to him, the Moscow Patriarchate has previously said that it will bless any choice of the Council of Bishops of the UOC (MP). "Whoever is elected by the Council of Bishops of the UOC will receive the blessing of Patriarch Kirill," said Kovalenko.

He also noted that the vote will be held in secret; booths and ballot box have been prepared. The ballot paper will include the names of all 74 active bishops.