ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PARISH

Since April 2022, a Ukrainian Orthodox community in the Swiss city of Lucerne has begun its liturgical activity. It became the first parish of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church established in Switzerland. Its establishment was an urgent response to spiritual needs and was driven by pastoral necessity — providing spiritual care and meeting the spiritual needs of Ukrainians abroad who, due to Russia’s military aggression, have been forced to remain outside their homeland.

From the very beginning, the parish has been cared for by the clergyman of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Oleh Melnychuk, who combines many years of public and social activity with spiritual ministry.

According to the decision of the Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of 27 May 2022 in Kyiv, the official establishment of Orthodox UOC parishes abroad became possible, opening the way for Ukrainians to create church communities and maintain a full liturgical life in different countries around the world.

With the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, on 3 October 2022 the parish of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos was officially established in the city of Lucerne.

The activity of our parish is carried out independently on the basis of the decisions of the Council and the Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

MISSION

Our goal is to lead people to God, to salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ, through participation in the Holy Liturgy, receiving Holy Communion, and taking part in the sacraments of the Holy Church.

We are called to be a place of spiritual enlightenment, where everyone can find guidance, a heartfelt conversation, support, and joy in common prayer.

We serve the Lord through love for one another, which is the foundation of all virtues.

We strive to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture and traditions within the Swiss environment.

We believe that only by uniting in common prayer and good deeds can we overcome the trials we face.

We pray that the Risen Savior bless Ukraine and all of us with His gifts and, by His almighty right hand of mercy, protect us during times of trial.

ACTIVITY

Our parish, as a social institution, integrates into the public life of the Canton of Lucerne, witnessing to faith and the Ukrainian spiritual heritage.

The rector of the church, Archpriest Oleh Melnychuk, in carrying out his pastoral ministry, regularly participates in official cantonal events and initiatives of civic and religious organizations in Switzerland. Representatives of the parish community are also actively involved in interfaith events, demonstrating the position and service of the community.

There is fruitful cooperation with the Catholic Church of the Canton of Lucerne.

Our religious community has the honor of being a Permanent Member with voting rights of the Forum of Religious Communities of the Canton of Lucerne, where authorized representatives participate in meetings on a regular basis.

By the grace of God and through the efforts of our rector, church and civic organizations of Lucerne provide support to children and their family members who are in hospitals or facing difficult circumstances in Ukraine, offering them material assistance.

In the future, initiatives are planned to explore the spiritual and historical-cultural treasures of Switzerland through regularly organized excursions and pilgrimages, as well as the establishment of a Sunday children’s school — a platform for spiritual education and the growth of a new generation in new realities.

In the spirit of respect and constructive dialogue, we are open to cooperation with Ukrainian diplomatic institutions, cultural centers, associations of Ukrainians in Switzerland, as well as to interaction with other religious communities in Switzerland, in order to jointly bear witness to the values of peace, unity, and mutual support.

APPRECIATION

With special gratitude, we offer our prayers to God for the members of the Catholic Church of the Canton of Lucerne, who support our community in obtaining appropriate conditions for the celebration of divine services and in meeting other urgent ecclesiastical needs.

We also pray for all religious communities of the Canton, as well as for the church and civic organizations of Lucerne, which demonstrate true brotherly love in various areas of life toward Orthodox Ukrainians, our Ukrainian church community, and the long-suffering people of Ukraine.