Opening of the Parish
In April 2022, a Ukrainian Orthodox community began its liturgical activities in the Swiss city of Lucerne, becoming the first parish of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to open in Switzerland. Its emergence 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 Russian military aggression, are forced to remain outside their homeland. From the very beginning, the parish has been cared for by Archpriest Oleg Melnychuk, a cleric of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, combining many years of public and social activities with spiritual service.
According to the decision of the Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of May 27, 2022, in Kyiv, the official establishment of UOC Orthodox parishes abroad became possible, opening the way for Ukrainians to create church communities for full liturgical life in various countries of the world. With the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, on October 3, 2022, the parish of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in Lucerne was officially established. Our parish operates independently based on the decisions of the Council and Synod of the UOC.
According to the decision of the Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of May 27, 2022, in Kyiv, the official establishment of UOC Orthodox parishes abroad became possible, opening the way for Ukrainians to create church communities for full liturgical life in various countries of the world. With the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, on October 3, 2022, the parish of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in Lucerne was officially established. Our parish operates independently based on the decisions of the Council and Synod of the UOC.
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 participation in the sacraments of the Holy Church. We are called to be a place of spiritual enlightenment where everyone can find guidance, heartfelt conversation, support, and joy in communal prayer. We serve the Lord through love for one another, which is the foundation of all virtues. We strive to preserve and spread Ukrainian culture and traditions in the Swiss environment. We believe that only by uniting in common prayer and good deeds can we overcome trials. We pray that the Risen Savior will bless Ukraine and all of us with His blessings and preserve us with His almighty right hand of mercy in times of trial.
Activities
Our parish, as a social institution, integrates into the public life of the Canton of Lucerne, witnessing to faith and Ukrainian spiritual heritage.
The rector Archpriest Oleg Melnychuk, in carrying out his pastoral ministry, regularly participates in cantonal official events and initiatives of public and religious organizations in Switzerland. Representatives of the parish council actively participate in interreligious events, testifying to the position and ministry of the community.
There is fruitful cooperation with the Catholic Church of the Canton of Lucerne.
Our religious community has been honored to be a Permanent Member with voting rights of the Forum of Religious Communities of the Canton of Lucerne, where authorized representatives participate in meetings each time.
By God's grace and the efforts of our rector, church and public organizations of Lucerne provide support to children and their family members who are in hospitals or in difficult conditions in Ukraine, giving them material assistance.
Our parishioners explore the spiritual and historical-cultural treasures of Switzerland through regularly organized excursions and pilgrimages. In prospect are initiatives to open a Sunday school for children — as a platform for spiritual education and growth of the new generation in new realities.
In a spirit of respect and constructive dialogue, we are open to cooperation with Ukrainian diplomatic missions, cultural centers, associations of Ukrainians in Switzerland, as well as interaction with other religious communities in Switzerland, to jointly witness to the values of peace, unity, and mutual support.
The rector Archpriest Oleg Melnychuk, in carrying out his pastoral ministry, regularly participates in cantonal official events and initiatives of public and religious organizations in Switzerland. Representatives of the parish council actively participate in interreligious events, testifying to the position and ministry of the community.
There is fruitful cooperation with the Catholic Church of the Canton of Lucerne.
Our religious community has been honored to be a Permanent Member with voting rights of the Forum of Religious Communities of the Canton of Lucerne, where authorized representatives participate in meetings each time.
By God's grace and the efforts of our rector, church and public organizations of Lucerne provide support to children and their family members who are in hospitals or in difficult conditions in Ukraine, giving them material assistance.
Our parishioners explore the spiritual and historical-cultural treasures of Switzerland through regularly organized excursions and pilgrimages. In prospect are initiatives to open a Sunday school for children — as a platform for spiritual education and growth of the new generation in new realities.
In a spirit of respect and constructive dialogue, we are open to cooperation with Ukrainian diplomatic missions, cultural centers, associations of Ukrainians in Switzerland, as well as interaction with other religious communities in Switzerland, to jointly witness to the values of peace, unity, and mutual support.
Gratitude
With special gratitude, we offer prayers to God for the members of the Catholic Church of the Canton of Lucerne, who help our community obtain proper conditions for conducting worship services and meeting other urgent church needs. We also pray for all religious communities of the canton, church and public organizations of Lucerne, who show true brotherly love in various spheres of life to Orthodox Ukrainians, to our Ukrainian church community, and to the long-suffering people of Ukraine.