1. Biography of Metropolitan Augustin (Markevich)
2. Medical and Military Service
3. Theological Education and Ordination
4. Pastoral Ministry
5. Episcopal Election and Consecration
6. Synodal Appointments and Advocacy for the Military
7. Preservation of the Lvov Diocese
8. Threats and Attacks
9. Ecumenical Relations and Advocacy

Biography of Metropolitan Augustin (Markevich)

Origins and Early Life

Born in the village of Glushkovichi, Belarus, Augustin (Markevich) hails from a distinguished lineage of Orthodox priests tracing back to 1480. His grandfather perished on the war front, while his uncle died in combat as a border guard during World War II. His father and another uncle served as teenagers in the partisan movement.

Medical and Military Service

Prior to his ecclesiastical career, Augustin pursued medical studies, graduating from a medical college in 1971. He then worked as a paramedic in Rivne before serving in the Soviet Army from 1971 to 1973.

Theological Education and Ordination

In 1973, Augustin entered the Moscow Theological Seminary, graduating in 1975 and proceeding to the Moscow Theological Academy. In the same year, he was ordained as a deacon by Archbishop Vladimir (Sabodan) and as a priest in 1976.

Pastoral Ministry

From 1977 to 1978, Augustin served as rector of St. George's Church in Belilovka, followed by his tenure at the Pokrovsky Church in Korosten from 1978 to 1992. In 1989, he became the dean of the Korosten district.

Episcopal Election and Consecration

In 1992, following monastic vows and ordination as an archimandrite, Augustin was elected Bishop of Lvov and Drogobych. He was consecrated as a bishop on September 20, 1992, and headed the Lvov diocese.

Synodal Appointments and Advocacy for the Military

Starting in 1994, Augustin became a member of the Synodal Theological Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church. In 1996, he assumed the chairmanship of the Synodal Theological Commission of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Since 1996, he has overseen the UOC's relations with defense and security forces, and in 1999, he became chairman of the UOC's Synodal Department for Cooperation with the Armed Forces.

Preservation of the Lvov Diocese

Archbishop Augustin played a crucial role in salvaging the Lvov diocese of the UOC (MP) from near annihilation. Following the departure of Bishop Andrey (Gorak) and many clergy to the UOC (KP), local authorities deregistered the Lvov diocese of the UOC (MP) and seized its cathedral, administrative building, and other assets. Through Augustin's efforts, the diocese was reregistered, and repentant clergy returned to the canonical church.

Threats and Attacks

During his episcopacy, Augustin faced threats and violent attacks from opponents of the UOC (MP). However, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to his faith and the unity of the Orthodox Church.

Ecumenical Relations and Advocacy

In 1997, Augustin called for limiting the Russian Orthodox Church's involvement in the World Council of Churches and proposed observer status instead. He also urged the anathematization of former Metropolitan Filaret (Denisenko) and former priest Gleb Yakunin.

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