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Oleg VedmedenkoTheologian, writer, preacher and missionary
Date of Birth: 18.09.1961
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Bishop Oleh (Vedmedenko)
- Ecclesiastical Journey
- Conflict with the UOC-KP and Ordination
- Episcopate
- Other Activities and Accomplishments
Bishop Oleh (Vedmedenko)
Early Life and EducationBishop Oleh (Vedmedenko Oleh V.) was born on September 18, 1961, in Lutsk, Ukraine. He received a secular education from the Kyiv Institute of Civil Aviation Engineers (now National Aviation University), graduating with an engineering degree in 1984. He also completed a spiritual education at the Volyn Theological Seminary, graduating with honors in 1995.
Ecclesiastical Journey
In February 1997, Oleh Vedmedenko was ordained as a deacon at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Lutsk. He was later ordained as a protodeacon at Christmas in January 1998. He served as the director of missionary activities for the Lutsk-Volyn Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP).
Conflict with the UOC-KP and Ordination
Bishop Oleh's views were often unconventional, leading to tensions with the conservative hierarchy of the UOC-KP. In 2006, he faced persecution and was banned from serving or preaching within the UOC-KP. Seeking to continue his ministry, he sought ordination from the canonical branch of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC).
On November 5, 2006, he was ordained as a priest by Patriarch Moses of the UAOC. In accordance with Ukrainian law, he registered the independent Christ's Resurrection Parish in Lutsk, which he led as the rector.
Episcopate
In 2012, Bishop Oleh was invited to lead the Apostolic Orthodox Church (AOC) in Volyn. After a year of spiritual retreat, he was consecrated as Bishop of Lutsk on July 15, 2012. In September 2013, he was elevated to the title of Bishop of Volyn and Halych.
On October 18, 2013, Bishop Oleh was elected Metropolitan of the Apostolic Orthodox Church of Ukraine. From November 22, 2015, to November 22, 2019, he served as the Primate of the Ukrainian Independent Apostolic Orthodox Church (UNAPC).
Other Activities and Accomplishments
Beyond his ecclesiastical roles, Bishop Oleh is known for his significant contributions to theological scholarship and public discourse. He is the founder and host of the "Spirituality" program on Ukrainian television and the author of numerous books, including "The Key of David" (sermons, 2001) and "Spiritual Pointers" (spiritual diary, 2019).
He is also a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and a recipient of the Ivan Franko Prize for information activities. He leads the weekly Bible School of Spiritual Growth, an online platform for theological education.
