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Sergey GrohaBishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate
Date of Birth: 27.09.1972
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Monastic Life and Rise through the Ranks
- Episcopal Ordination and Elevation
- Service in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
- Education and Political Involvement
- Awards and Honors
Early Life and Education
Oleksiy Volobuievskiy was born on September 27, 1972, in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, into a family of civil servants. In 1979, he enrolled in Dnipropetrovsk School No. 106, graduating in 1987. He then pursued medical education at Dnipropetrovsk Republican Basic Medical School No. 1, earning his degree as a paramedic in 1991.
Monastic Life and Rise through the Ranks
In 1991, Oleksiy entered the Holy Dormition Monastery in Odessa, where he was tonsured into monasticism with the name Alexei on December 20, 1992. Ordained a hierodeacon and hieromonk in January 1993, he was later elevated to the rank of hegumen.
Simultaneously, Alexei studied at the Odessa Theological Seminary, graduating in 1994. He then enrolled in the Moscow Theological Academy and was appointed pro-rector of the Odessa Theological Seminary.
Episcopal Ordination and Elevation
In 2006, Alexei was elected Bishop of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky and vicar of the Odessa Diocese. His ordination took place on August 19, 2006.
Service in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Throughout his tenure, Alexei held various positions of responsibility within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In 2012, he was elevated to the rank of Archbishop and appointed to the newly created Balta Diocese. In 2018, he was further elevated to the rank of Metropolitan.
Education and Political Involvement
In addition to his theological education, Alexei pursued further studies in economics at Dnipropetrovsk State University and law at the Odessa National Law Academy. He was also elected in 2006 as a deputy to the Odessa Regional Council.
Awards and Honors
Bishop Oleksiy has received numerous awards and honors for his service, including the Order of St. Vladimir (III degree) and the Order of St. Nestor the Chronicler (II degree). He was also awarded a commemorative medal for the 10th anniversary of the Kharkiv Council.
