**Ukrainian Church Leader Visits Kyiv for 35th‑Anniversary Celebrations**
*Kyiv, 30 August 2026* – Protopresbyter Bohdan Matwijczuk, dean of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) in Great Britain, travelled to Kyiv to take part in events marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s modern independence.
In an interview with the *Kyiv Post*, Matwijczuk discussed the Ukrainian diaspora in the United Kingdom, his responsibilities as a spiritual leader for the community, and the continued cultural and religious ties between Ukrainians abroad and their homeland.
Matwijczuk, who oversees the UAOC’s activities across the United Kingdom, highlighted the role of the church in preserving Ukrainian language, traditions, and faith among expatriates. He noted that the diaspora community regularly supports charitable initiatives in Ukraine and participates in commemorations of national milestones.
The 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, declared on 24 August 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, is being observed nationwide with official ceremonies, public gatherings, and visits from Ukrainian representatives and members of the global diaspora.
Matwijczuk’s presence in Kyiv underscores the enduring connection between the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful in the United Kingdom and the broader Ukrainian nation.
Article source: kyivpost.com | Image credit: Kyiv Post
