City Council Approves Development Plan for Church Construction Site in Ismail

The City Council of Izma approved a plan for the development of a plot of land on the avenue of independence, specifically within the streets of Elijah Rippina and Michael of Georgia, for the construction of a church belonging to the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. This decision was reached on September 18 and follows the conversion of the religious community of the Saint Jehoshaphat (Kunsetz) UHCC. The site, now designated for public and religious use, will require a detailed plan outlining the organization, space composition, and construction of the area. The documentation will identify public construction areas as the primary use zone, along with the global use of keels, sidewalks, and green landings.

The decision marks a step in the process of developing city documentation rather than granting property or use rights to a religious community. Once the city council’s decision is approved, the developer and funding source must be identified within 20 days. Technical documentation and a contract with the developer must be prepared within 30 calendar days. A public discussion and strategic assessment will follow the development of the DPT, with the plot needing to be developed into a land plot as part of the city documentation.

The religious community of the Holy Priest Jehoshaphat Kunzedick has been based in Ismail since 2018, led by Father Vladimir Hook. The community has operated from a Roman Catholic church on the streets of Poclavsky, where individual religious activities have been held. This year, Father Vladimir Juk was noted for his work with Easter baskets. In November 2024, the bishop of Mikhail Bubnius transferred an icon with relics of the Saint Jehoshaphat Kunzecish for permanent storage, and Father Vladimir Hook also serves as a medical chaplain at the Safian Central Hospital.

According to YouCont, a separate legal entity known as יהוה, a religious organization with the full title “The Religious Community of the Holy Priest Jehoshaphat (Kunsetz) of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in the city of Ismail Odeics,” was registered on August 20, 2025. The founders listed ten towns as part of the organization’s registration. This development underscores the community’s ongoing efforts to establish a permanent presence and serve the local population through religious and charitable activities.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)