In 2026, the National University of Ostroh Academy will celebrate the 445th anniversary of the publication of the Ostroh Bible. To commemorate this significant intellectual achievement, a biblical reading marathon began on March 26 at the Academic Church of St. Fedir Ostrozkyi.
Archpriest Vasyl Zhukovskyi, the Rector of the Church of St. Fedir Ostrozkyi, delivered an introductory speech to those in attendance:
“Today, we have gathered here to mark a special occasion - the reading of the Ostroh Bible, the first printed edition of the Holy Scriptures in our lands, which became a spiritual and cultural foundation of the Ukrainian people. We are reading a book that unites generations, brings light and strength to our people, reminds us of our ancient roots, and opens a path to the future. May this reading become a celebration of spirituality and culture, a symbol of the unity of education and faith, science and tradition. May every word that is spoken be a seed that takes root in our hearts and bears fruit for an independent Ukraine, and, above all, for a just peace.”
Before the Ostroh Bible reading marathon began, a moleben, a service of supplication, was held. Archpriest Petro Martyniuk, the Chancellor of the Rivne Diocese, led this service. He was joined by Archpriest Vasyl Zhukovskyi, the Rector of the Church of St. Fedir Ostrozkyi, along with other priests from the Ostroh Deanery: Archpriest Yurii Lukashyk, the Dean of the Ostroh District and Rector of St. Mykolai Church in Ostroh; Volodymyr Shevchuk, the Rector of the Church of St. Olexander in Ostroh; and Archpriest Oleh Babak, the Rector of the Holy Protection Church in the village of Velbivno.
The Ostroh Bible was read by the President of the National University of Ostroh Academy, Ihor Pasichnyk; the Rector of the National University of Ostroh Academy, Eduard Balashov; the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Academician Mykola Zhulynskyi; Vice-Rectors; Institute Directors; members of the Rectorate and Academic Council; faculty members; students; university staff; and residents of Ostroh.
During the Bible marathon, participants were reading the Ostroh Bible translated by Father Rafail Turkoniak, Honorary Professor of Ostroh Academy. Having received the blessing of Patriarch Josyf Slipyi, Father Rafail Turkoniak worked on the translation for 30 years. This tireless work made an important contribution to the preservation and understanding of the Ostroh Bible's spiritual heritage, thereby making its text accessible to modern Ukrainian readers.
Members of the Council of Christian Churches of the Ostroh region also took part in the Bible reading: Oleksandr Kravets, Deacon of the Bethel Church of Christians of the Evangelical Faith in Ostroh; Oleh Tsymbalistyi, Pastor of the ‘Spasinnia’ Church of Evangelical Christians-Baptists in Ostroh; and Andriy Smyrnov, Professor of Ostroh Academy and Secretary of the Council of Churches.
“We are returning to those ancient times when the Bible became accessible to everyone. It brought together and inspired patrons, scholars, academics, and clergy. Where there is unity and support, and where mutual understanding exists, there is God's blessing, which results in the Ostroh Bible. As we open the Book, we recognise its significant impact on those times, as it introduced a completely new cultural dimension—both national and spiritual—to the Orthodox community. May the merciful Lord help us, as we read the words of the Holy Scriptures for the nourishment of our souls, to receive a priceless treasure - unity, as in the time of Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrozkyi. May this prayerful gathering also be crowned with good news for us all - peace and victory,”
He also conveyed a blessing from Metropolitan Hilarion of Rivne and Ostroh. Together with Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine, they will take part in the reading of the Book.
“The publication of the Ostroh Bible was a revolutionary event for its time. It not only marked a profound turning point in the spiritual life of Ukrainians, but also laid the foundations of our cultural and religious identity. The Ostroh Bible is one of the greatest monuments of the Ukrainian spiritual, cultural and intellectual tradition. It embodies the energy of our history, language, faith, and national spirit. The fact that its text is once again being read within the walls of Ostroh Academy today is a symbol of the continuity of tradition and the unity of the past and the present. In these challenging times, it is especially important to turn to the Bible, as this book provides spiritual support, strengthens people, and helps them maintain their inner resilience,”
Today’s event once again demonstrated that the Ostroh Bible is a global spiritual, moral, and intellectual masterpiece that has endured for 445 years and continues to inspire us today.
