About Us

Orthodox Mission of Saint King Olav

Ukrainian Orthodox Community in Norway

We exist so that no Orthodox Christian in this country has to manage alone: so there is always someone to call when a child needs to be baptised, when you have to say goodbye to someone close, when you need to talk — or simply want to attend a service in your own language.

Our canonical standing

The mission belongs to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople — the same patriarchate that baptised Kyivan Rus in the tenth century, and to which the Metropolis of Kyiv belonged for some seven hundred years. Three priests of this patriarchate serve in Norway today, and Father Andrii is the only Ukrainian among them.

"I am priest Andriy Pinchuk, originally from Dnipro.

I serve in Norway — not in a single church, but across the whole country: wherever there are people asking for a service. I come to the municipality, we arrange a room, and the service takes place — even if only one person turns up. I consider that my duty.

For those who belong to the mission I am, in practice, a family priest: you can call at any time, ask for advice, pray together, or simply talk. It makes no difference how often you come to church.

What we do

Services where you live. We rent premises and travel to municipalities across Norway.
Sacraments and rites: baptism, marriage, funerals, confession, communion, blessing of a home or car, memorial and prayer services — including online.
The children’s camp “Path of Goodness” — an annual Orthodox camp for children.
Youth gatherings for ages 16–25 and camps for families with children up to 8.
An English club for young people.
Church calendars — free every year for every member of the mission.
Translation and printing of liturgical literature in Ukrainian.
A cultural centre with a Ukrainian library — contemporary books, not only religious ones. Currently being established.

One example

In Førde, not a single Orthodox service had been held for four years. Once enough people there had joined the mission, Father Andrii came for Easter. Around fifty people gathered: they confessed, received communion and celebrated together. That is how it works — people make themselves known, and a service appears where there had been none.

Official information

The mission is registered in Norway as a religious organisation. Our ministry among Ukrainians began before the formal registration; today 470+ people belong to the mission.

Legal name: DEN ORTODOKSE MISJONEN TIL DEN HELLIGE KONG OLAV
Organisation number: 936 602 800
Legal form: Forening/lag/innretning, registered in the Norwegian Register of Non-Profit Organisations
Founded: 26 October 2025
Address: c/o Midt-Telemark kyrkjelege fellesråd, Kyrkjevegen 78, 3800 Bø i Telemark, Norway
Email: post@olavsmisjon.no
Phone: +47 465 92 216