The tragedy in Lugansk brings people closer to God, – Bishop Mitrofan

The tragic events that are now taking place on the territory of the Lugansk region have turned people to God and the Church, said Metropolitan Mitrofan (Yurchuk) of Lugansk and Alchevsk, answering the question of a UOJ correspondent "How has military confrontation changed the congregation in the region?"

"When the city was heavily shelled, when people were deprived of light, water and food, rectors of our churches in every way helped people in this difficult time, – said the bishop. – The priests provided not only spiritual but also financial support. People found food and – literally – shelter in churches because many churches performed the function of shelters during the attacks. During the shelling, people were hiding in basements of churches, and many survived because of this. All of these events served the reason for people to change their attitude to God and find their place in the Church. They saw the Church play a very important role in their lives. Faith and attending prayer helped people survive in these circumstances."

Metropolitan Mitrofan of Lugansk and Alchevsk stressed that, despite the hostilities, people hurried to church services.
"Looking at the Peter and Paul Cathedral, as well as visiting other parishes, I can see our flock grow in number. Not only the elderly but also young people have started going to church, which is particularly pleasing. People turned to the Church and God and realized that it plays an important role in their life."

Read also

“Joy of All Who Sorrow” lower сhurch сonsecrated in Korosten

Metropolitan Nikodim of Zhytomyr and Novohrad-Volynskyi presided over the consecration of the church and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Church in Korosten.

Lionel Messi thanks God for his achievements as he ends international career

Argentine football star Lionel Messi credited God for his success as he brought his international career to a close, saying he could never have achieved so much without God's will.

Son of Volyn Eparchy priest killed in war

The Volyn Eparchy has reported the death of serviceman Viktor, son of Archpriest Feodor Sihnaievskyi.

Odesa’s St. Elijah Monastery honors memory of its founder

Metropolitan Agafangel led celebrations at St. Elijah Monastery in Odesa on the feast day of St. Gabriel of Mount Athos.

OCU cleric rejects suspension, accuses ruling bishop of usurping power

An OCU cleric called the decree suspending him "canonically null and void" and accused "Bishop" Semanchuk of attempting to seize parishes and using mobilization threats as blackmail.

Supreme Court: Religious beliefs do not exempt citizens from mobilization

The Supreme Court has clarified that Ukrainian law does not provide for alternative civilian service under martial law.