Metropolitan of UOC expresses condolences over Sumy air strike

Damage to a residential building from a UAV strike in Sumy. Photo: Telegram channel Sumskoy OVA

The press service of the Sumy Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church published the condolences of Metropolitan Eulogiy of Sumy and Akhtyrka in connection with the attack by Russian drones, which resulted in the death of one person in the regional centre and injuries to 16 others.

According to the Regional Military Administration, two apartment buildings and an office building in the centre of Sumy were damaged.

"Today, our city of Sumy witnessed a terrible tragedy: Russia, a cruel and ruthless enemy, launched an air strike on peaceful residents, on people who were in their homes," noted Metropolitan Eulogiy. "There are no words that could bring some comfort to the family of the deceased, to the wounded, to those who have suffered and lost their homes."

According to the hierarch, this day "will forever be remembered in the history of the city as a day of sorrow and grief".

"I express my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, to the wounded, as well as to all those who have suffered from this enemy attack! I call on you to unity, in which we have the strength to defeat the enemy and to active assistance to the victims. I pray for each of you, for our native land, for our much-suffering mother Ukraine," the bishop wrote.

He reminded us that "God sees the sufferings of His people, He is constantly with us."

"'Make an uproar, you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Give ear, all you far countries! Arm yourselves, but be broken in pieces; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us!' (Isaiah 8:9-10). The Lord speaks to us in the midst of these difficult trials: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go' (Joshua 1:9). And our God is 'the God of salvation... God will crush the head of His enemies' (Psalm 68:21-22). Comforted by this Divine Revelation, let us now strengthen our prayers to God for the victory of the Ukrainian Army, for the establishment of a blessed peace in our country, for our beloved peaceful city, our families, and loved ones!" emphasized Metropolitan Eulogiy.

As previously reported, on June 27, 2023, memorial services were held in the temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kremenchuk for the victims of the missile strike on the "Amstor" shopping centre, which occurred a year ago.

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