Zaporizhzhia Eparchy press secretary's brother, AFU soldier, passes away

Archpriest Hennadii and Oleh Yelins. Photo: Zaporizhzhia Eparchy

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol extended his heartfelt condolences to Archpriest Hennadii Yelin, head of the chancery of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy, on the death of his brother Oleh Yelin, according to the diocesan press service.

Oleh, who had served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, was repeatedly hospitalized during his service. In recent months, his health significantly deteriorated, leading to his passing.

“Dear Father Hennadii, I ask you and your family to accept my sincere condolences on this grievous loss. As a priest, you have often faced the deaths of believers, offering comfort to their loved ones, but a personal loss is always a unique pain,” Metropolitan Luke said in his message.

Metropolitan Luke emphasized that he shares the family's sorrow and prays to the Lord to strengthen them during this difficult time. In his message, he also reminded them that earthly death is a transition to Eternal Life, quoting Scripture: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

“May the Lord God grant rest to the newly departed servant of God, Oleh, in the dwelling places of the righteous! Eternal memory to him!” concluded Metropolitan Luke.

As previously reported by the UOJ, a cleric of the Kremenchuk Eparchy of the UOC was killed on the front lines.

Read also