Son of UOC priest from Ovruch Diocese killed on the frontline

Andriy Lenko studied in seminary and wanted to become a priest. Photo: Facebook of Ovruch City Council

On April 17, 2024, while defending his homeland, Andriy Lenko, the son of Father Volodymyr Lenko from the Ovruch Diocese, was killed, the UOC Press Service reports, citing the Facebook page of the Ovruch City Council. He died near the village of Razdolivka, in the Bakhmut district of Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. For a long time, he had been listed as missing in action.

Andriy graduated from the Zhytomyr Agro-Economic University. At the time of his draft, he was studying at the Kyiv Theological Seminary, dreaming of becoming a priest.

Reports indicate that he was mobilized in 2022 despite his illness.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the son of a UOC priest from Ostroh was also killed on the frontline.

Read also

DESS expert: Phanar Exarch asked bail for Chernyshov under pressure from SBU

A religious-studies commentator aligned with the OCU said the scandalous appearance of the Bishop of Comana – offering to stand surety for an official accused of large-scale corruption – was prompted by the SBU.

Persecuted UOC cathedral community holds worship in new premises

The persecuted UOC community in Volodymyr continues its liturgical life, gathering for prayer in a makeshift space.

Charismatic pastor urges “re-baptizing” UOC faithful to sever ties with RF

A Ukrainian Protestant pastor said he considers baptisms in the UOC invalid and called on Orthodox believers to undergo the rite again.

OCU “bishop”: UOC celebrates Christmas on January 7 to divide Ukrainians

Firley believes it is not those imposing the new calendar style who are dividing Ukrainian society, but those who have remained on the old one.

UOC church rector killed by shelling in Hryshyne village

In Donetsk Region, Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko – who had served for many years in a frontline village – was killed during shelling.

Cabinet extends religious communities’ use of state property to up to 50 years

The government has changed the rules for transferring religious sites, increasing contract terms and establishing priority for communities that have already been using the churches.