In Volyn, UOC priests receive gratitude from AFU for volunteering
Ten clergymen of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy of the UOC received awards from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo: Facebook
On February 17, 2025, for their active participation in volunteer initiatives, the clergy of the Zabolottia Deanery of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) received letters of appreciation from servicemen of several units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was reported by the Social Department of the UOC on its Telegram channel.
The official award ceremony took place at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Chalice" and the Evangelical Christian Church in the village of Huta.
The event was organized by local volunteers Oksana Shevchuk and Oksana Biryuk, who have been actively supporting the military and organizing humanitarian aid deliveries since 2014.
During this time, the volunteer group from the Zabolottia community has completed 130 shipments, delivering 183 tons of food supplies.
The letters of appreciation were awarded to the clergy for their spiritual support of the military and their continuous assistance not only to soldiers but also to civilians.
The awards were presented to the rectors and clerics of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy, including Archpriest Vyacheslav Simonovych, Archpriest Vasyl Simonovych, Archpriest Oleksandr Kovalchuk, Archpriest Mykhailo Horun, Archpriest Valentyn Kasianchuk, Archpriest Serhii Shynkaruk, Archpriest Yurii Savchuk, and Priest Pavlo Markov.
A day earlier, during church services, appreciation letters were also given to the dean of the Zabolottia district, Archpriest Roman Kozka, and the rector of the Church of Archangel Michael in the village of Zamshany, Archpriest Vasyl Vozniuk.
The awards ceremony was attended by the Deputy Head of the Zabolottia Settlement Council, Nadiia Denysiuk, along with volunteers Oksana Shevchuk, Oksana Biryuk, and Natalia Shopuk.
The clergy emphasized that these awards recognize the self-sacrifice of those who support the military and provide humanitarian aid. They noted that they have always been supported by parishioners and communities willing to share their last resources for a common goal – the advancement of peace and assistance to the country’s defenders.
As previously reported, the Volyn Eparchy of the UOC recently discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the lives of young people.
Read also
Serbian Patriarch offers condolences over murder of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk
The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church called Sviatohirsk Lavra a refuge for the displaced and urged that the monk’s violent death not be turned into anyone’s weapon.
“Never seen before”: Israel reports record number of Hasidim in Uman
According to an Israeli police representative, 52,000 pilgrims are currently in Uman – 10,000 more than last year. The city itself has a population of about 75,000.
UOC faithful hold prayer vigil outside Lavra for more than 1,000 days
For three and a half years, Orthodox Christians have continued praying for peace and for the preservation of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Zelensky congratulates Jews on Rosh Hashanah
Volodymyr Zelensky wished Jews peace and the triumph of good over evil.
Kyiv Theological Academy publishes book on Orthodoxy in 17th-century Ukraine
With the blessing of the UOC Primate, the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary has published a textbook marking the 430th anniversary of the birth of St. Petro Mohyla.
45,000 Hasidic pilgrims arrive in Uman
Around 45,000 Hasidic pilgrims have already arrived in Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah.