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.

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