UOC offers memorial prayers for victims of RF attack on Ukraine, June 17

Memorial litia at the UOC Church of St. John of Damascus, Pokrovsky Monastery. Photo: KDAiS
On June 17, 2025, a memorial litia was served at the Academic Church of St. John of Damascus, located at the Pokrovsky Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Holosiiv district of Kyiv, for all those who perished in the massive Russian attack on Ukraine. This was reported by the press service of the Kyiv Theological Schools.
The litia for the departed was led, with the blessing of Archbishop Sylvester of Bilohorodka, Rector of KDAiS, by Archimandrite Mitrofan (Bozhko), the Academy’s Academic Secretary, together with clergy from among the professors and students.
On the night of June 17, 2025, Russian forces carried out a combined missile and drone strike on Ukraine, using air-, ground-, and sea-based weaponry. Civilian casualties were reported in Kyiv and Odesa, along with numerous injuries.
“The Kyiv Theological Schools express their heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. May the All-Merciful Lord grant rest to the souls of the innocently slain in the dwellings of the righteous,” the Academy's press service stated.
As previously reported by the UOJ, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry also expressed his condolences over the Russian strikes on Kyiv.
Read also
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.
Polish Culture Ministry funds restoration of Armenian cathedral in Lviv
An international project supported by Poland aims to preserve the unique artistic heritage of the Armenian Cathedral in Lviv.
Persecuted UOC parish in Rakiv Lis celebrates patronal feast in new church
The faithful marked the fifth anniversary of the consecration of the church built to replace the one that was seized, as well as its patronal feast, in the Volyn village of Rakiv Lis.