In Pokrovsk, St. Michael's Church damaged by shelling
The altar of St. Michael's Church in Pokrovsk. Photo: UOC press service
On July 7, 2025, as a result of a Russian shelling of the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, St. Michael's Church was damaged. This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, citing the Pokrovsk Vicariate.
As a result of the shelling, the altar in the church was destroyed: it was overturned, broken, and covered with debris of plaster and glass. The walls, window panes, and elements of church utensils were damaged, with fragments and pieces of furniture on the floor.
It is noted that it's not the first time that the shrine has suffered – the temple has repeatedly been under enemy strikes.
During the shelling, the dean of the Pokrovsk district, Archpriest Oleksandr Kondratiuk, was in the church, having arrived in the city to conduct a service. By God's mercy, Father Oleksandr was unharmed.
Despite the dangerous conditions, the clergy continue their pastoral ministry, supporting the faithful and praying for an end to the war.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that in the village of Zolotyi Kolodiaz, St. Demetrius's Church was damaged by shelling.
Read also
Church celebrates feast of Holy Foremost Apostles Peter and Paul
On July 12, the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Apostles' Fast (Peter's Fast) comes to an end for Orthodox Christians.
UGCC cleric criticizes OCU head for awarding Greek Catholic officials
Hieromonk Yustyn Boiko of the Lviv Archeparchy called the awarding of church honors to officials a profanation and cited the example of an OCU order presented to a Greek Catholic official.
Expert who found no defamation in Dumenko’s remarks to face disciplinary action
An Interior Ministry research center has confirmed disciplinary measures against the expert whose findings supported what the Metropolitan’s representatives described as unfounded accusations by the OCU head against Metropolitan Theodosiy.
European Parliament condemns forced Islamization of children in Pakistan
The European Parliament has called on Pakistan to establish a mechanism to protect Christian families.
Church of the Presentation damaged by shelling in Russia’s Kursk Region
The newly built church in the village of Kulbaki, Glushkovo District, was completely gutted by fire after being struck by a projectile.
UOC priests take part in celebrations at Romania’s Putna Monastery
Clergy of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy took part in a festive service at the ancient shrine of the Romanian Orthodox Church.