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

FIFA dedicates Iran–Egypt match to LGBT community

FIFA has required Muslim athletes to take part in a “Pride match” featuring rainbow-themed symbolism despite their religious convictions.

Palestinian MFA condemns Israel’s seizure of Jerusalem Church land

Palestine called on the international community to stop the displacement of Christians from Jerusalem.

Czech authorities opt out of Istanbul Convention over “gender ideology”

The government withdrew its consent to ratify the document, calling its provisions destructive to the traditional understanding of sex and family.

Dozens of residents embrace Orthodoxy in Mozambique

After administering the sacrament of Baptism, the priest went on to bless the homes of the newly converted Christians.

His Beatitude: Man should use wealth, rather than be used by wealth

The Primate of the UOC explained how to set priorities correctly, stressing that “wealth without God makes a person the most miserable in the whole world.”

Anniversary LGBT march held in Kyiv

Participants in the gay pride parade demanded recognition of same-sex cohabitation and the removal from the new Civil Code of the definition of family as a union between a man and a woman.