Russian airstrike destroys UOC church in Bytytsia, Sumy Region

Church of St. Alexander Nevsky in Bytytsia. Photo: Sumy Eparchy

On July 15, 2025, during Russian airstrikes on the Bytytsia Starosta District of Sumy Raion, at least nine residential homes were destroyed or damaged. According to the Sumy Eparchy’s press service, the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky suffered particularly severe damage.

It was a temporary “wagon chapel” set up for services among the ruins of the original stone church built back in 1755. The blast wave blew out the windows, damaged the walls and roof, caused the roof structure to collapse, and completely destroyed the interior. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

The history of the sanctuary dates back to the mid-18th century: a majestic stone church with a three-tiered bell tower, beautifully decorated with frescoes, was the architectural centerpiece of the village of Bytytsia. But in the 20th century, during the anti-religious campaign, the church was destroyed. Bricks from the dismantled bell tower were used to build the village cultural center in nearby Pushkaryovka. The sanctuary was turned into a club. In 1974, a fire broke out, completely destroying the remaining structure.

Only in 2004 did the parish begin trying to revive the sanctuary on its own. They installed a prayer “wagon” on the ruins, where services resumed. People hoped to gradually restore the ruined church.

The Sumy Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church expressed condolences to the parishioners and residents of the village of Bytytsia.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Myropillia the UOC’s St. Nicholas Cathedral was destroyed by shelling.

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