Metropolitan Luke expresses condolences to victims of attack on Zaporizhzhia
An aerial bomb fell directly onto the territory of the city market in Zaporizhzhia. Photo: akzent.zp.ua
On November 21, 2025, Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the airstrike on Zaporizhzhia the previous evening, the eparchial press service reported.
“Parting with loved ones is always terrifying, and in such circumstances – all the more so. There are no words capable of easing your pain, but please know this: the Church stands with you, we share your grief, and we pray for everyone touched by this tragedy,” Metropolitan Luka assured.
“An airstrike has taken the lives of peaceful people, has wounded and maimed those who were simply at home or walking nearby. I lift up prayers for the innocently slain, for the swift recovery of the wounded, and for the Lord to strengthen you – those who are now enduring a heavy loss. May the All-Merciful Lord, through the prayers of His Most Pure Mother and all the saints of the land of Zaporizhzhia, grant peace and strength to your hearts!” the metropolitan wrote in his prayerful message.
Five people were killed as a result of the Russian strike, and five wounded victims remain in hospital, one of them in critical condition.
As the UOJ reported, the Kharkiv and Ternopil eparchies have also extended condolences to those affected by the shelling.
Read also
Dumenko "blesses" SBU facility for forensic examination
The head of the OCU noted the "special role" of the Institute of Special Technology and Forensic Expertise of the SBU.
ROC head: Attempts to impose special powers of Pat. Bartholomew are sinful
Patriarch Kirill stated that the doctrine of special powers of the Patriarch of Constantinople is being imposed from outside.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces LGBT festival near Sodom and Gomorrah
Israeli authorities are promoting a large-scale gay event at the Dead Sea on social media, which has caused criticism and bewilderment among Christians.
In Bila Tserkva, man nearly killed for greeting "Christ is risen!"
Two non-Orthodox individuals aged 19 and 23 tracked down a 35-year-old Orthodox Christian after an Easter greeting, knocked him down and inflicted several knife wounds to his abdomen and neck.
In Uganda, Islamists kill Protestant pastor after sermon
In Uganda, a Protestant church pastor who preached among Muslims was stabbed to death after a sermon.
Spanish court rules Jehovah’s Witnesses may be called a “destructive sect”
A court in Spain has upheld the right of critics of Jehovah’s Witnesses to speak openly about the group’s alleged harmfulness and danger to society.