UNESCO: Nearly 70 churches destroyed in Ukraine as a result of war
On 23 June 2022, UNESCO published an updated assessment on the damage caused to cultural heritage in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, when the Russian offensive began. As a result of the hostilities, 152 cultural sites have been destroyed, reports the UNESCO official website.
Three-quarters of the damaged sites are in three regions: the Donetsk region, where the fighting is still particularly intense - with 45 damaged cultural sites - the Kharkiv region – with 40 damaged sites - and the Kyiv region – with 26 damaged sites.
Out of the total number of damaged buildings, 70 are religious buildings. It should be noted that most of them are temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
"Cultural heritage, in all its forms, should not be targeted under any circumstances. I reiterate my call for the respect of international humanitarian law, in particular the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict," UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in her comment.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.