UOC church rector killed by shelling in Hryshyne village

Archpriest Vasyl Kiyiko. Photo: press service of the Pokrovsky Vicariate

Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko, rector of the UOC Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in the village of Hryshyne, Donetsk Region, was tragically killed as a result of Russian shelling, the press service of the Pokrov Vicariate reported.

The vicariate’s press service noted that the priest had carried out his pastoral ministry for many years, remaining with his flock under constant danger.

“Fr. Vasyl was a sincere shepherd, a devoted servant of the Church of Christ, a man of great heart and kind soul, and a true friend to many. He selflessly carried out his priestly ministry, supported people in the hardest of times, prayed for peace, and never abandoned his flock,” the Pokrovsky Vicariate said.

The death of Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko has become a heavy loss for parishioners and clergy who knew him as a humble shepherd and a faithful servant of the Church.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that two UOC churches in Kherson were damaged by shelling.

Read also

Zoria: "Russian world" prevents us from settling in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

The spokesperson for the OCU lamented that he cannot gain full access to the temples and caves of the monastery. 

Clerics of Sumy Eparchy evacuate 78 residents of frontline villages in 2025

The Spiritual Rehabilitation Center at the Sumy Eparchy of the UOC in 2025 combined pastoral service with humanitarian aid and evacuation of civilians.

Sandu attends Synod meeting of Moldovan Orthodox Church

The President of Moldova attended the Synod meeting chaired by Metropolitan Vladimir of Chișinău.

Odesa Eparchy provides assistance to Kherson churches damaged by shelling

Financial support is aimed at restoring churches damaged by shelling.

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy raises over UAH 4 million for charity in 2025

The Khmelnytskyi Eparchy has summed up its charitable financial assistance for 2025.

UOC Chancellor comments on possible papal visit to Ukraine

Metropolitan Anthony recalled that the UOC rejects unionism in principle as a path to unity with the Roman Catholic Church.