Odesa Eparchy provides assistance to Kherson churches damaged by shelling

A meeting of Metropolitan Ioann of Kherson and Tavria with the rectors of Kherson churches. Photo: Kherson Eparchy

On December 30, 2025, Metropolitan Ioann of Kherson and Tavria delivered financial aid from the Odesa Eparchy of the UOC to the rectors of Kherson churches, which have recently suffered significant damage due to shelling. This was reported by the press service of the Kherson Eparchy.

The meeting at the Kherson Eparchial Administration was attended by the rector of St. Catherine’s Cathedral, Archpriest Petro Koval; the rector of the Greek-Sophia Church, Archpriest Vitaliy Malaniy; and the rector of the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos (Monastyrek), Archimandrite Antony (Malkov).

The bishop and the community rectors discussed priority issues related to the elimination of the consequences of the destruction and the restoration of church buildings.

Metropolitan Ioann handed over financial aid from the Odesa Eparchy to the rectors, collected with the blessing of Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail.

The funds were raised through the tireless efforts of the cleric of the Odesa Eparchy, Archdeacon Andriy Palchuk, as well as donations from people of goodwill who responded to the needs of the affected parishes of Kherson region.

"Metropolitan Ioann of Kherson and Tavria expresses sincere gratitude to Metropolitan Agafangel, Archdeacon Andriy, and all the people who joined in the good cause to collectively support those churches that have recently suffered significant damage," the message states.

As reported by UOJ, children of the Kherson Eparchy received gifts from the Primate.

Read also

Opening synagogues is our answer to Putin – Zelensky

Zelensky described synagogues, Holocaust memorials, and Ukraine’s law against antisemitism as the country’s answer to Russia’s accusations of Nazism.

Zelensky: Bolsheviks closed churches in Ukraine and turned them into offices

According to Zelensky, the Soviet authorities destroyed churches, converted church buildings into bureaucratic offices, and imposed a single “religion” – the Communist Party.

Kamianets Icon-Painting School continues enrollment for new academic year

Entrance examinations at the Kamianets-Podilskyi Icon-Painting School will take place on August 11–12.

Metropolitan Onuphry explains the spiritual meaning of Three-Handed Icon

At Kyiv’s Zverynets Monastery, His Beatitude recalled the history of the Three-Handed Icon of the Mother of God and the miracle experienced by St. John of Damascus.

Athos Hilandar Monastery holds all-night vigil for Three-Handed Icon Feast

Following the ancient Athonite tradition, the festive service at the Serbian monastery lasted throughout the night and concluded in the morning with the Divine Liturgy.

Lawyers file complaints with SBI and police over TRC abduction of UOC priest

Archpriest Nikita Chekman has announced new legal measures in response to the forcible abduction of Archpriest Vasyl Hel by masked men in balaclavas in Lutsk.