Syrskyi awards “Golden Cross” to UOC’s Volyn Eparchy cleric

Archpriest Yuriy Zarafutdinov and Captain of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmytro Kravchuk. Photo: press service of the Volyn Diocese

In January 2026, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, presented the “Golden Cross” distinction to Archpriest Yuriy Zarafutdinov, a cleric of the Volyn Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Volyn Eparchy press service reported this.

On this topic In Kherson, Met. Ioann serves funeral for UOC priest killed by drone strike

The eparchy noted that Archpriest Yuriy Zarafutdinov is a veteran of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo and took part in combat operations. The award was presented on the Commander-in-Chief’s behalf by Captain Dmytro Kravchuk.

While serving in the combat zone, the priest sustained a mine-and-blast injury. He is currently undergoing treatment and recovering after another surgery.

The Volyn Eparchy emphasized that the distinction is a testimony to Fr Yuriy’s self-sacrifice, courage, and heroism, and asked the faithful to offer prayers for his swift recovery.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson was damaged by shelling on Christmas.

Read also

Gay pride march held in Kharkiv metro

Several dozen people held an LGBT event in the Kharkiv metro.

Serbian Patriarch offers condolences over murder of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk

The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church called Sviatohirsk Lavra a refuge for the displaced and urged that the monk’s violent death not be turned into anyone’s weapon.

“Never seen before”: Israel reports record number of Hasidim in Uman

According to an Israeli police representative, 52,000 pilgrims are currently in Uman – 10,000 more than last year. The city itself has a population of about 75,000.

UOC faithful hold prayer vigil outside Lavra for more than 1,000 days

For three and a half years, Orthodox Christians have continued praying for peace and for the preservation of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Zelensky congratulates Jews on Rosh Hashanah

Volodymyr Zelensky wished Jews peace and the triumph of good over evil.

Kyiv Theological Academy publishes book on Orthodoxy in 17th-century Ukraine

With the blessing of the UOC Primate, the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary has published a textbook marking the 430th anniversary of the birth of St. Petro Mohyla.