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.
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
A monk was brutally murdered at the Svyatogorsk Lavra, two others wounded
Unknown assailants attacked the monastery's brotherhood with a knife — there are casualties
His Beatitude: Give Up wealth if it hinders spiritual growth
The Primate of the UOC called on the faithful not to become slaves to material goods and to strive for the salvation of the soul.
Singapore launches first data center powered by human neurons
20 biological CL1 computers running on lab-grown neurons have been combined into a single server rack.
Authorities cancel permanent use of heritage churches
The government replaced the permanent transfer of heritage churches to communities with temporary hourly access.
OCU rep claims that Pope is playing into Moscow's hands
An OCU cleric rebuked the Greek Catholics for their silence in the context of the Pope's statements about the necessity of peace.