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
OCU activist admits breaking into UOC church in Sloviansk
Oleksandr Onyshchenko said that the OCU held its first "service" at the Seraphim Church, which had previously been broken into by forcing the locks and doors.
Archimandrite Ioustinos, longtime keeper of Jacob's Well, dies in Jordan
Archimandrite Ioustinos (Mamallos), the keeper of Jacob's Well in Nablus, has died after a prolonged illness.
Pilgrim group from Kyiv Theological Seminary visits Mount Athos
KTS students are making a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Romania, Greece, Mount Athos and Italy.
UOC cathedral celebrates its patronal feast in Ternopil
The service in the cathedral of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia was led by Metropolitan Serhii of Ternopil, concelebrated by four hierarchs.
MinCulture marks centenary of Soviet-era reserve at Lavra's Refectory Church
Representatives of the Ministry of Culture presented awards to the Reserve's employees on the occasion of the anniversary at the Refectory Church of the Lavra.
Conference to mark 1700th anniversary of Christianity adoption held in Georgia
In Georgia, representatives of the Church and the state noted the defining role of Christianity in the country's cultural development.