UOC deacon's family home burned down in Pohreby, believers ask for help
The family of UOC deacon with 9 children left without housing. Photo: UOJ
On January 9, 2026, in the village of Pohreby of the Vasylkivsky district, Kyiv region, the house of Deacon Olexiy Orlov, a cleric of the Presentation Monastery, was completely burned down as a result of a gas leak and explosion. In an instant, a large family — Deacon Olexiy, Matushka Kateryna, and nine children — were left without shelter and possessions, reports a UOJ correspondent.
Two minor sons were particularly seriously injured — Mykhailo (9 years old) and Lev (4 years old). Both children are in the regional children's hospital in Bucha, where they have already undergone skin transplant surgeries. The first surgery went well, the next one is scheduled for the coming days. According to doctors, rehabilitation may take about a year.
Currently, the family is temporarily staying in a hospital in Boyarka. Belongings and household items are not needed for now, as the victims have no permanent housing and nowhere to store them. Some clothing and necessities have already been provided to the children from the school where they study.
Deacon Olexiy appeals for help in finding housing for a family of 11 people — preferably a private house, but an apartment option is also possible. Due to blocked bank accounts, personal cards for collecting aid are currently unavailable. In the near future, a fund to help the affected family is planned to be opened at the Presentation Monastery.
Matushka Kateryna especially asks for prayers for her children, primarily for the ailing youth Mykhailo and infant Lev, who suffered in the fire. They also ask for prayers for the other children: Olexiy (1.5 years old), Maria (6 years old), Olena (12 years old), Olha (14 years old), Anastasia (17 years old), Mykola (19 years old), Anna (22 years old).
The faithful are called to fervent prayer for the health of the victims and for the speedy arrangement of life for the large family left without a home.
As UOJ reported, the UOC gave Christmas gifts to patients and staff of "Okhmatdyt".
Read also
Bulgaria secures exclusion of Patriarch Kirill from EU sanctions
Bulgaria’s prime minister said the European Union accepted Sofia’s demand to exclude the ROC Primate from the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
Rainbow glass sculpture of Christ installed in former Czech Catholic church
A rainbow-colored sculpture of Jesus Christ more than two meters tall has been installed in a former Catholic church in Všekary in the Plzeň Region.
Bulgarian priest condemns Church’s silence over murder of Sviatohirsk monk
Bulgarian Orthodox cleric Vladimir Doychev called the lack of a Church response to the death of Monk Varsonofiy a betrayal.
Vatican on Ukraine diplomacy: "The results are rather limited"
The Vatican has pledged to continue its diplomatic efforts despite the lack of progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Volyn TRC explains mobilization of UOC cathedral deacon in Volodymyr
The Volyn TRC says no force was used against the UOC deacon and that he was eligible for mobilization because he had no valid exemption or deferment.
Mukachevo Metropolitan consecrates altar for UOC community in Shenborn
Before the Divine Liturgy at St. Michael’s Church in Shenborn, the hierarchs performed the rite of consecration of the altar.