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".

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