In Zhytomyr Eparchy, funeral service held for UOC priest’s son killed in war
The newly departed warrior Veniamin Didkovskyi. Photo: Metropolitan Nikodim’s Facebook page
On February 19, 2026, Metropolitan Nikodim (Horenko) celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the departed and served the funeral rite for Veniamin Didkovskyi, the son of a priest of the Zhytomyr Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and a newly reposed soldier, in the Annunciation Cathedral in the city of Korostyshiv. The hierarch reported this on his Facebook page.
Concelebrating with Metropolitan Nikodim of Zhytomyr and Novohrad-Volynskyi were Archbishop Huriy (Kuzmenko) and clergy of the eparchy.
During the service, prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the fallen soldier, the son of Archpriest Valeriy Didkovskyi. In the cathedral, family members, servicemen, and parishioners prayed together as they gathered to bid farewell to the warrior-defender.
After the funeral rite, Metropolitan Nikodim addressed those present with a pastoral word, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the clergy, and all who knew Veniamin. The archpastor reminded the faithful of the Christian hope of the Resurrection and urged everyone to preserve prayerful remembrance of the defender of the homeland.
As the UOJ previously reported, the son of a priest of the Zhytomyr Eparchy of the UOC was killed in the war.
Read also
Historic UOC church in Beryslav burns down in drone strike
A wooden church built in 1726 burned down after a drone strike in the Kherson region.
Oldest church in Kyiv celebrates its patronal feast
Metropolitan Victor led the festive service at the capital’s St. Elijah Church.
UOC Primate leads celebrations marking 510 years of Lavra skete in Horodok
In the Rivne Eparchy, the Primate of the UOC consecrated an icon of the Mother of God restored by the convent’s sisters.
Religious Jews attack Armenian monastery in Jerusalem
Police detained six suspects following an attack on St. James Monastery in the Old City.
OCU cleric personally cuts locks during seizure of UOC church in Cherniavka
An OCU cleric dismissed the parish rector's request for copies of meeting records, calling him an "enemy of the people."
Oldest UOC church in Sumy marks its patronal feast
Metropolitan Yevlohiy led celebrations at the city’s oldest parish, where the wonderworking Pustynno-Hlynska Icon of the Mother of God was brought for the feast.