Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson damaged by shelling

Damage inside Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson after the shelling. Photo: Kherson Eparchy of the UOC

On April 26, 2026, Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson was seriously damaged as a result of shelling by Russian forces, the press service of the Kherson Eparchy reported.

According to the eparchy, two shells struck the roof of the church, causing a fire and partially destroying the ceilings.

Judging by the published photographs, large piles of debris formed inside the cathedral – the floor is covered with pieces of plaster, brick, and roofing elements, with traces of the blast and soot visible. In the central part of the church, near the altar, impact marks and destruction were recorded.

The central altar was badly damaged. Holes were left in the roof above the sanctuary, allowing rainwater to enter. To protect the altar table, it was covered with a special film.

The walls and murals were also damaged – holes and shrapnel marks are visible on icons and frescoes, and fragments of wall painting have been lost in some places.

Outside, numerous facade damage was recorded: the walls are pockmarked with shrapnel holes, windows were shattered, and parts of the roof were destroyed.

Residential and utility buildings on the cathedral grounds were also damaged.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a church complex dedicated to All Saints of Chernihiv was damaged in a Russian attack on Chernihiv.

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