Kharkiv hierarch offers condolences to victims of Merefa shelling
Shelling of the city of Merefa. Photo: UOC Information Center on Facebook
On May 4, 2026, Metropolitan Onufriy of Kharkiv and Bohodukhiv addressed the clergy and faithful of the eparchy following the tragedy in the city of Merefa, the UOC Information Center reported.
On the morning of May 4, a strike hit a civilian infrastructure facility, killing six people. Five residents died at the scene of the shelling, while a 68-year-old man later died in hospital. The number of injured also rose to 31, including teenagers and a two-year-old child.
The hierarch said the tragedy once again reveals the terrible reality of war, which brings irreparable losses and suffering.
The archpastor offered prayers for the repose of the newly departed servants of God and expressed his deep support for their families, asking the Lord to strengthen them in their grief. Metropolitan Onufriy also appealed to his flock to intensify their common prayer for peace.
Earlier, UOJ reported that Metropolitan Irinei expressed condolences to those affected by the shelling of Dnipro.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.