Kryvyi Rih Metropolitan offers condolences to families affected by shelling

The aftermath of the strike on Kryvyi Rih. Photo: the Prosecutor General's Office

On August 21, 2026, the Metropolitan of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol, Yefrem, expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured as a result of the Russian shelling of Kryvyi Rih, says the hierarch's address published by the Kryvyi Rih Eparchy of the UOC.

According to the Metropolitan, a strike by Russian drones on the Sunny Gallery shopping and entertainment center resulted in the deaths of civilians, with dozens more sustaining injuries of varying severity. "Today our hearts are filled with grief," the hierarch noted.

The hierarch called on the faithful to support those who have lost their loved ones. "We cannot ease their pain, but we can be near them, pray together with them, and support them with word and deed in this difficult time," the address states.

Metropolitan Yefrem said that he is praying for the repose of those killed, the strengthening of their relatives, and the speedy recovery of the wounded who are in hospitals. In his words, “the pain of the affected families is the pain of each and every one of us.”

The hierarch also called on the faithful to intensify prayer during the Dormition Fast, to perform works of mercy, and to help one another. "Let us preserve our humanity even amid the cruelty of this world and not allow fear, hatred, and despair to take hold of our hearts," he emphasized.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Nikodim offered condolences to those affected by the shelling of Zhytomyr.

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