Metropolitan Luke expresses condolences to victims of attack on Zaporizhzhia
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia published words of support for the families of the deceased, called for prayers for the injured, and blessed the clergy to perform memorial litanies.
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol addressed the residents of the city following a nighttime attack that resulted in fatalities and casualties. The address was published on the Telegram channel of the UOC bishop.
The hierarch expressed condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased and noted that among the targets struck was the Zaporizhstal enterprise, which has become part of the city's history and that of several generations of its residents.
"Today we first and foremost remember those who are no longer with us, and those who are now fighting for their lives and health. Behind each of them stand relatives, friends, coworkers – people for whom this tragedy has become a personal grief," Metropolitan Luka emphasized.
The bishop urged Zaporizhzhia residents not to remain indifferent to the grief of others and recalled the words of the Apostle Paul: "Weep with those who weep." He also called for prayers for the repose of the deceased, the recovery of the wounded, and the strengthening of their relatives and loved ones.
Metropolitan Luke blessed the clergy of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy to perform memorial litanies for the deceased and prayers for the health of those injured. "Let us pray for our entire city, for every home that is mourning today, for every person who is in need of help and consolation," he urged.
According to information from the head of the Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov, during the night of August 11, 2026, Russian forces struck Zaporizhzhia with missiles and aerial bombs. Seven people were killed and another 24 were wounded. August 12 was declared a day of mourning in the city.
As the UOJ reported, the rector's sister was killed in the strike on the UOC's Volodymyr Church in Vilniansk.
