Churches in Ukraine Damaged During Overnight Bombardment
The damaged dome of St. Catherine Cathedral. Photo: UOC Press Service
KHERSON — St. Catherine Cathedral and the Greek Sophia Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos sustained damage during a large-scale overnight bombardment of Kherson by Russian forces, according to the Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The shelling occurred during the night of December 22–23, 2025, with the diocese’s press service reporting damage to multiple church structures. At St. Catherine Cathedral, the central dome was struck and damaged by the bombardment.
At the Greek Sophia Church, the attack caused damage to the building’s foundation and façade, as well as to several auxiliary and economic premises. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Previously, UOJ reported that a UOC church was hit twice by Russian shelling in Donbass.
Read also
Forbes Removes Inaccurate Article on Society of St. John's Day of Action
After one email and warning from the Society of St. John, Forbes changed the headline of its article. After a second email, Forbes took the article down completely.
Churches in Ukraine Damaged During Overnight Bombardment
St. Catherine Cathedral and Greek Sophia Church report structural damage following Russian shelling, according to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
ROCOR Synod Elects New Vicar Bishops, Transfers Bp. Theodosius from Seattle to Manhattan
Decision outlines new episcopal assignments in Eastern, Canadian, and Western American dioceses.
Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Kenya Calls Fr. Seraphim Rose a Saint
In his Nativity encyclical, Abp. Makarios of Kenya - who is under the Patriarchate of Alexandria - referred to the teachings of "St. Seraphim Rose."
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Receives Bulgaria’s Highest Church Award
Bulgarian Pat. Daniel awarded Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew the Order of St. John of Rila for his pivotal role in resolving the 1990s schism in the Bulgarian Church.
Bulgarian Patriarch: OCU Excluded From Joint Services at Phanar
Bulgarian Pat. Daniel said the Orthodox Church of Ukraine will not join services at the Phanar during his visit, reaffirming Bulgaria’s non-recognition of the OCU while stressing that dialogue, not rupture, remains the path forward.