Shelling Hits Two Historic UOC Churches in Ukraine

St. Nicholas Church and Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos. Photo: Boryspil Eparchy / Kherson Eparchy

HNIDYN, UKRAINE — As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, on February 21, 2026, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn, Boryspil Eparchy, suffered significant damage from shelling, local sources reported. Video footage shows the vault and ceiling completely collapsed, with debris of plaster and concrete covering the interior. Large fragments of construction material litter the floor, and parts of the building are now exposed to the open sky.

Meanwhile, during the night of February 20–21, the Greco-Sophia Church in Kherson, dedicated to the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, was also struck. Built in 1780, it is the oldest church in the city and an architectural monument of national significance. The shelling damaged walls, doors, windows, and liturgical items, while the surrounding grounds were affected as well.

Authorities and local church officials continue to assess the full extent of the destruction, noting the threat to both cultural heritage and active worship spaces.

Previously, the UOJ reported that overnight shelling damaged the Dormition Monastery in Odessa.

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