Ukrainian Military Chaplain Dies in Tragic Accident

Photo: Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church / Facebook

KYIV — Archpriest Vyacheslav Lytvynenko of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Kyiv Eparchy died tragically in an accident on April 21, 2026, at the age of 57, according to an official eparchial report.

Born March 28, 1970, Fr. Vyacheslav served faithfully since 2006 in Kyiv parishes, including the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian in the Obolonsky deanery and the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Bortnychi district. His ministry extended beyond parish life, especially during times of national hardship.

Beginning in 2014, with the blessing of Metr. Onuphry, he ministered as a military chaplain to Ukrainian forces in the conflict zone. Following the full-scale invasion, he was mobilized into active service and remained with the Armed Forces of Ukraine until his death. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a UOC priest said St. Gabriel of Georgia healed a Ukrainian soldier.

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