State Service: 183 churches damaged in Ukraine during the war

On July 24, 2022, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Speech published data on religious structures – churches, mosques, synagogues, educational and administrative buildings of religious communities of Ukraine, which had been damaged by hostilities. Information and interactive maps are available on the DESS website.

Of the 183 damaged religious structures, 173 are Christian. Most of them – 127 – belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is 73% of all damaged religious buildings. There were also destroyed 22 buildings owned by Protestant communities, 19 – by the OCU, 3 – by the RCC, 2 – by the UGCC, as well as 5 Muslim and 5 Jewish religious buildings.

The largest number of UOC temples were damaged in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions – 45 and 40, respectively. 34 religious buildings of the canonical Church were damaged in the Kyiv region, 25 – in the Kharkiv region.

As the UOJ wrote, at the beginning of July, according to the Institute of Religious Freedom, over 240 churches suffered military actions.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.