SEFC: War affects 205 religious buildings in 14 regions of Ukraine

From 24 February to 23 August 2022, at least 205 religious buildings in 14 regions of Ukraine were completely destroyed or subjected to varying degrees of destruction, reports the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (SEFC). Churches, mosques, synagogues, educational and administrative buildings of Ukraine's religious communities need restoration.

According to the SEFC, 5 out of 205 damaged religious buildings are Muslim, 5 structures are Judaic and the remaining 195 structures are Christian.

Of the 195 damaged Christian buildings 68% (132 objects) belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 29 Christian churches and buildings belong to Protestant communities, 20 – to the OCU, 4 – to the RCC, 3 – to the UGCC and 7 buildings belong to the Jehovah's Witnesses community.

The most destroyed religious buildings are located in Luhansk (56) and Donetsk (48) regions, followed by Kyiv (34) and Kharkiv (25) regions.

An interactive map has been drawn up based on the results of the monitoring conducted by the SEFC in cooperation with the Workshop for Academic Study of Religion. 

As earlier reported, according to the SEFC, as of the end of July 2022, 183 churches were damaged in Ukraine.

Read also

Four Mt. Athos Monks Injured in Greece Highway Accident

Four Athonite monks were injured in a highway accident, with one remaining in critical condition.

Pskov Caves Monastery Marks 20 Years Since Elder John’s Repose

The Pskov Caves Monastery commemorates Archimandrite John, honoring his life of labor, prayer, and spiritual guidance for generations of Russian Orthodox faithful.

Patr. Theodoros II Leads Historic Ecumenical Service in Panama

Patr. Theodoros II visits Panama, joining Orthodox in an historic prayer service promoting Christian unity.

Cherkasy Metropolitan Denounces Politically Motivated Charges

Metr. Theodosiy calls his criminal case politically motivated, defending UOC rights and warning of potential ECHR implications.

Patr. Theophilos III Meets Diplomats to Address Holy Land Crises

Patr. Theophilos III warns of rising attacks and restricted worship, urging protection of Christian communities and humanitarian access in the Holy Land.

Attendance Low after UOC Cathedral Transferred to OCU

Only a handful of worshippers attend Chernihiv’s Trinity Cathedral since the OCU took control.