Kharkiv Eparchy offers condolences to victims of night attack on the city

The aftermath of the strike on Kharkiv on April 4, 2024. Photo: George Ivanchenko/picture alliance/AP

Metropolitan Onufriy of Kharkiv and Bohodukhiv expressed prayerful condolences to those affected by the Russian attack on Kharkiv on the night of April 4, 2024, the diocese's press service reports.

Houses of peaceful citizens were damaged, Kharkiv residents were killed and wounded, including SES employees.

"The hearts of believers and clergy are filled with grief over the afflictions of our fellow citizens. Especially, we pray for the health of the wounded and the repose of the dead –  those who gave their lives for the salvation of others. In the Holy Scriptures it is said: 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends' (John 15:13), our sincere respect to all our rescuers!" Vladyka expressed condolences to the victims of the attack and their relatives.

According to local authorities, in Kharkiv as a result of the RF attack tonight, 4 people were killed, 12 were injured to varying degrees. Three SES employees who came to eliminate the consequences of the shelling were killed in a repeated strike. The names of the deceased rescuers are Vladyslav, Volodymyr, Serhiy.

As the UOJ wrote, the Odessa Eparchy of the UOC donated half a million hryvnias to those affected by shelling.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.