UOC hierarch awards a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer with a church order

AFU's Lieutenant Colonel Taras Mykhailyuk and Metropolitan Victor (Kotsaba). Photo: Khmelnytskyi Eparchy

On October 2, 2024, Metropolitan Victor of Khmelnytskyi and Starokostiantyniv presented the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Order of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr, 1st degree, to Lieutenant Colonel Taras Mykhailyuk of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to the press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy.

Presenting the high church award to Taras Mykhailyuk, who is the head of the Security, Patrol, Search, and Military Law Enforcement Division of the Khmelnytskyi Garrison Department, Vladyka Victor also congratulated him on his 40th birthday.

He thanked the lieutenant colonel for his courage and bravery in defending Ukraine, wishing him God’s help and the protection of the Queen of Heaven at all times.

As previously reported by UOJ, military medics expressed their gratitude to the UOC for providing an evacuation vehicle.

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.