Sviatogorsk Lavra gets under shelling

On March 12, during the shelling in Sviatogorsk, Donetsk region, the buildings of the Holy Dormition Sviatogorsk Lavra were damaged. As Metropolitan Arseniy, the abbot of the monastery, said the bomb fell near the bridge that connects the Lavra and the city of Sviatogorsk.

Almost all the windows in the Assumption Cathedral and the Protection Church were blown out and the Lavra hotel, where 520 refugees were staying at the time, including 200 children, was damaged, the UOC Telegram channel cites Vladyka. Some people were injured by glass fragments.

As reported, several UOC churches have already suffered because of the shelling. Priests and parishioners in all the eparchies have set up aid stations for the victims. At the same time, radicals and representatives of the military in western Ukraine have stepped up seizures of churches.

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.