Police evacuate people from destroyed Sviatogorsk Lavra skete
Law enforcers evacuated children, nuns and civilians who were sheltering in the monastery from the Skete of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in the village of Bogorodichnoye, Donetsk region, where the temple was completely destroyed by shelling on 19 May, on 21 May 2022, reports the Ukrainian Interior Ministry telegram channel.
"About 100 church servants – nuns, monks and children – lived and took refuge in the basement of the church in the village of Bogorodichnoye. The Skete of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" of the Sviatogorsk Lavra was destroyed, people were fortunately not affected. The police, together with the military, border guards and territory defence members, persuaded the priests to move to a safer location. Law enforcers used an evacuation vehicle to remove more than 40 women, 20 children and men to a safer place," the report said.
The law enforcers also evacuated five people with disabilities, residents of the village, who were unable to get out on their own.
Read also
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Catholic Host of 'Roots of Orthodoxy' Says Orthodox Apologists are 'Disgusting', 'Trash'
"You Orthodox apologists are absolutely freaking disgusting," Cabada said. "You're a disgusting human being. You're trash. I'm not scared to say that."