UOC Clergy in Sumy Bury Father of Priest Killed While Serving Ukraine

SUMY, UKRAINE — Serhiy Taptunov, a Ukrainian serviceman known by the call sign “Topik,” was buried with military honors in Sumy on October 17, 2026, following a funeral at Holy Trinity Bishops’ Cathedral. He was the father of Archpriest Konstantin Taptunov, a cleric of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s (UOC) Sumy Diocese.

Taptunov was born on November 17, 1974, and had served in Ukraine’s armed forces since 2023. He carried out combat missions in some of the heaviest fighting in the Donbas, including near Ocheretyne and Malaya Tokmachka, and had survived injuries. He died on October 11, at age 51, while on short leave.

His fellow soldiers remembered him as courageous, honest, and dependable, willing to undertake dangerous assignments to help others. Despite the hardships of military service, he retained a particular kindness toward children. A photograph taken in Ocheretyne in January 2024 showed him holding small angel figures made by children.

With the blessing of Metr. Evlogii of Sumy and Okhtyrka, the funeral was led by Archimandrite Anastasii (Panov), secretary of the Sumy Diocese. Archpriest Oleksandr Kudryashov, dean of the cathedral, Archpriest Konstantin Taptunov, and visiting clergy concelebrated.

Before the service, Archimandrite Anastasii conveyed the Metropolitan’s condolences to the deceased’s son, his wife Natalia, daughter Anastasia, and other relatives. He praised Taptunov’s courage and self-sacrifice while emphasizing his loving character. Recalling Christ’s words in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” he urged those present to pray for the departed serviceman.

Following the funeral, a military tribute was held, and Taptunov was laid to rest at the city cemetery near the 40th substation, accompanied by Archpriest Kudryashov. The Sumy Diocese expressed condolences to the family and prayed for the repose of the serviceman’s soul.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an Orthodox Christian funeral was held for a WWII soldier returned home after 82 years.