UOC hierarch expresses condolences over Russian shelling of Dobropillia
Consequences of the Russian shelling of Dobropillia, March 7, 2025. Photo: SES
Archbishop Spyridon of Dobropillia expressed his condolences over the deaths of civilians in the city of Dobropillia, Pokrovsk district, Donetsk region, on March 7, 2025, as a result of brutal Russian shelling, according to the Telegram channel of the Pokrovsk Vicariate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
"This is a great tragedy that has taken invaluable lives, left deep wounds in the hearts of their loved ones, and forever changed the fates of those who lost their dearest ones," the UOC hierarch wrote. "I bow my head in prayer before the memory of the deceased and share the indescribable pain of their families."
The archbishop prays that the Merciful Lord may receive the souls of the innocently slain into His abode, grant them eternal rest, and give strength to those mourning this heavy loss.
"May the Lord have mercy on our people. We pray for peace, for the healing of our land, and that we may never again have to mourn innocent lives lost. Eternal memory to the departed," the archbishop said.
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), the evening shelling by Russian forces targeted the center of Dobropillia, killing at least 11 people and injuring 30 others.
As the UOJ previously reported, UOC clergy were injured in the Russian shelling of Dobropillia.
Read also
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.
DESS official says state should not govern the Church
A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.
Poltava court upholds mobilization of Protestant pastor
A court in the Poltava region ruled that a prior criminal conviction and religious beliefs do not exempt a person from military service.
Ostapenko: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra would not exist without Soviet-era reserve
The reserve director spoke about the Soviet museum’s role in saving the monastery, while stressing the need to rethink its history.
Metropolitan Anthony criticizes DESS order on Boryspil Eparchy
The UOC chancellor rejected officials’ findings, pointing to procedural violations in the DESS review.
Two more parishes in Sloviansk reregistered under OCU
The organizer behind the transfer of UOC communities in Sloviansk said the reregistration of churches would continue.