In Sumy, UOC bishop and cleric receive medals "For Dignity and Patriotism"
Metropolitan Yevlohiy (Gutchenko) and Archpriest Oleksandr Petrenko were awarded for their long-term support of Ukraine's defenders.
Metropolitan Yevlohiy of Sumy and Akhtyrka and the head of the eparchy's Center for Spiritual Rehabilitation of Soldiers and Civilians Affected by Hostilities, Archpriest Oleksandr Petrenko, received the medals "For Dignity and Patriotism" on December 5, 2025, International Volunteer Day. This was reported by the press service of the Sumy Eparchy.
The clergymen were awarded by representatives of the Sumy Border Service for their constant spiritual and material support of the military.
The meeting was also attended by the secretary of the eparchy, Archimandrite Anastasiy (Panov). The medal from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine was presented by a representative of the regional command.
Vladyka Yevlohiy noted that he accepted the award as a sign of recognition for the entire eparchy and thanked the military for their cooperation and trust. He emphasized that the Church will continue to provide spiritual assistance to the country's defenders, combining prayer with acts of mercy.
As reported by the UOJ, the Rehabilitation Center for Soldiers and Civilians of the Sumy Eparchy organizes free evacuation of local residents from border communities. This initiative is led by its head, Archpriest Oleksandr Petrenko.
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