Kharkiv hierarch offers condolences to victims of Merefa shelling
Metropolitan Onufriy of Kharkiv called on believers to intensify their prayers for the strengthening of families who lost loved ones in the missile strike.
On May 4, 2026, Metropolitan Onufriy of Kharkiv and Bohodukhiv addressed the clergy and faithful of the eparchy following the tragedy in the city of Merefa, the UOC Information Center reported.
On the morning of May 4, a strike hit a civilian infrastructure facility, killing six people. Five residents died at the scene of the shelling, while a 68-year-old man later died in hospital. The number of injured also rose to 31, including teenagers and a two-year-old child.
The hierarch said the tragedy once again reveals the terrible reality of war, which brings irreparable losses and suffering.
The archpastor offered prayers for the repose of the newly departed servants of God and expressed his deep support for their families, asking the Lord to strengthen them in their grief. Metropolitan Onufriy also appealed to his flock to intensify their common prayer for peace.
Earlier, UOJ reported that Metropolitan Irinei expressed condolences to those affected by the shelling of Dnipro.
