In the shelling-damaged cathedral of Kherson, the patronal feast was celebrated
Due to damage caused by Russian shelling, the festive Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in history in the lower church of the cathedral of the Kherson Eparchy.
On June 1, 2026, on the day of the Holy Spirit, Metropolitan John of Kherson and Taurida celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the patronal feast of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of Kherson. This was reported by the press service of the Kherson Eparchy.
The festive service took place under special circumstances. After the Russian shelling on April 26, 2026, the cathedral sustained significant damage, making it impossible to celebrate the liturgy at the main altar. Therefore, for the first time in the entire history of the shrine, the service on the patronal feast day was held in the lower church.
According to long-standing tradition, the miraculous Kasperovskaya Icon of the Mother of God was brought to Kherson from Odessa for the feast. This venerated image is historically connected with the Kherson land, although it currently resides permanently in Odessa.
After the liturgy, Metropolitan John led a procession around the cathedral and addressed the faithful with an archpastoral word. His Grace called upon those gathered to grow in Christian virtues spoken of by the Apostle Paul: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, mercy, and faith, so that every Christian might be a "good tree" bearing good fruit.
By the blessing of Metropolitan John, a charitable meal was organized for all parishioners and pilgrims who came to share in the joy of the patronal celebration.
As SPJ reported, funeral services were held in Kherson for parishioners of the UOC cathedral who died in the shelling.
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