UOC hierarch mourns Chuhuiv shelling victims
Bishop Ioann called the shelling of civilians an act of cruelty and sin, and urged the faithful to intensify their prayers for the repose of the deceased
On June 9, 2026, the ruling hierarch of the Izium Eparchy Archbishop Ioann addressed his flock regarding the death of residents of the city of Chuhuiv. The hierarch received the news of the tragedy with deep sorrow and pain, reports the press service of the Izium Eparchy.
"With deep sorrow and pain in my heart, I received the news of the tragedy that befell our land – the death of peaceful residents as a result of enemy shelling," Bishop Ioann said in his address. “In a single moment, the lives of innocent people were cut short, including a pregnant woman."
The Archbishop emphasized that such violence is inexcusable. “The enemy strike, which treacherously took the lives of civilians, is yet another manifestation of cruelty and sin, which can be justified neither before people nor before God,” the hierarch said. “Together with you, I bow my head in deep sorrow for those whose earthly lives were so suddenly and tragically cut short.”
The bishop urged the community to remain strong in faith and unity. “In these moments of severe trial, we will not succumb to despair,” the UOC hierarch stressed. “Our strength lies in faith, unity, and sincere prayer. We know that earthly life is a gift from God, and no act of violence can deprive a Christian of eternity with God.”
The Archbishop recalled the Gospel words that one should not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Synehubov, three people were killed in the shelling of Chuhuiv. The victims were men aged 56 and 70, and a 22-year-old pregnant woman. Three more elderly people received medical assistance due to acute stress reactions.
As the UOJ reported, UOC priests conducted funeral services for those killed in the missile attack on Dnipro.
