Two Ukrainian Orthodox Churches Attacked on Good Friday
On Good Friday, April 3, 2026, Russian forces attacked two Ukrainian Orthodox churches: the Cathedral of the Intercession of St. Nicholas in Druzhkivka and the Greek-Sophia Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kherson.
The Kherson church had previously been attacked in July 2025, when a fire caused extensive damage to its grounds and nearby buildings. Both churches suffered significant destruction—Druzhkivka Cathedral was partially destroyed, while the roof, dome, and chapel of the Kherson church were struck by projectiles, injuring the rector’s wife.
These attacks are part of a broader pattern of assaults on Christian religious buildings in Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian government, nearly 600 Christian churches have been targeted since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, with Orthodox churches bearing the brunt of the damage.
Source and photo: outono