Mariupol: Bright Week patronal feast celebrated in one of most heavily damaged churches

Mariupol, May 4, 2022

Photo: donetsk.church.ua Photo: donetsk.church.ua     

Clergy and faithful of the Donetsk Diocese gathered at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Mariupol on Bright Friday, April 29, to celebrate the feast of the Lifegiving Spring, to which the cathedral’s lower church is consecrated.

The cathedral suffered serious damage during the fighting in Mariupol that began in February, reports the Donetsk Diocese.

Photo: donetsk.church.ua Photo: donetsk.church.ua     

The cathedral is home to a 19th-century copy of the wonderworking Lifegiving Spring icon, which “survived the events of the God-fighting 20th century, the Great Patriotic War; they managed to preserve it in the most difficult times for the city residents and all our people.”   

The Liturgy was celebrated by the local dean Archpriest Alexei Ustimenko and other local clergy.

Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images     

The cathedral, opened in 1997, is located on a picturesque site, with a panoramic view of the Sea of Azov and the surrounding hills and villages.

Last month, OrthoChristian reported on the resumption of liturgical life in a damaged church in the village of Bucha.

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5/4/2022

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The Ukrainian hierarch His Eminence Metropolitan Mitrophan of Gorlovka and Slavyansk took part in organizing the evacuation of the citizens, many of whom were hesitant to leave until they saw him. Thus, he was among the first to greet those who came out. Bishop wounded during shelling undergoes surgery in Donetsk Bishop wounded during shelling undergoes surgery in Donetsk Bishop wounded during shelling undergoes surgery in Donetsk Bishop wounded during shelling undergoes surgery in Donetsk
The Monasteries of St. Basil and St. Nicholas are a focal point in the current conflict, as they continue to follow the traditions of their found Elder Zosima (Sokur, †2002), who was strongly in favor of Russian-Ukrainian spiritual unity. Donetsk hierarch meets with priests of damaged churches Donetsk hierarch meets with priests of damaged churches Donetsk hierarch meets with priests of damaged churches Donetsk hierarch meets with priests of damaged churches
Met. Hilarion emphasized the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims as soon as possible. A report on the work already done was presented and plans were made to further provide the necessary aid.
Comments
Ioann5/4/2022 3:47 pm
The cathedral, home to a 19th-century copy of the wonderworking Lifegiving Spring icon, “survived the events of the God-fighting 20th century" and may with God's help survive the current God-fighting events of the 21st century. Who caused the the current "severe damage" to the cathedral?
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