Bogorodichne, Donetsk Province, May 23, 2022
Photo: news.church.ua
Another skete of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Holy Dormition-Svyatogorsk Lavra suffered severe damage from shelling on Thursday, May 19.
This time, the church at the Skete of the Joy of All Who Sorrow Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Bogorodichne, was destroyed, reports the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Earlier, the bridge across the Seversky Donets River was destroyed, cutting off transportation to and from the skete. The sisters, led by Nun Ambrosia (Koval), took about 20 refugees from other settlements under their protection and local families take refuge in monastery basements adapted as bomb shelters every night.
Parishioners process around the monastery every day with holy icons.
On Saturday, May 21, law enforcement evacuated more than 40 women, and 20 men and children to a safer place. Fortunately, no one was injured in the shelling on Thursday.
The Svyatogorsk Lavra and its sketes have suffered shelling damage several times since the fratricidal war began in late February. On Saturday, March 12, several buildings at the main monastery were damaged, including the Holy Dormition Cathedral. The bridge connecting the monastery to the city of Svyatogorsk was also damaged.
Two explosions occurred at the Lavra again on May 4, breaking the windows and doors of the monastery churches. Two refugees were also wounded and had to undergo surgery.
However, the Divine services continue at the Lavra as usual, and the brotherhood continues to take in refugees.
On May 6, the Holy Protection Church at the Lavra’s St. George Skete in the village of Dolina was completely destroyed by shelling.
On May 10, the Lavra’s St. John (Maximovitch) Skete in Adamovka suffered from shelling. The roofs of several buildings were destroyed, windows were broken, and flower beds planted by the nuns were destroyed.
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