Belgorod, Belgorod Province, Russia, January 3, 2024
Photo: beleparh.ru
On New Year’s Day, His Eminence Metropolitan John of Belgorod and the Minister of Health of the Belgorod Province visited wounded victims of the recent shelling.
Altogether, Vladyka John visited 45 people who are currently being treated in three hospitals in the city, including 7 children. The children were given candy, books, and coloring books, reports the Metropolis of Belgorod.
Photo: beleparh.ru
On Saturday, December 30, Ukrainian shelling in the center of the Russian border city of Belgorod killed 24 people, including 4 children, and injured 131 others, including 18 children. Belgorod citizens are also currently being temporarily evacuated because the Ukrainians used cluster bombs--illegal in most countries due to the fact the components may not explode immediately. Russian authorities have called the attack an act of terrorism, since it was aimed at civilians and not military targets.
After meeting with the patients, Met. John noted their positive. “Thank God we’re alive,” they all said. He also thanked the people of Belgorod for their prayers for those who are suffering.
All those being treated are receiving pastoral care from local clergy, including the Sacraments of Confession, Communion, and even Baptism.
In a phone conversation with Met. John, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill ordered that, if necessary, funeral services and burials be carried out at the expense of the Belgorod Diocese.
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