In Sumy, UOC bishop and cleric receive medals "For Dignity and Patriotism"
UOC clerics received awards from the border guards of the Sumy region. Photo: press service of the diocese
Metropolitan Yevlohiy of Sumy and Akhtyrka and the head of the eparchy's Center for Spiritual Rehabilitation of Soldiers and Civilians Affected by Hostilities, Archpriest Oleksandr Petrenko, received the medals "For Dignity and Patriotism" on December 5, 2025, International Volunteer Day. This was reported by the press service of the Sumy Eparchy.
The clergymen were awarded by representatives of the Sumy Border Service for their constant spiritual and material support of the military.
The meeting was also attended by the secretary of the eparchy, Archimandrite Anastasiy (Panov). The medal from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine was presented by a representative of the regional command.
Vladyka Yevlohiy noted that he accepted the award as a sign of recognition for the entire eparchy and thanked the military for their cooperation and trust. He emphasized that the Church will continue to provide spiritual assistance to the country's defenders, combining prayer with acts of mercy.
As reported by the UOJ, the Rehabilitation Center for Soldiers and Civilians of the Sumy Eparchy organizes free evacuation of local residents from border communities. This initiative is led by its head, Archpriest Oleksandr Petrenko.
```
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.