UOC deacon dies in Finland after saving child from drowning
UOC Deacon Vladyslav Volkov. Photo: open sources
On June 21, 2026, a tragedy involving Ukrainian Orthodox Church Deacon Vladyslav Volkov occurred in Finland. UOC priest Sylvester Shevchenko reported this on Facebook.
While resting by the water, the cleric saw a child caught in a whirlpool and beginning to drown. Vladyslav immediately rushed to help, managed to pull the child out of danger, but was unable to make it back to shore himself.
The deceased cleric is survived by two small children, aged three and one, and he was the only son of his parents. Those who knew Vladyslav recall that from childhood he actively participated in church life, served as an altar boy, later graduated from seminary, and was ordained a deacon. His loved ones call his act a manifestation of the very sacrificial love that Christ Himself revealed to humanity.
As the UOJ reported, one of the oldest clergymen of the UOC has reposed in the Lord.
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