Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church In Donetsk

What You Need To Know:

✓ Greek Catholic church is still operating in Donetsk despite the conflict
✓ Many priests belonging to the Greek Catholic Church have left the region
✓ "If there are people, there will be a church,” Father Mykhailo explains
In Donetsk city, a Greek Catholic church is still operating despite the conflict and despite the reported pressure felt by the non-Orthodox religious organisations from the pro-Russia separatist authorities.
“Undoubtedly, the number of wedding ceremonies, which are more joyful services, is smaller,” Father Mykhailo a priest who serves at the church said, but “christenings take place…because [people] feel they are in danger”.
According to Father Mykhailo, many of the priests belonging to the Greek Catholic Church in the Donetsk region have left – some out of fear, others because of the unpredictable nature of the situation.
Some of the church has been damaged from the fighting. Cracks can be seen in the walls. The refectory windows have been shattered and mine fragments have also damaged its outside.
“But all these things don’t matter. All of this is just in addition to the people. Because if there are people, there will be a church,” Father Mykhailo explained to Hromadske.