With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, on October 29, 2026, Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Cooperation with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, took part in an interdepartmental humanitarian mission in the city of Alyoshki, Kherson region. Its main tasks are to help local residents and facilitate the evacuation of those wishing to leave for safe regions.
The city is located in a regular combat zone. The delivery of food and basic necessities is hampered by the effects of the Dnieper River flood, swampy terrain and mining roads. The situation is complicated by the lack of stable electricity, heat and water supply.
"Our goal is to evaluate how the Church can support people spiritually and financially," Metropolitan Kirill emphasized.
One of the most important areas of church assistance is the resumption of parish life in Alyoshki, where the local church was temporarily left without a priest. It is necessary to provide pastoral care for the faithful, who especially need support in conditions of constant danger.
For residents who decide to leave the city, it is planned to organize spiritual and material assistance in the places of accommodation. It is planned to involve regional dioceses and the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission in this work. For those who stay at home, it is necessary to arrange regular delivery of groceries and necessary things.
"We are obliged to take care of those who decide to leave for the main territory of Russia by involving dioceses in the host cities and the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission. For those who decide to stay at their homes, it is necessary to build channels of constant assistance," the archpastor noted.
The trip takes place with an ark with holy relics. Prayers are offered in front of the shrine for peace, strengthening the defenders of the Fatherland, and saving the lives of civilians and participants in the humanitarian mission.
Photo: pobeda.ru .