Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ has expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured in a drone attack on the village of Arkhipo-Osipovka near Gelendzhik. The Russian Orthodox Church reported that in the Diocese of Novorossiysk, memorial prayers were held for the dead, and believers were urged to support the injured through prayer and good deeds.

In a message to Krasnodar Krai Governor Veniamin Kondratyev and residents of the region, Patriarch Kirill said the news of the tragedy came as a heavy ordeal for many.

“Deep sorrow has filled my heart with the news of the attack by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles on the village of Arkhipo-Osipovka in the city of Gelendzhik, as a result of which peaceful residents were killed and wounded, including many children,” the Patriarch wrote.

He emphasized that, in these difficult days, it is especially important to assist those who have lost relatives or suffered injuries, and he expressed hope that regional authorities will do everything necessary to support affected families.

“I pray that the Lord grant strength of spirit to all those touched by this terrible trial,” Patriarch Kirill added.

The Patriarch also sent separate condolences to Bishop Sergiy of Novorossiysk and Gelendzhik. He called on the diocesan clergy to show pastoral care to people dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy and to support them with words of consolation and prayer.

The incident occurred on August 3 in Arkhipo-Osipovka near Gelendzhik. According to the report, seven people were killed—including four children—and dozens were injured.

On August 5, Bishop Sergiy led a memorial litany at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle in Gelendzhik. Residents and visitors attended the service, and a children’s choir provided the hymnody. Before the service, the bishop read aloud the Patriarch’s condolences and urged the faithful to pray for the departed and for the swift recovery of those injured.

“Now, our common prayer is necessary for those experiencing the pain of loss and going through trials,” Bishop Sergiy said.

With the ruling archbishop’s blessing, prayers for the repose of the dead and for the healing of the injured will be offered in all churches of the diocese for 40 days.

After the service, Bishop Sergiy visited Arkhipo-Osipovka and went to the site of the tragedy. Together with clergy and local residents, he prayed, sang “Eternal Memory” for the victims, and laid flowers at a memorial for the victims. He expressed condolences to the families of those killed and called on residents to maintain spiritual courage, steadfast faith, and prayerful unity in the face of a grave ordeal.