Department for External Church Relations
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Ukrainian Armed Forces destroy "New Jerusalem" church complex in Belgorod Diocese
DECR Communication Service, 25.04.2025
On April 24, 2025, the wooden "New Jerusalem" church complex in Belgorod Oblast caught fire and was completely destroyed following a drone strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), according to a report from the Belgorod Diocese received by RIA Novosti.
"It wasn’t just one 'Baba Yaga' drone (a type of UAV—Ed.), there were likely two. One acted as a signal repeater to extend the range, allowing the second to penetrate deep into the area. This was a deliberate attack, and I believe we can now confirm the complex is completely destroyed," a diocesan source told the agency.
Fyodor Klyuyko, press secretary of the Belgorod Diocese, stated that Ukrainian drones actively hindered firefighters and local volunteers attempting to extinguish the blaze, attacking both personnel and equipment.
Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Belgorod Oblast, confirmed the incident but noted no casualties.
"The Ukrainian Armed Forces barbarically attacked our beloved 'New Jerusalem' church complex in the village of Sukharevo, Valuysky District. During Holy Easter Week, they deliberately targeted one of the holiest sites in the Belgorod region. We have no doubt these strikes were premeditated," Gladkov declared.
He expressed gratitude to emergency responders, the Orlan special unit, and volunteer firefighters: "The flames consumed the complex, but our faith remains unshaken."
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Modeled after biblical Jerusalem, the "New Jerusalem" complex was built on Mikheevskaya Hill in Sukharevo and became a major pilgrimage site. Its history began in 2001 with the erection of a votive cross—eventually totaling eight crosses. The site included:The Church of John the Baptist (with bell tower); Chapels of the Theotokos and St. Mary Magdalene; Replicas of the Stone of Anointing, Golgotha, and the Holy Sepulchre
Source: Patriarchia.ru, citing media reports
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