Attack launched by Russians on an evangelical church in Kyiv results in the tragic death of a father and his young daughter
A Chilling Tale from Kyiv:
A caring father and his five-year-old daughter, temporarily seeking refuge in an accommodation aiding displaced Ukrainians, tragically lost their lives due to a Russian drone strike on an evangelical church in Kyiv on the night of March 22nd-23rd. Let's shed light on this heart-wrenching incident.
Known as the Emmanuil church, this house of worship is nestled in an industrial area on the outskirts of the capital. Two Russian guided missiles rain destruction upon the church grounds, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in their wake.
L.B., who heads a children's ministry in Ukraine, shared his thoughts with Evangelical Focus. He described the ordeal as a first drone detonating in mid-air, causing extensive damage to the church roof, scattering hundreds of shards across walls, vehicles, and the premises.
Images circulating on social media show the devastation wrought upon the church. Destroyed windows, piles of rubble, a security camera recording of a drone's impact, and the wreckage of a broadcasting studio paint a grim picture of the event.
However, the worst was yet to come. A second bomb from a drone fell near a temporary module house the church had been using to shelter displaced individuals. In the ensuing explosion, the father and daughter perished. The mother miraculously survived, flung by the blast wave to land several meters away from the house.
L.B. shared that Oleksandr, Oleksandra, and their daughter Nicole had served the church in various roles, particularly with children and teenagers, as well as offering support to internally displaced persons.
Stunned by the tragedy, the church's leadership expressed their grief, stating, "Our church has suffered an unspeakable tragedy that has claimed the lives of our family in Christ." They echoed Psalm 34:18, finding comfort in the words, "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
In the face of this tragedy, the church remains resilient, with the leadership affirming that love is stronger than death. They vowed to rebuild as a symbol of faith, hope, and fortitude, urging the church to shine bright in these dark times.
You can learn more about contributing to the church's reconstruction efforts on the church's official website.
In the days following the attack, a social media post provided additional details about the young family. Originally from a church in Orikhiv, they sought refuge in Kyiv due to the dangers of attacks and the confiscation of their family business. The mother and daughter arrived in the capital, where they were warmly welcomed by the Kyiv church, while the father continued to provide humanitarian aid and spiritual support to his home church. They were reunited just a few weeks before the tragic event and had been living at the church's premises since the beginning of 2025.
While the impact of Russian drone attacks on Kyiv is well-documented, specific details about this horrific incident targeting the Emmanuil church remain elusive, as existing reports do not contain such information.
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Published in: Evangelical Focus - europe - Russian attack on an evangelical church in Kyiv claims a father and his little daughter's life
- Amidst the broader context of war-and-conflicts, the tragic loss of a father and his five-year-old daughter emerged as a poignant example of the devastating effects of politics, as their lives were claimed in a Russian drone strike on an evangelical church in Kyiv.
- In the realm of general-news, this heart-wrenching incident involving the Emmanuil church also shines a light on crime-and-justice, as the lack of detailed information about the situation raises questions about the accountability for the attacks on churches and their congregations.
