Russian shelling completely destroyed the building of the evangelical “Church of the Winners” January 2026
- urveronika3
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
On January 27, 2026, devastating news emerged from Sloviansk: the building of the evangelical “Church of the Winners” was destroyed by Russian shelling. Located on Pushkinska Street, this church was far more than a place of worship—it was a lifeline for the community.
Since its founding in 2010 in the Sloviansk Resort district, the church grew into a place where faith met action. When war first reached eastern Ukraine, its role shifted quickly from spiritual center to humanitarian refuge. Between 2014 and 2016, it even opened its doors as a hostel for people forced to flee their homes.
With the escalation into full-scale invasion, the need only intensified. In the first months alone, more than 2,500 people escaping the Luhansk and Donetsk regions found temporary shelter there. Beyond providing a roof, the church became a steady source of essentials—distributing food and hygiene supplies to both displaced families and longtime residents navigating uncertainty.
The building itself had already been hit several times in 2022, suffering heavy damage. Still, the community behind it continued its work, refusing to be defined by destruction.
Then, on January 27, another strike brought further devastation, leaving the church building destroyed once again. In response, the congregation shared a message on Facebook:
“They destroy cities, homes, and churches. They kill civilians. Does it hurt? Yes—deeply. But faith cannot be destroyed. Freedom cannot be broken. The Church is people. And we stand.” Their words capture something essential: while structures can be shattered, the spirit of a community is far harder to break.
Today, that spirit lives on in action. Residents of Sloviansk, Sviatohirsk, Lyman, Bohorodychne, Dolyna, and nearby areas continue to receive support. Working together with the international humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse UK, the church community helps ensure that drinking water reaches 11 frontline settlements.
The building may be gone—but its purpose, its people, and its faith endure.
If you would like to see the destroyed building in more detail, we are grateful to Eric Payne, who captured and shared a comprehensive video of the site.
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