Today, December 20, a historic landmark in the heart of Kyiv—St. Nicholas Church—suffered damage during another wave of Russian missile attacks. The blast wave shattered the stained-glass windows and the rose window on the church’s facade, while the interior plaster was also significantly damaged. More severe destruction was reported in the “Toronto” office building located opposite the church.

“During the shelling, the rose window and side windows were shattered,” said the parish priest, Father Paweł Wyszkowski OMI. He emphasized that while the church structure survived, serious damage is visible inside as well. “We are now waiting for the ministry’s commission to assess the extent of the damage. Decisions will have to be made about the next steps, as the church was already in very poor condition,” the priest added.

This tragic incident once again highlights the critical condition of St. Nicholas Church. A fire in September 2021 significantly worsened the building’s state, and the lack of comprehensive restoration work has allowed the situation to deteriorate further. Despite repeated assurances from the Ministry of Culture, the church has yet to be formally handed over to the parish community.

Parishioners are appealing for prayers for the preservation of the church and for peace in Ukraine.