His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia awarded Priest Anthony Shcherbina, who died while performing his pastoral duty in a special military operation zone, the Order of the Blessed Prince Dimitri Donskoy, first class (posthumously).
On November 11, 2026, a cleric of the Tikhoretsk diocese, Priest Anthony Shcherbina, died in the area of a special military operation.
Before going to the war zone, Father Anthony served in the Church of St. John Russian in Tikhoretsk, Krasnodar Territory. Subsequently, he voluntarily went to the front, where he provided spiritual care for the soldiers of the Cossack detachment "BARS-11" in the Zaporozhye direction.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill expressed his condolences over the death of the clergyman, noting his dedication to his pastoral vocation, courage and love for others.
"Father Anthony, driven by concern for people on the front line and especially in need of pastoral support, sought to be with soldiers who were ready to lay down their lives for their friends (John 15:13)," the patriarchal message says.
The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church stressed that Father Anthony had become not only a spiritual mentor for the servicemen, but also an example of faith, courage, humility and selfless service.
In recognition of his devotion to the Fatherland, his fidelity to pastoral duty and priestly vocation, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill awarded Priest Anthony Shcherbina a high church award — the Order of the Blessed Prince Dimitry Donskoy, first class (posthumously).
In addition, His Holiness blessed the Tikhoretsk diocese to take over the financial support of the family of the deceased priest until his children reach adulthood.
Eternal memory to the newly deceased Priest Anthony! May the Lord rest his soul in the villages of the righteous.
Photo: The Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.