During the massive shelling of Odessa, the house of Sergei Gaidarji, who lost his wife and infant last year, was destroyed for the second time
During a massive overnight Russian attack on Odesa, the home of Serhii Haidarzhy, a Ukrainian Baptist believer, was set on fire. In March 2024, he lost his wife and four-month-old son in a Russian drone strike. The family survived the latest attack but has once again been left without a home.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
Fire After the Strike: Family Survives, Home Destroyed
On the night of December 12, Russia carried out one of its most intense combined attacks on Odesa in recent months, using attack drones and missiles. The strikes caused multiple fires across the city and damaged residential buildings and critical infrastructure.
One of the affected homes belonged to Serhii Haidarzhy. The fire was first reported by his relative, Sofiia Sidak.
“We urgently need your prayers. The bombing is intense. Serhii’s house is on fire — the same Serhii who lost his wife and son. Everyone is alive,” she wrote.
Videos from the scene show severe destruction: the roof was almost completely destroyed, windows blown out, and deep cracks visible in the walls. Emergency responders worked on site to extinguish the fire.
A Tragedy Repeated
In March 2024, a Russian kamikaze drone struck an apartment building in Odesa, killing Serhii Haidarzhy’s wife and their four-month-old son. Serhii and his two-year-old daughter, Lizzie, survived but were left homeless.
The latest strike has once again deprived the family of shelter — this time in their new place of residence.
Scale of the Attack on Odesa
Local authorities described the overnight assault as one of the most powerful attacks on the city in recent weeks. Parts of Odesa were left without electricity, including facilities critical to water and heating supply.
According to preliminary information, at least two people were injured. As of the morning, no fatalities had been reported.
A Witness of Faith and Ukraine’s Voice Abroad
After losing his family in 2024, Serhii Haidarzhy became one of the Ukrainians who publicly testified abroad about Russia’s war against Ukraine. He met with U.S. lawmakers, sharing his personal story of loss and emphasizing the need for continued support for Ukraine, protection of civilians, and awareness of the persecution of Christians in Russian-occupied territories.
Today, he once again stands among the victims of Russian aggression — alive, but for the second time without a home.
Ukrainian Christians and the broader public are calling for prayer for Serhii Haidarzhy, his daughter, and their family, as well as for all residents of Odesa who endured this night of terror.
