Located in Kyiv’s Obolon district, the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church combines sacred architecture, a landscaped public square, and an integrated air raid shelter — a vital response to russia’s ongoing aggression. The project offers a safe, welcoming environment for worship, gatherings, and daily life. Seasonal greenery and open space foster community bonds, while the shelter remains seamlessly accessible in times of danger. This is a place of faith, care, and resilience in the heart of the city.

In the Obolon district of Kyiv, the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church emerges as more than a sacred building — it is a contemporary public space shaped by the realities of wartime Ukraine. Amid Russia’s ongoing aggression and the constant threat of missile attacks, the integration of a fully functional air raid shelter into the church’s structure is not an optional feature, but a life-saving necessity.

The design unites three essential elements: a sacred space for worship, a landscaped square for the community, and a protective underground refuge. The shelter is directly accessible from the main public areas, ensuring safety without compromising openness. It allows parishioners and visitors to transition quickly from daily life to protection when air raid sirens sound, reinforcing the building’s role as a place of refuge in both spiritual and physical terms.

The landscaped grounds, covering 5,398 square meters, are planted with a variety of trees and seasonal greenery. These elements provide shade in summer, vibrant colours in autumn, and a calm, contemplative environment year-round. The square serves as a gathering point for religious festivals, such as the blessing of the Christmas tree, as well as informal daily interactions among residents.

With a building footprint of 812 square meters, the church is designed to stand as a symbol of resilience and unity. Its architecture reflects the traditions of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church while meeting the urgent needs of the present: safety, community, and spiritual continuity.

In a time when public spaces in Ukraine must be both open and fortified, the Holy Trinity Church demonstrates how architecture can embody hope, protection, and care. It is a place where faith meets the realities of conflict — a modern sanctuary for a community determined to endure and thrive.