RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Mission Eurasia study reports that religious belief in Ukraine has strengthened despite Russian destruction of at least 737 places of worship. According to RISU, the share of self-identified believers rose from 68% to 74%, with the largest increase among 18-to-24-year-olds. Registered religious organizations also grew by nearly 10%. The article highlights pastor Mark Sergiyev, who continues serving in Kyiv after losing his church in Melitopol. Researchers note that faith provides psychological resilience and community support during the war, proving that Russia cannot destroy Ukrainian spiritual life.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 2 outlets
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
The Bryansk Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church published a statement describing assault troops as 'meat,' symbolizing resilience and self-sacrifice. The article, originally attributed to Ukrmedia via RISU, highlighted the bravery of soldiers in the conflict. The term 'meat assaults' is commonly used to describe attacks with high casualties. After media scrutiny, the diocese edited the initial sentence on its website by October 29, removing the specific reference to 'meat' while retaining the praise for steadfastness. The original text remains archived. The post accompanied a visit by priest Konstantin Vasiliev, who delivered supplies and conducted services for units of the 'Sever' grouping under Metropolitan Alexander's blessing.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian soldiers in the Sumy region used drone footage to create a digital model of a historic church destroyed by Russian forces in Yunkivtsi. The 47th Mechanized Brigade documented the site after raising a flag there in summer 2026. Architects from Heritage Monitoring Lab and Sumy Future used the video to record structural damage, including collapsed domes and deformed walls. Archbishop Methodius noted the 18th-century building served as a field hospital before its destruction. This digital preservation effort aims to document cultural losses for future restoration, as physical access remains impossible due to ongoing hostilities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A papal envoy visited Caritas Spes Ukraine in Kyiv to discuss the ongoing war and humanitarian needs. The meeting included displaced women from Bakhmut who shared their experiences of loss and displacement. Participants included Caritas Spes Ukraine President Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskyi, Executive Director Father Vyacheslav Hrynevych, Deputy Executive Director Olena Voychyk, and Kyiv Director Father Andriy Peda. The envoy expressed solidarity with Ukrainians and support for the organization's work. The visit highlighted the Church's continued commitment to those affected by nearly five years of full-scale war, emphasizing compassion and shared burden.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Russian Ministry of Defense conducted its first large-scale military training for priests on occupied Ukrainian territory, according to the outlet Christians Against War. The event took place at the rear training ground of the Russian grouping 'West'. Both Orthodox and Muslim clerics participated in the sessions. During the training, the religious figures studied basic combat skills, including movement across the battlefield, communication organization, tactical medicine, and psychological support. This marks a significant step in integrating religious personnel into the military structure of the occupying forces in the region.
Translated from Українська
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Maksym Diachenko on UnsplashGood news
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Papal Almoner Archbishop Luis Marina de San Martín visited a Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish in Shchaslyve, Ukraine, accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas. The visit aims to demonstrate Pope Leo XIV's closeness to those suffering from the war and to observe church charity work. Father Hryhoriy Berezhyk presented the War Wounds Healing Center, supported by the Patriarchal Foundation 'Wise Cause' and L'Œuvre d'Orient. The mission, lasting until October 30, includes stops in Kyiv, Fastiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia to support communities affected by conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to Viktor Kovalenko, head of the Zolochiv Military Administration, Russian aircraft struck the settlement of Zolochiv in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine on October 28 at 14:20. Three guided aerial bombs caused damage to thirteen private houses, gas and electrical networks, and a church building. Kovalenko stated that preliminary reports indicate no casualties resulted from the attack. The incident highlights the ongoing impact of aerial bombardments on civilian infrastructure in the region.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Women of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Lviv participated in a training session focused on developing leadership skills for social service, according to Eleos-Ukraine. Trainer and psychologist Nataliia Bordun reported that participants were motivated to take initiative and organize larger community projects. The program, implemented by Eleos-Ukraine in partnership with Dan Church Aid and Norwegian Church Aid, aims to support mental health during the war in Ukraine. It is funded by the Norwegian government and conducted in cooperation with the Lviv Theological Seminary.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Papal Almoner, visited the UGCC Patriarchal Center in Kyiv on October 27. He was accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas and UGCC Patriarchal Economist Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorsky. During the visit, the Archbishop met with Bishop Yosyf Milian and toured the center's social kitchen and media studio. According to RISU, the delegation aims to demonstrate Pope Leo XIV's support for Ukrainians suffering from war. The mission includes visits to Kyiv, Fastiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia until October 30. The group says the trip highlights the universal Church's solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A delegation from the World Council of Churches met with the State Service for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Ukraine (Dess). Head of Dess Viktor Yelensky discussed Ukraine's religious pluralism, the role of churches in national defense, and interfaith relations. The WCC members explained their membership procedures. Topics included chaplaincy services, alternative military service, and believers in occupied territories. The meeting addressed potential Orthodox harmony and ecumenical movement perspectives. This dialogue highlights ongoing efforts to integrate Ukrainian religious structures into international ecumenical frameworks while navigating complex geopolitical realities.
Translated from Українська
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Martijn Vonk on UnsplashGood news
On October 27, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I spoke at a peace forum in Assisi, Italy, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio. He urged Christian churches to reject division and work toward full unity, stating that the Church must proclaim peace alongside the Resurrection. The Patriarch emphasized that using religion to justify violence is blasphemy and called for the protection of human dignity regardless of background. Attendees included Archbishop Sarah Mullally and various other religious leaders. The event marked the anniversary of a historic 1986 prayer meeting for peace.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 2 outlets
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Tienko Dima on UnsplashPersecuted church
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇯🇴 Jordan·
Authorities in Jordan arrested three suspects following an attack on a church in a northern region. The operation occurred after a shootout with armed men discovered in an abandoned house southwest of the capital. All three individuals sustained serious injuries during the arrest. The interior minister stated that security forces fulfilled their duty and identified the suspects shortly after the incident. The group resisted arrest, but police successfully detained them and confiscated firearms and ammunition. This development marks a significant step in the investigation into the terrorist act.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Stanislav Shyrokoradyuk, bishop of the Catholic Church in Ukraine, stated that the situation in Oleshky, Ukraine, resembles a repetition of the Holodomor famine. He told CREDO that Russian forces have blocked supplies, forcing residents to walk long distances for food. The bishop reported that international organizations have recently intervened to deliver aid. He criticized the global community for slow responses and compared current events to historical tragedies. Shyrokoradyuk emphasized that Ukraine is now fighting back more effectively against the aggressor.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Russian Orthodox Church has awarded several individuals identified as propaganda supporters and war correspondents. According to the outlet Christians Against War, the recipients include Telegram channel authors, media hosts, and actors. Notable honorees are Danila Bezsonov, Yana Poplavskaya, and war correspondents Mokei Rusinov and Lada Syniutkina. The group also recognized leaders of charitable foundations and other media personalities. This recognition highlights the church's alignment with figures promoting its narrative during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The religious community in the village of Romanivka, Zhytomyr region, has voted to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Archbishop Volodymyr announced the transition on October 26, following a unanimous vote by 41 residents on October 24. The decision was driven by dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, particularly regarding the refusal of its clergy to participate in mourning services for fallen soldiers. The former priest remained with the Moscow-linked church but vacated the building. New services will be conducted by Father Ivan Fatych three times a month. This marks the seventh congregation in the region to switch to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine since the start of 2026.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇾 Belarus·
According to RISU, the Religious Information Service of Ukraine, funds were collected for Russian occupying forces during the Pokrov Festival in Minsk, Belarus. The outlet Хрысціянская візія reported that while the monastery's official program focused on biblical themes and activities for mothers, a stand from the Holy Trinity Monastery in Serbia was present. This stand displayed Russian and Serbian flags alongside slogans linking Russia to faith. This follows a similar incident in December 2022, where aid for Russian soldiers was gathered at the same event and in other cities like Vitebsk. The monastery's official resources did not announce these collections.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, addressed the Plenary Assembly of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe in Salzburg, Austria, from October 27 to 30. According to RISU, he thanked European bishops for supporting Ukrainian refugees and providing pastoral care. Shevchuk urged them not to tire of this solidarity, stating that Russia's war against Ukraine is a war against all of Europe. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis ahead as winter approaches, noting systematic attacks on infrastructure. The assembly also included representatives from Ukraine and other European countries, with a special prayer for peace held in Salzburg.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, met with Pope Leo XIV shortly after the pontiff's return from the hospital. The Patriarch expressed deep emotion that the Pope wished to hear Ukraine's voice during this time. The meeting highlighted the Pope's solidarity with the Ukrainian people and his advocacy for peace. Shevchuk thanked the Pope for his humanitarian diplomacy and warnings against the war. This discussion occurred following a major Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which damaged areas near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The church leader emphasized the importance of global Catholic support as Ukraine prepares for winter.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine met with a delegation from the World Council of Churches in Kyiv. According to the press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the discussion focused on the religious and socio-political situation amid the ongoing Russian aggression. The delegation aims to better understand the Ukrainian church context as part of the review process for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's application for membership. During the meeting, Metropolitan Epiphanius highlighted the spiritual significance of major Ukrainian shrines, including Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The group expressed hope that the visit would facilitate the collection of necessary information for their decision.
Translated from Українська
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