A nun from the Democratic Republic of Congo is serving in a city in Italy, reflecting a growing trend where missionaries from the Global South return to evangelize regions that once sent them missionaries. She works in education and spiritual formation, supporting young women and children. Her ministry emphasizes patience, trust, and Christian values. This reversal of missionary direction highlights how the Church is being renewed by the Holy Spirit through diverse cultural contributions and faithful service in areas of need.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
On September 5, an unknown individual set fires at three locations in Legnica, Poland, including the grounds of a Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish. Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing on an electric scooter. The Ukrainian Consulate in Wrocław expressed concern over an anti-Ukrainian inscription found nearby and urged Polish authorities to investigate potential hate crime motives. Consul Diana Ivanova visited the site, met with the parish priest, and discussed the incident with police. The parish, part of the Wrocław-Częstochowa Eparchy, has existed since 1957. Authorities are working to identify the suspect and determine if the arson was linked to the offensive graffiti.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Crimea SOS initiative reports that Russian occupation authorities have turned Islam into a tool for state control in Crimea. While over 30 mosques have been built, including the newly consecrated Cathedral Mosque in Simferopol, the group argues this facade hides systematic repression. In October 2024, a Russian court liquidated an independent Muslim community in Alushta. According to Crimea SOS, most political prisoners on the peninsula are Crimean Tatars. Data from the Crimean Tatar Resource Center indicates hundreds of illegal detentions and thousands of human rights violations since 2017, primarily targeting those deemed disloyal to the Kremlin.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Baptist pastor Oleksandr Oliiko died while defending Ukraine, according to the press service of the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists (UECB). He was 50 years old and served as a pastor at the 'Svitlo Zhyttia' church in Vinnytsia. Since 2014, Oliiko supported the front through volunteer work. Following the full-scale invasion, he joined the military as a professional sniper in the 1st Assault Battalion of the 3rd Army Corps. The UCEB expressed condolences to his family, noting that his son and son-in-law are also currently serving in the defense of Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A sociological study conducted by Kateryna Nastashna and the Institute for National Resilience and Security reveals that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) is actively engaging Ukrainian refugees in five European countries. The research, based on interviews in France, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Belgium, indicates that the church uses mimicry to maintain influence. According to the outlet, the network collects personal data from parishioners, potentially for intelligence purposes. While some refugees recognize the Russian affiliation, others normalize their attendance due to emotional familiarity or lack of alternatives, despite awareness of the church's ties to Moscow.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇭🇺 Hungary·
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received a symbolic icon from Ukraine during the inauguration of the Fanarion Center in Budapest, Hungary. The artwork, created by Father Kostiantyn, represents the Eucharist and the resilience of family life amid war. The event took place in the Hungarian capital, attended by Orthodox hierarchs, Catholic bishops, and diplomatic representatives from several nations. Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that the new center demonstrates how Orthodoxy transcends national barriers. He stated that the facility will foster dialogue between theology, culture, and science, promoting spiritual values and Christian unity in the heart of Europe.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇬🇷 Greece·
The Ecumenical Patriarch has invited the heads of the ancient Eastern patriarchates to a fraternal meeting on November 30 in Greece. According to RISU, the invitation was announced during a speech at an international congress in Sofia. The invitees are Patriarchs Theodore II of Alexandria, John X of Antioch, and Theophilos III of Jerusalem. The gathering aims to address current challenges facing the Church. The Patriarch also highlighted the significance of the title 'Patriarch of the West' for Orthodox-Catholic dialogue. The date honors Apostle Andrew, the patron of the Constantinopolitan Church.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Holy Protection parish in Zhukivka, Kyiv region, has voted to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, specifically the Pereyaslav-Vyshneva diocese. According to RISU, the decision was made by majority vote during a meeting attended by representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, including the local dean and the current priest. However, the priest refused to transfer with the congregation and will remain in the Moscow Patriarchate. The historic church, built between 1901 and 1902, is a protected architectural monument in the village.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church blessed flags for units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces. The ceremony included military chaplains and soldiers. The church leader stated the flags symbolize bravery and the sacrifice of those who died for the country. A representative of the Ukrainian Resistance Movement thanked the church for spiritual support. The flags bear the slogan 'From Resistance to Victory,' reflecting the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. This event highlights the collaboration between religious institutions and military forces in defending Ukrainian sovereignty.
Christian communities in Cuba have prepared reflection texts for the 2028 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Final approval occurred in a foreign country during a meeting coordinated by international religious bodies. Due to the difficult situation in Cuba, the editorial team met abroad instead of locally. The Cuban editors chose a theme based on the Gospel of Mark, focusing on sharing resources amid local shortages of food and medicine. The materials will be translated and published after the 2027 prayer week concludes. This collaboration highlights how shared faith addresses real human needs despite persecution.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇮🇸 Iceland·
A new Ukrainian Greek Catholic church dedicated to the Holy Cross has been consecrated in Selfoss, Iceland. The ceremony was led by Bishop David Tenzer of Reykjavik, who emphasized that the building aims to foster a living community rather than serving as a museum. The event included local Catholics, Lutheran representatives, and pilgrims. Father Andriy Melnychuk and Father Mykhailo Ivanak represented the Ukrainian community. According to the Religious Information Service of Ukraine, services for Ukrainian faithful will soon begin in the new temple, addressing the needs of the local Ukrainian diaspora in the Selfoss area.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Religious scholar Oleksandr Brodetskyi stated in an interview with Esprreso that the Ukrainian state should restrict the public influence of Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) hierarchs who collaborated with Russian church structures after 2014. He argued that such individuals should not retain public authority due to their wartime cooperation with an aggressor state. Brodetskyi cited Metropolitan Ionafan and Bishop Luka as examples, noting that current measures are slow due to a lack of political will within the government. He warned that Western partners might criticize these actions as violations of religious freedom, despite the security context. (Source: RISU)
Sister Jana Chop, a Franciscan nun in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, provides music therapy to children with autism amid ongoing Russian shelling. She works with the United Hearts Foundation to help young people manage stress and sensory overload caused by the war. Despite frequent air raids and destruction of local infrastructure, she finds strength in prayer and gratitude. Her ministry offers a safe space for children to express themselves and cope with the trauma of conflict, demonstrating resilience and spiritual support in a dangerous environment.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Religious scholar Oleksandr Brodetsky states that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate retains significant influence in Ukraine, particularly in the Bukovina region. Despite legal proceedings initiated by the state, transitions to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine have slowed. Brodetsky attributes this to the local leadership's refusal to sever ties with Russia and the manipulation of ethnic Romanian communities who prefer services in their native language. He notes that Metropolitan Onufriy remains popular among a dedicated minority, allowing the group to maintain control over key sites like the Cathedral in Chernivtsi. Legal resolutions are expected to take over a year.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Greek community in Lviv, Ukraine, celebrated the Panair festival in the Metropolitan Gardens of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The event included a service led by Auxiliary Bishop Volodymyr Hrutsa. Yuriy Kholod, acting head of the Lviv Regional Council, noted that the tradition was relocated due to the Russian occupation of Crimea and the Donbas region but remains active. The festival featured cultural exhibitions, workshops, traditional wrestling, and food. Organizers also honored individuals for their contributions to preserving Greek culture in Ukraine and supporting charitable projects.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Religious studies scholar Oleksandr Brodetskiy told Esprreso that representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) maintain communication with the Russian Orthodox Church through clergy in Moldova. He cited Metropolitan Vladimir (Kantaryan) of Moldova, who holds Russian citizenship and serves in Moscow, as a key link. Brodetskiy noted that Moldovan bishops visit Ukraine to exchange information, citing the case of Metropolitan Melety, who traveled to Moldova shortly after Security Service of Ukraine raids. The expert suggests these visits facilitate the transfer of sensitive data, describing the situation as collaboration.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Religious Information Service of Ukraine (RISU) published an analysis of claims regarding the August 23 killing of monk Varsonofiy at the Swiatohirsk monastery in Ukraine. The outlet argues that pro-Russian groups, including Robert Amsterdam and Metropolitan Timofiy Margaritis, are manipulating the incident to portray persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. RISU highlights financial ties between Margaritis and sanctioned Russian businessman Igor Altushkin, suggesting the bishop's statements serve Kremlin interests rather than seeking justice. The report asserts that these narratives are propaganda efforts to discredit Ukrainian authorities and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
RISU analyzes international reactions to the August attack on clergy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra in Ukraine. The outlet argues that pro-Russian figures, including Metropolitan Theodosius Snigirev and Archbishop Rastislav Gont, exploited the tragedy to claim persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church. While German pastor Heinrich Derksen and Cardinal Ladislav Nemet called for a thorough investigation, RISU criticizes Gont and Snigirev for labeling the victim a martyr without evidence. The article suggests these narratives serve Kremlin interests by fabricating stories of religious persecution in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
On September 10, 2026, the Sixth Appellate Administrative Court in Ukraine heard a case regarding the liquidation of the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the Russian Orthodox Church. The proceedings were delayed as the court read statements from parishioners supporting the structure. Lawyer Archpriest Mykyta Chekman subsequently argued that the church's current statute, adopted in May 2022, is invalid. He submitted documents referencing an older 1998 version instead. According to RISU, this strategy aims to prolong the legal process and potentially allow the church to revert to previous governance structures if state pressure decreases. The next hearing is scheduled for October 7.
Translated from Українська
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