RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Russian drone struck a cemetery in Rivne, Ukraine, damaging more than ten graves, according to Rivne Regional Military Administration head Oleksandr Koval. The attack targeted a site where Ukrainian heroes are buried. Local authorities and the cemetery administration are assessing the damage and urging residents to check the condition of relatives' graves in the affected sector. Koval condemned the strike as a cynical disregard for human life, noting that Russian forces target schools, homes, and burial sites alike.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A fire broke out at a 19th-century church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate in Uhl, Zakarpattia region, Ukraine, on October 19. Smoke was spotted by clergy, prompting rescue teams from Tyachiv, Dubove, Drakovo, and Chumalovo to respond. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the blaze started near the altar. Firefighters worked in protective gear to extinguish the flames and remove church property. The fire was contained within an hour, damaging the altar and religious items across a 10-square-meter area. The historic building was constructed in 1875.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A new report by the International Press Institute of Human Rights (IPHR) states that religious persecution in occupied Ukrainian territories is systematic. Based on interviews with clergy and laypeople, the study details Russian military and security service control over worship, censorship, forced use of Russian, and violence against those not aligned with the Russian Orthodox Church. The authors argue this constitutes a deliberate policy to suppress resistance and impose the 'Russian world' ideology. They suggest these actions may qualify as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report also cites estimates that at least 80 clergy have been killed and over 200 kidnapped or tortured since the invasion began.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Philadelphia Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has launched a financial support initiative for priests serving in Ukraine. According to the press service, the program aims to assist clergy in frontline parishes, hospitals, and military units who face difficult financial conditions due to the ongoing war. The Metropolitan Fund 'Healing the Wounds of War in Ukraine' coordinates the effort. Eight parishes, one deanery, and Metropolitan Borys Gudziak have committed to supporting eight priests. Ukrainian bishops provided a list of 25 clergy from Kyiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lutsk exarchates requiring aid. The archeparchy states this solidarity demonstrates practical love and care for pastors and the faithful.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that religious factors were among the triggers of the conflict in Ukraine, according to reports citing Russian media. Lavrov repeated Moscow's narrative that Russia is fighting for the rights of Russian-speaking people in Ukraine. He claimed the West would prefer Ukraine to adopt secular values instead of Christian ones. These assertions contradict documented evidence of Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, which have caused casualties and significant damage. The claims are attributed to Lavrov by the outlet RISU.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
A Russian court has sentenced six Crimean Tatars to prison terms ranging from 15 to 19 years for alleged involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir, according to RISU citing Sosyalne Krym. The defendants, including Ruslan Asanov who received the longest sentence, participated via video link. They rejected terrorism charges, calling the case politically motivated and fabricated. The men argued they were punished for their religious practice and national identity rather than criminal acts. The arrests followed raids in August 2023 in the Bakhchysarai district of Crimea.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Forum of Military Chaplains took place in Kyiv, Ukraine, bringing together evangelical Protestant leaders, chaplains, and state officials. Organized by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), the event aimed to develop the institutional capacity of military chaplaincy and integrate it into the international community. Participants discussed challenges, shared experiences, and coordinated volunteer efforts to support Ukrainian defenders. Viktor Voynalovych, First Deputy Head of DESS, highlighted the difficult conditions of service during the full-scale war. He also presented the President’s award “For the Defense of Ukraine” to several chaplains for their contributions to spiritual care and national defense.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇱🇹 Lithuania·
The Lithuanian Archeparchy of the Moscow Patriarchate expressed deep concern over proposed legislative changes in Lithuania. The archeparchy claims the bills aim to strip its status as a traditional religious community and transfer authority to the Constantinople Patriarchate. Officials argue the measures lack evidence of security threats and violate constitutional rights. This follows statements by Lithuanian officials and analysts who assert the church remains dependent on Moscow. The archeparchy has called for prayer and protested the initiatives, warning they could cause religious conflict in the country.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A church of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Volyn, Ukraine, suffered damage from a recent Russian drone attack. The Volyn Diocese reported the incident, citing a statement by Vasyl Skulyntsi. According to the report, shrapnel from the explosion broke windows and scarred the exterior walls of the building. The diocese emphasized that the community will continue its prayers and charitable activities despite the destruction. This event highlights the ongoing impact of the conflict on religious infrastructure in the region.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Russian attack has destroyed the building of the Good News church in Kramatorsk, Ukraine. According to the outlet Slovo pro Slovo, the structure was effectively razed during the strike on October 18. The congregation had previously abandoned the main hall due to repeated damage from Russian assaults. Consequently, no worshippers were present inside the building when the latest attack occurred. This incident marks the final destruction of a site that had already suffered significant harm from prior hostilities in the region.
Sister Oksana Hryntsishyn, an Ursuline nun, serves at the Caritas-Spes Ukraine central office in Kyiv. She focuses on developing parish-level charity ministries and ensuring spiritual accompaniment for those in need. Following a recent study trip to Italy, she emphasized Caritas as the Church's hands in action. The interview highlights the daily reality of war in Ukraine, including constant air raids and exhaustion, while describing how the organization prepares for winter by providing heating points and support to students and residents in the capital.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Bishop Petro Loza of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church met with Irish bishops to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine. He thanked the Irish people and Catholic Church for their prayers and aid to refugees fleeing the war. The bishop highlighted that the conflict threatens Ukraine's territorial integrity and national identity. Participants also discussed ways to end the war and the importance of continued moral and material assistance. The visit included a prayer at the Knock Shrine, where attendees prayed for peace and victory. The diocese also acknowledged Father Roman Biletsky for his pastoral work among Ukrainian communities in Ireland, strengthening ties between the two churches.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇬 Bulgaria·
On October 18, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel celebrated the Divine Liturgy together at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria. The leaders highlighted the spiritual bond between their churches and stressed the importance of Orthodox unity amid growing global divisions. Patriarch Daniel called for humility and dialogue to overcome schisms, while Patriarch Bartholomew described the Mother Church’s role as service rather than power. He also acknowledged the name of Metropolitan Epiphanius in the diptychs. Despite protests from conservative groups opposing Constantinople’s policies in Ukraine, the event marked a new era of reconciliation between the two patriarchates.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, a Russian Orthodox metropolitan recently argued that Ukrainians and Belarusians should not possess independent national states. Speaking at an event covered by the outlet 'Christians Against War', the cleric criticized the concept of separate national identities, referring to them as distinct 'apartments'. He stated that resistance against hostile forces must prioritize divine will and the preservation of societal unity. The remarks emphasize a vision of historical Rus' that rejects national division in favor of spiritual cohesion and love among the people.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha thanked Pope Leo for speaking out to protect civilians in Oleshky. According to Sybiha, who posted on X, the town faces a severe humanitarian crisis with no medicine and bodies left unburied. Residents are starving and being threatened by Russian soldiers. Ukraine has repeatedly called for safe evacuation corridors and humanitarian access. Sybiha urged the UN and the Red Cross to act, emphasizing that the Pope's appeal to Putin is crucial for saving lives right now.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A 15-year-old boy in Lviv, Ukraine, has apologized to Muslims for painting a swastika on the facade of the Khidayet mosque. The boy stated he was influenced by radical Telegram channels but now recognizes that many Muslims, including Crimean Tatars, defend Ukraine. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea accepted the apology, emphasizing forgiveness. However, the group highlighted this incident as part of a broader pattern of attacks on religious sites, including an arson attack in April. They urged authorities to investigate the spread of extremist ideas online and the potential influence of hostile information operations.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Patriarch Sviatoslav, stated that negotiations are doomed to fail when energy resources are valued above human life. He criticized recent Russian attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, which targeted cities and villages. The Patriarch argued that agreements must prioritize reducing civilian suffering rather than offering political or economic benefits. He emphasized that Ukraine has the moral right to participate in decisions shaping its future. The church leader urged people not to succumb to moral indifference or despair, asserting that the values of freedom and truth remain essential despite the high cost of the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Artem Sharlai, a former official in the Russian-backed administration of occupied Melitopol, Ukraine, has received a formal suspicion for war crimes. According to RISU, Sharlai monitored religious groups and shared data with Russian security services. He targeted Ukrainian Greek Catholic clergy who refused to comply with occupation rules. Investigators state he participated in searches and forced the expulsion of priests. This indictment follows a 2024 conviction for collaboration. The actions violate international humanitarian law by persecuting protected persons.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇱🇻 Latvia·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, consecrated the Ukrainian House and chapel in Riga, Latvia. According to the church's information department, he described the space as an icon of Ukrainian identity where prayer, culture, and education unite. After the ceremony, he met with representatives of Ukrainian community, cultural, and educational organizations in Latvia. These groups shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the Latvian people for their solidarity. Shevchuk thanked them for preserving their heritage and stated he came from Kyiv to serve as a bridge between Ukrainians in Latvia and their nation during the ongoing war.
Translated from Українська
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