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.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine stated that Russian Patriarch Kirill is a co-creator of an ideology that promotes killing. Speaking to Radio Svoboda, he described the concept of the Russian world as heresy and a source of death. He accused the Russian Orthodox Church of openly supporting Vladimir Putin’s aggression by blessing weapons and framing the conflict as holy. Epiphanius emphasized that the war brings grief and cannot be considered sacred, a view also held by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The Ukrainian church asserts it must witness the truth about these actions.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The 'Majory' team from Druzhkivka relocated to Blahodatne village in the Cherkasy region of Ukraine after fleeing conflict. Led by Halyna Khomchenko, the group established a recovery base for hundreds of displaced families and children. Since arriving in July, they have hosted approximately 1,300 participants, including war widows and internally displaced persons. The center offers therapy, accommodation, and community support, operating through partnerships and transparent fundraising to maintain its services for those affected by the war.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine stated that international church organizations have provided aid exceeding one billion euros to Ukrainians. Speaking at an online conference on October 15, 2026, organized by an Italian university, Archbishop Kulbokas emphasized the Church's role in offering hope and psychological support during the war. He noted that approximately 100 military chaplains serve the front lines where about a million people are located. The aid includes food, shelter, and rehabilitation for displaced persons. Kulbokas also highlighted that Catholics make up a small minority in Ukraine, with roughly four million believers in the non-occupied territories. He urged global communities to take responsibility for building peace.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church stated that Kyiv residents will not leave the capital despite the approaching winter. Speaking to the Catholic Information Agency, he warned that Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting critical infrastructure like heating and water supplies. The Church is enhancing its own resilience with solar panels and independent water systems to serve as community stability points. Shevchuk noted that many residents are learning survival skills and expect to remain in the city. He expressed confidence that Ukraine will endure the difficult season and emerge stronger.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇦🇿 Azerbaijan·
In Azerbaijan, students and teachers have protested for nearly a week against a government ban on headscarves in schools. The dispute began with a September 2026 decree prohibiting clothing that contradicts secular education principles, which schools interpreted as a hijab ban. RISU reports that demonstrators, including younger children and supportive classmates, have faced police crackdowns and social media blocks. Authorities have arrested dozens of individuals for disrupting public order. Officials, including MP Fazil Mustafa, attribute the unrest to foreign influence, while religious leaders warn against conflict. The situation remains tense with no compromise in sight.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) filed a complaint with the police against a journalist and an activist. The incident was reported by Archpriest Mykyta Chekman via his Telegram channel. On October 16, 2026, details were entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations under Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The case stems from a KyivFM broadcast on September 9, 2026, which was subject to a ruling by the Shevchenko District Court of Kyiv. The church claims the program contained insults directed at its clergy and parishioners.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, stated that Ukraine needs loyal friends and human solidarity from Poland rather than just material aid. Speaking in an interview published by the church's information department, he emphasized that Ukrainians in Poland contribute positively to their host country. He also highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine's integration into the European Union, arguing that Ukraine and Europe need each other. Shevchuk thanked the Catholic Church in Poland for its assistance and guaranteed transparency in the distribution of humanitarian aid to prevent corruption.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine told Radio Svoboda that priests remain in occupied territories but worship secretly. The church withdrew most clergy after several were killed, making open presence too dangerous. However, some priests continue services in hiding to avoid severe consequences if discovered. Additionally, Metropolitan Epiphanius noted that over 700 religious buildings have been destroyed since Russia's full-scale invasion. The project Religion in Flames reports 807 damaged or destroyed sites by late September 2026, including 83 belonging to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Renewal Forum of the Catholic Communities Union took place in Lviv, Ukraine, bringing together charismatic groups to foster greater unity. Organizers stated the event focused on prayer, dialogue, and shared mission. Tetiana Dzyonyk, the union's head, emphasized that collaboration allows members to achieve more than individually. Bishop Dmytro Hryhorak led the liturgy, stressing that faith must be visible in daily actions. Representatives from the European network, including Aleks Myskow and Michal Steiner, highlighted the importance of keeping Jesus central despite diverse interpretations of charismatic life. The forum outlined future cooperation areas, including spiritual training and communication strategies, aiming to support communities and serve the Church and society.
On October 17, 2026, twenty diocesan priests from the Spanish islands of Ibiza and Formentera were beatified in the Cathedral of Santa Maria de les Neus. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, representing Pope Leo XIV, presided over the ceremony, marking the first beatification on the Balearic Islands. According to Vatican News, the men were killed in July 1936 during intense religious persecution. They were executed solely because they served as clergy, with witnesses noting that attackers targeted the priestly habit rather than the individuals. The group died voluntarily, maintaining their faith and forgiving their killers, which the Church recognizes as martyrdom.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to the Zakarpattia Regional Prosecutor's Office, a 45-year-old priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate was arrested after shooting at pedestrians in Vyshkovo, Zakarpattia region, Ukraine, on October 15. The incident resulted in the deaths of two local residents aged 62 and 64, while three others were hospitalized with injuries. Police launched a special operation named 'Thunder' to locate the armed suspect. Criminal proceedings are underway for intentional murder and attempted murder under Ukrainian law.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 2 outlets
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
According to RISU citing Mediazona, a Russian Orthodox priest in the settlement of Telma reported a parishioner named Uglynitsya for expressing anti-war sentiments during confession. The businessman stated his desire for a Ukrainian military counteroffensive and victory. The priest described the conversation as hostile and noted the man's intention to leave the church. Authorities issued two protocols against Uglynitsya for inciting hatred, but courts dismissed both cases due to the statute of limitations expiring. The individual remains concerned about potential future legal repercussions for his stance. This incident highlights the risks faced by those opposing the war within Russian religious institutions.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A church belonging to the Volyn Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) was damaged in a Russian attack, according to the website Pravoslavna Volyn. In response to the danger of further strikes, the diocese has urged clergy, parishioners, and residents to heed air raid warnings and seek shelter immediately. The group advises people to stay away from windows and avoid going outside during attacks. According to the Religion in Flames project, more than 800 religious buildings across Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed due to full-scale hostilities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇱🇹 Lithuania·
On October 14 in Vilnius, Lithuania, researchers presented a study on the Russian Orthodox Church's role in spreading Russian influence across Europe. The event marked the launch of the Libertas Fidei International Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Experts noted that over a thousand Moscow Patriarchate-linked organizations operate in the EU, using religious institutions for political goals. Former Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte stated that local structures remain dependent on Moscow. The analysis highlights the need to distinguish between legitimate religious activity and threats to national security posed by foreign interference.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Kremlin restricted the public reporting of Pope Leo XIV’s special envoy, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi’s, September 2026 mission to Moscow. While Russian officials highlighted discussions on prisoner exchanges and child returns, they withheld detailed political outcomes. The Russian ambassador to the Vatican praised the humanitarian channel but denied blocking Vatican-mediated peace talks. Data from the Center for Public Monitoring indicates Moscow uses the Vatican for humanitarian lists but refuses political negotiation mandates. The mission also involved meetings with Russian human rights commissioners and a visit to Ukrainian POWs, though no formal exchange agreements were publicly confirmed.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) arrested a woman in Kyiv for publishing approximately 100,000 posts on a Telegram channel between 2025 and 2026. According to the SBU press service, the suspect, a displaced person from Sievierodonetsk, incited violence against Ukrainians, political figures, and Jews, and called for synagogue attacks. Investigators seized her mobile phone as evidence. She has been charged under articles concerning the violent overthrow of the constitutional order and racial or religious discrimination. A court ordered her detention with the option of bail.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, citing UNIAN, a survey conducted in June shows that nearly 73% of Ukrainians fully support banning the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Denis Denysenko, director of Operational Sociology, stated that respondents view the group as Russian agents. The poll included 2,007 adults in government-controlled areas. This aligns with August 2024 data where 80% backed legislation banning religious organizations linked to Russia. Additionally, 70% of Ukrainians identify as Orthodox, with the majority belonging to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, stated that the concept of the 'Russian world' constitutes a heresy that justifies authoritarianism and aggressive war. Speaking in Ukraine, he argued that religious freedom is now threatened not only by state persecution but also by religious centers, such as the Moscow Patriarchate, which promote hostility instead of peace. The church leader emphasized that the collective task for the 21st century is to protect religious liberty from this ideology, which he claims blesses dictatorship and persecutes dissenting believers. This statement was published by the church's press service.
Translated from Українська
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