RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇪🇪 Estonia·
The Estonian Christian Orthodox Church has filed a complaint with the European Court of Justice to contest a domestic ruling requiring it to sever administrative links with Moscow. The Estonian Supreme Court upheld the law, giving the church until December 28 to appoint a new metropolitan and cut ties. Lawyers for the church argue the mandate violates religious identity and legal certainty. Meanwhile, the Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs maintains that the state respects freedom of religion but must enforce laws protecting national security from foreign religious influence. The church, formerly linked to the Moscow Patriarchate, claims the government intends to force its dissolution, a claim officials deny.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The city of Kalush in Ukraine will transfer a former Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) temple to a new Ukrainian Orthodox Church (OCU) congregation. Mayor Andriy Naida announced on October 6 that Father Fedir Moroz will lead the parish. The decision requires registration with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration. The church on Mykhaila Hrushevskoho Street had been closed since the full-scale invasion began. Local authorities previously attempted to convert the site into a garrison church and veteran support center. Following a vote by parishioners in late 2023 to dissolve the old parish, the land was transferred to the new POCU community in April 2024. The original parish officially ceased operations in July.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A NATO delegation visited the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Ukraine to assess damage caused by a recent Russian drone strike on the Dormition Cathedral. The group, comprising 40 participants from 22 countries including NATO General Lieutenant Remigijus Baltrėnas, toured the impact site and an exhibition detailing the destruction and restoration efforts. According to the reserve's press service, the visit aims to show international partners the threat Russian aggression poses to Ukrainian cultural heritage. The delegation also viewed the Trinity Gate Church after scaffolding removal. A representative performed a cappella for the guests to highlight the need for preservation support.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Ukrainian court has postponed indefinitely the proceedings regarding the liquidation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. According to the outlet Interfax-Ukraine, lawyer Mykyta Chekman stated that case materials are being sent to the Supreme Court for review of an appeal. The State Agency for Ethnic Affairs initiated the lawsuit after determining the church was affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, which is banned in Ukraine. The agency seeks to transfer the organization's non-religious assets to the state. This development follows a series of legal rulings and appeals concerning the church's status and property rights since August 2025.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Pastor Oleksandr Kolotun and his 14-year-old daughter Hanna died in the Kherson region after a drone strike hit their car. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening as they returned from humanitarian aid distribution in the Radensk and Oleshky areas. According to the outlet 7x70, the vehicle was destroyed by a direct hit near Melitopol. Kolotun had previously met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, where his wife received an honor. While his family had relocated to the Krasnodar Krai, he continued traveling to the Kherson region for ministry work.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has issued an in absentia notice of suspicion to a 61-year-old archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church. According to the SBU Sumy region department, the cleric has systematically collected funds and purchased generators, medical equipment, and camouflage nets for Russian occupying forces since the full-scale invasion began. He supplied these resources to military units in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as equipment used during the 2022 offensive on Kharkiv. The priest also travels to occupied territories to deliver pro-war sermons and urges financial support for the Russian army via Kremlin media. He is currently wanted as he hides in Russia.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Representatives from the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations met with a delegation from the Norwegian Council of Churches in Kyiv. The visit began with a tribute at a war memorial. Ukrainian leaders thanked their Norwegian counterparts for support during the war, including aid for refugees and humanitarian assistance. They also discussed religious persecution in occupied territories. Norwegian officials expressed continued solidarity and interest in Ukraine's defense experience. Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and cooperation between their respective religious bodies. The meeting highlighted the importance of interfaith collaboration amid the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
In the village of Politsi, Volyn region, a priest from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate refused to allow the coffin of fallen soldier Oleksandr Oliferchuk into his church. The soldier's family wanted clergy from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to conduct the funeral rites. According to the soldier's sister, Alla, the priest explicitly stated he would not open the church if Orthodox Church of Ukraine clergy were present. The incident occurred after the soldier's death was confirmed by DNA testing following his final battle in Sumy region. Local residents reportedly stood silently during the procession.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, more than 20 temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church have been destroyed by Russian shelling in the Sumy region of Ukraine. Bishop Methodius stated that the damage includes historic sites such as the Holy Resurrection Cathedral and churches in Yunkivtsi. Some of these buildings are protected cultural heritage sites. The diocese has submitted documentation regarding the destruction to the General Prosecutor's Office. Despite the losses, clergy continue services where it is safe to do so, noting that only about 10 percent of their 300 temples have shelters.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, citing journalist Yaroslava Mishchenko, Ukrainians are submitting prayer notes for the health of drone forces commander Robert Brovdi, known by the callsign Madyar. Photos show handwritten requests mentioning both his birth name, Mykhailo, and his legal name, Robert. Clergy have asked parishioners to clarify which name was used during his baptism. Brovdi, born in Uzhhorod, leads the newly formed Drone Forces of the Ukrainian military. The article also notes that Russia has offered a bounty for his capture and issued an arrest warrant.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Father Ivan Tsykhuliak, a military chaplain of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, was awarded the US Medal for Military Achievement. The honor was presented during training sessions where Ukrainian clergy shared their pastoral practices. The US Army recognized the chaplain's courage and dedication to supporting soldiers. American representatives expressed gratitude for the spiritual and psychological assistance provided to troops on the front lines. The award highlights the strong partnership between the US military and Ukrainian armed forces in maintaining human dignity and freedom during the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, citing Dumka, a Russian drone attack struck the village of Havrylivka in the Barvinkove community, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. The strike damaged a church, two shops, an administrative building, a warehouse, and railway infrastructure. A fire broke out but was extinguished by State Emergency Service rescuers. Power lines were also hit, leaving 1,063 subscribers without electricity while crews worked to restore supply. No injuries were reported in the incident.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
A Russian Orthodox cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia, hosted a military-themed event featuring a competition to assemble assault rifles. The ceremony included an honor guard, military bands, and city officials. Artemiy Naumov, the cathedral’s rector and a colonel chaplain, was involved. Deputy Mikhail Kogan attended, declaring victory over the enemy. The event also displayed military gear, drones, and ammunition, alongside children’s activities and concerts, according to RISU and the group Christians Against War.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church established a new world record for the largest mass performance of a Christian song. The event, organized by Live Television, culminated in Kyiv on October 4, 2026. According to the National Register of Records of Ukraine, 674 choir members participated in the final performance of the Marian hymn. The record was certified by expert Mark Orlovsky and accepted by Bishop Josyf Milyan. The festival included online submissions from parishes across Ukraine and abroad, highlighting the unity of the global community under the leadership of Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated that Ukraine has the right to self-defense in an interview with La Repubblica, as reported by Vatican News. He described the conflict as a tragedy and called for an end to war and inequality. Parolin emphasized the need for a ceasefire and long-term European security cooperation. The Holy See remains ready to assist, provided international law is strictly observed. This statement highlights the Vatican's stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine amid rising attacks and winter concerns.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Russian missionary, cited by the outlet Christians Against War, stated that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) is part of the Russian Orthodox Church. He argued that Russia should intervene to stop alleged persecution of Russians abroad, including in Ukraine. The missionary claimed that oppression of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church must cease. This statement reinforces the group's position that the Ukrainian church is under the jurisdiction of the Russian church, despite the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, expressed gratitude to Cardinal Matteo Zuppi for visiting Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. According to the church's information department, Shevchuk described the visit as a crucial step, noting that Russian authorities have blocked other international institutions from accessing detention sites. He emphasized that the papal envoy's presence helps restore dignity and faith to captives who are isolated from time and society. The leader also thanked Pope Leo XIV for assisting in prisoner releases, stating that preserving the identity of defenders is a step toward lasting peace. Official figures indicate thousands of Ukrainians remain in Russian captivity.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Archbishop Silvester Stoychev of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church analyzed a 114-page report by the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding religious life in Ukraine. He argues the document is propaganda designed to support Russia's war efforts and mislead the international community. Stoychev claims the report manipulates facts, such as misrepresenting Ukrainian legislation and falsely listing clergy as missing when they were released. He notes the report ignores the destruction of over 400 Ukrainian Orthodox churches by Russian forces and the persecution of clergy in occupied territories. The Archbishop emphasizes that the Church never requested Russian state intervention in its internal affairs.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇸🇪 Sweden·
The Christian Council of Sweden announced on October 1 that it has suspended the membership of the Russian Orthodox Church. This decision formalizes an agreement in place since 2022, citing the war in Ukraine and security concerns as reasons cooperation is no longer possible. The council updated its membership criteria in 2026 to emphasize human dignity and democracy, adding tools to suspend members. This follows a 2024 decision by a Swedish agency to deny funding to the Russian Orthodox Church after intelligence warnings about espionage activities.
Translated from Українська
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