RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A court in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, has convicted Ukrainian Orthodox Church priest Anatoliy Zigar in absentia for collaboration with Russian occupation authorities. The outlet reports he received an 11-year prison sentence and property confiscation for information activities supporting the occupiers and denying Russian aggression. Additionally, he was barred from public office for 13 years. Zigar served as the head of a church in Vasylivka district and later joined the Russian Orthodox Church. He participated in a Moscow military parade, accepted gifts from occupation officials, and acted as a spiritual advisor to a Russian volunteer battalion, conducting ceremonies for its fighters. This case highlights legal consequences for clergy cooperating with invading forces.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, a Russian drone attack on the Kyiv region of Ukraine caused damage to several structures in the Borispol district. Early morning reports from the Kyiv Regional Military Administration indicate that six private homes, a church, a primary school, a cafe, and a hospital were affected. Most damage consisted of broken windows and doors. Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries among the local population. Ukrainian air defense systems neutralized 123 out of 135 launched drones during this night operation.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, consecrated a new social center called 'Svitlytsia Zakhysnyka' in Rivne, Ukraine. The event was attended by regional military administration head Oleksandr Koval, acting mayor Viktor Shakirzyan, local officials, and veterans. According to the church's press service, the patriarch emphasized the need to honor soldiers defending the country. He also presented portable defibrillators to defenders, which were purchased with community support and assistance from the parish of Saint Andrew in Washington, USA. The ceremony took place at the courtyard of the Pokrovsky Cathedral.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Rabbi Moshe Asman publicly thanked the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police for detaining a man who had been making antisemitic threats and calling for violence against Jews, including against him personally. Asman stated this via Facebook, emphasizing that ignoring online calls for violence is dangerous because the line between words and actions can be thin. He noted that during the war, it is crucial to respond promptly to such threats to prevent hatred from escalating into real crimes. The rabbi expressed gratitude for the professional work of law enforcement, noting that the suspect was not allowed to act with impunity for years.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Religious Information Service of Ukraine reports that Patriarch Kirill sent congratulations to collaborators regarding the annexation of Ukrainian regions. According to the outlet Christyany protiv voiny, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church expressed warm greetings and called for consolidation of power, military, and people. He described the armed annexation as an expression of political will and solidarity with Russia. The patriarch characterized the occupation as a desire for peace and urged cooperation with the church. He also wished health to the heads of the occupation administrations.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
Polish prosecutors state that the Ukrainian man accused of a knife attack at a Benedictine monastery in Jarosław, Poland, remains in a state of psychosis. Spokeswoman Małgorzata Taciu-Kurasiewicz told Ukrinform that psychiatric experts found the suspect, identified as Igor M., unfit for questioning. A repeat assessment is expected in two weeks. The attack on September 24 resulted in the death of a priest and injuries to four others. Authorities are coordinating with Ukrainian officials through international legal assistance channels to continue the investigation while the suspect receives pharmacological treatment.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to the project Christians Against War, reported by RISU, Russian forces have damaged or destroyed more than 800 religious structures in Ukraine. The majority of these sites, totaling 432, belong to communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Approximately 80 buildings from various denominations have been completely demolished, while over 135 suffered severe damage making restoration impossible. The authors note that many structures were struck multiple times, with some ultimately ruined due to repeated attacks.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇾 Belarus·
According to a September RISU report, Belarusian authorities have forcibly liquidated at least 35 religious organizations in the Mogilev and Brest regions. The Lawtrend organization notes these closures occurred between December 2025 and July 2026 following mandatory re-registration. Most affected groups were Protestant, including Pentecostal and Baptist communities, though Orthodox and Catholic parishes were also targeted. The monitoring project highlights increased pressure using extremism laws against religious figures and media. While 25 political prisoners were released in September, the situation remains tense with ongoing confiscations, such as those of Father Heinrich Okolotovich, and continued restrictions on religious freedom.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇳🇬 Nigeria·
A Russian Orthodox priest serving in Nigeria was recently honored as a high chief among the Igbo people. Local traditional leaders invested him with ceremonial regalia, including a bone scepter, and bestowed upon him a local name. He now holds the title of supreme chief in his assigned region. Observers suggest that while such distinctions might appear vain, the priest likely accepted them for missionary purposes rather than personal pride. This unusual recognition from the local community highlights his efforts to maintain Christian humility while engaging with indigenous traditions in the region.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, consecrated a memorial complex in Chortkov, Ukraine, honoring 47 fallen defenders. The site, built by local authorities and residents, contains their graves. During the service, clergy from various denominations prayed together. Shevchuk emphasized that the Church supports grieving families daily, not just on anniversaries. He awarded certificates to active soldiers and posthumous honors to relatives of the deceased. Chortkov Mayor Volodymyr Shmatsko thanked the Church for visiting the community and acknowledged the collective effort behind the memorial's construction.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
Cardinal Pietro Zuppi visited a detention camp in Russia to deliver a message of solidarity from Pope Leo XIV to Ukrainian prisoners of war. According to Vatican News, the visit took place on Wednesday, accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giovanni d'Aniello. During the trip, Cardinal Zuppi met with Russian officials, including Yuri Ushakov and human rights commissioners Yana Lantratova and Maria Lvova-Belova. The discussions focused on prisoner exchanges, missing persons, and family reunification. The cardinal emphasized the need to accelerate checks to facilitate the return of families. This follows a previous visit in October 2024 regarding the war that began in 2022.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland, Andriy Bodnar, reported that the local church and an injured priest helped calm anti-Ukrainian sentiments following a knife attack in Jarosław. On September 24, a man attacked five people at a Benedictine monastery, killing priest Stanisław Zbojnowicz. Polish prosecutors charged 31-year-old Igor M., a Ukrainian citizen. According to the ambassador, investigators are examining the suspect's phone and connections, with mental illness considered the primary motive. Bodnar clarified that the suspect left Ukraine four years ago and did not serve in the Ukrainian military. The Ukrainian side condemned the attack and urged a thorough investigation by Polish authorities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Caritas Poland and Caritas Spes Ukraine are implementing a psychological support program for families in Ukraine, according to Vatican News. The initiative combines crisis response, therapy, and psychoeducation to help beneficiaries restore safety and mental balance. Adults can attend seminars, support groups, and integration events. Nina Moczor, an expert from Caritas Poland, emphasizes that support must cover veterans and their families to prevent isolation and suicide. The program aims to reach up to 2,500 people. Moczor visited Ukrainian centers in August 2026 to train staff on trauma care.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Cardinal Koch spoke at a meeting in Vatican City, emphasizing that peace in Europe begins with unity among Christian churches. According to Radio Vatican, he argued that European identity relies on spiritual and cultural roots, not just economics. He stated that churches must help society find common ground when political diplomacy fails. The Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity highlighted the need to overcome polarization. He believes that recognizing human dignity and social responsibility is essential for a future where diversity supports, rather than hinders, the search for peace.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Russian authorities have permitted Cardinal Pietro Zuppi to visit Ukrainian prisoners of war, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit followed three days of negotiations with Kremlin officials, including Yuri Ushakov, focusing on conflict resolution and humanitarian issues. Zuppi, who leads the Italian Bishops' Conference, also discussed living conditions in the occupied city of Oleshky in the Kherson region. The Russian statement claims the visit confirmed adherence to humanitarian standards and constructive dialogue with the Vatican. This development coincides with Pope Francis's call for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which have been at war for four years.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Russian occupiers have destroyed the historic Holy Spirit Church in Holaya Prystan, Ukraine. Local resident Viktor Shamanis confirmed the loss on September 24, stating the building burned down. The church, a key spiritual site for locals, had previously suffered damage from flooding after the Kakhovka Dam destruction in 2023. Former pastor Volodymyr Budnik, who fled occupation, described enduring repeated interrogations by Russian security services. Residents view the loss as a personal tragedy but hope to rebuild the sanctuary after the region is liberated from Russian control.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Russian KAB-guided bombs struck Sumy, Ukraine, damaging a school, cemetery, and the historic Petropavlivskyi church. According to Orthodox Sumshchyna, timely sheltering prevented injuries among students and staff. However, two civilians died in their homes in the private sector. One bomb hit the city cemetery, destroying numerous headstones. The Petropavlivskyi church, a national architectural monument, suffered extensive damage including broken windows, collapsed ceilings, and torn roofs. Archpriest Mykola Holiy reported this was the fourth such attack on the sanctuary, causing significant structural harm to the historic building.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Theodosius (Denis Snigiryov) argued in court that his suspicion in the 'Carthage' case was politically motivated. According to RISU, he claimed former prosecutor Maksym Shtompel orchestrated the charges and personally delivered them. The metropolitan cited media reports alleging Shtompel accepted bribes, suggesting this corruption led to the false accusation. The judge noted he could present this argument during testimony. The court then reviewed technical evidence. This development matters as it challenges the legal basis of the ongoing trial against the church leader in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
Father Andriy Kurayev reported that Victor Mwangi Ruheni, a Kenyan seminarian studying in Tomsk, Russia, took his own life following persistent bullying. According to the outlet Khristiany protiv voiny, the student requested a transfer to another seminary, but the rector repeatedly refused his pleas. The incident occurred at the Tomsk Seminary, which is overseen by the Russian Orthodox Church's Patriarchal Exarchate in Africa. Kurayev noted that the seminary's website remains silent on the matter, posting only positive news instead. This tragedy highlights tensions within the ROPC's African outreach, established in 2021 in response to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's autocephaly.
Translated from Українська
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