RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇸 Serbia·
Serbia has granted citizenship to Vadym Novynskyi, a lobbyist for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The decision was signed by Prime Minister Djuro Macut and published in the Official Gazette. The government cited national interest as the reason, bypassing standard procedures. This follows a pattern where hundreds of Russians with ties to the Kremlin received accelerated citizenship since the 2022 invasion. Novynskyi faces charges of treason in Ukraine, where his assets were frozen in 2023. He was previously sanctioned by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The move raises questions about Serbia's alignment with Russian interests amid the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Following a violent attack on a monastery in Ukraine, an injured priest called for unity and forgiveness. The assault resulted in the death of 72-year-old priest Stanisław Zbojnowicz and injuries to four others. The suspect is identified as a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen. In his message, the survivor urged the public not to blame the entire Ukrainian people for the actions of one individual. He emphasized that the community must respond to evil with love and compassion, recalling their history of supporting refugees during the war. The outlet RISU reported on these statements.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Serhiy Horobtsov of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine stated that unknown men attempted to breach the Holy Trinity parish in Donetsk on September 2. The attackers kicked the fence, threw stones, and shouted pro-Russian slogans, according to the priest Kostyantyn Kuznetsov. Horobtsov criticized the initial police response and requested a review by the Security Service of Ukraine. He linked the incident to long-term Russian propaganda and noted the former priest's history of conflict. The metropolitan emphasized that the congregation legally transferred to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and demands accountability for the aggression.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
Poland's Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Wiesław Leszczewicz stated that a recent knife attack at a Benedictine monastery in Jarosław may trigger increased hostility toward Ukrainians. The incident, which occurred on September 24, left five people injured, including one priest who later died in the hospital. Police arrested a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen who had entered Poland from Germany. Leszczewicz emphasized that while such events are rare, politicians must work to prevent generalizations against Ukrainian workers who contribute significantly to the Polish economy. Authorities are investigating whether the suspect acted alone or was influenced by external factors, including potential Russian involvement.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The damaged roof of the Dormition Cathedral at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Ukraine will receive a conservation shelter to protect the structure during winter and allow restoration work to begin. Maxim Ostapenko, director of the national reserve, told Radio Culture via NV that installation will start soon using funds from the reserve fund. He described the damage from the June 15 Russian drone attack as a deliberate act. Restoration could take up to two years if funding is secured. Switzerland has pledged approximately 730,000 dollars for the project, according to August 16 statements by Jacques Herber of the Swiss Federal Council for Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Oleksiy Polyakov, a military chaplain at the 199th Training Center of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, discusses his role in providing spiritual care to soldiers. Starting as a volunteer in 2014, he now focuses on listening to service members and introducing them to God. According to RISU, Polyakov states that a chaplain's denomination is secondary to the need for emotional support, though specific religious rites require appropriate clergy. He highlights the importance of psychological understanding and social aid for troops and their families. Polyakov also addresses moral questions about combat, explaining that serving in the military involves accepting the reality of defense.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
The Russian Orthodox University (PSTGU) is manufacturing devices for dropping drones, according to the RISU outlet citing the group Christians Against War. Published photos show equipment capable of attaching and releasing munitions. The university’s social and missionary department, led by Vice Rector Father Philip Ilyashenko, organizes support for Russian military personnel, including collecting supplies and making camouflage nets. Ilyashenko previously presented on PSTGU's contributions to the war effort. His father, Father Alexander Ilyashenko, publicly supported the invasion, while his brother Sergiy died in combat in July 2026. The outlet notes that student and faculty participation in these initiatives remains voluntary.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇸 United States·
Representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the United States met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York during the UN General Assembly. Archbishop Daniel, accompanied by priests Vasyl Pasakas and Volodymyr Muzychka, attended the gathering to express solidarity with Ukraine. The church stated it has provided humanitarian aid and pastoral care since the full-scale invasion began. The delegation emphasized the unity of the Ukrainian-American community and their ongoing prayers for peace and protection of Ukrainian lives. The meeting highlighted the church's active role in supporting the nation during the war with Russia.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
According to Polish media, the 31-year-old Ukrainian man accused of killing a priest in a monastery near Jaroslaw, Poland, had attempted to cross into Ukraine days earlier. Border guards denied his entry due to missing vehicle insurance and towed his car. The suspect, identified as Igor M., had lived in Germany and returned to Poland. He later stole a knife and attacked clergy at the Benedictine abbey, killing 72-year-old Father Stanislaw Zbojewicz and injuring four others. Prosecutors have charged him with murder and attempted murder. He is currently in psychiatric care as authorities seek his detention.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇫🇷 France·
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in France, landing at Paris Orly Airport where he was greeted by President Emmanuel Macron. According to Vatican reports via Ukrinform, the apostolic journey will last until September 28. The pontiff will visit Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. In Paris, he plans to meet with government officials, civil society representatives, and youth at UNESCO, as well as visit a social support center. In Lourdes, he will pray with vulnerable communities and meet survivors of sexual abuse within the Church. The trip concludes in Metz with an interreligious meeting and a Mass that could draw up to one million attendees. This visit matters as it highlights the Pope's engagement with European social and religious issues.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine have issued a statement condemning a violent attack in the Polish city of Yaroslavl. The incident occurred before Mass at a Benedictine women's monastery, where a Ukrainian citizen assaulted clergy members. One priest, Stanislaw Zboynovich, died in the hospital, while two others remain in critical condition and five people were injured in total. The bishops expressed deep sorrow, offered condolences to the victims and their families, and called for just punishment for the violence. They also prayed for the deceased priest's eternal life and the recovery of the wounded.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian religious studies experts participated in the annual EASR conference in Bucharest, Romania, to discuss religious freedom amid war. Led by Professor Vita Tytarenko, the delegation addressed how democratic states can balance religious liberty with national security. Speakers examined Russian tactics, including pressure on clergy and restrictions on registration, citing experiences from occupied territories. The event highlighted the need to prevent authoritarian regimes from using religious institutions for destabilization. This academic exchange aims to present Ukraine's wartime experience to European scholars and analyze challenges at the intersection of conscience, democracy, and security.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
The prosecutor's office in Przemyśl has formally charged a suspect with the murder of a priest, attempted murder, and causing serious bodily harm following an attack at a monastery in Jarosław, Poland. The incident left five people injured, including three clergy members and two laypersons. One priest, Stanisław Zbojnowicz, died in the hospital, while another remains in serious but stable condition. The suspect, a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen, is currently under police supervision. His interrogation depends on medical assessments, and he faces a potential life sentence for the violence that occurred recently.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has initiated the blocking of the website 'Godless Ukrainians' (Bogobortsі Ukrainy). According to RISU, the site focuses heavily on events surrounding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The resource categorizes individuals as 'persecutors' and describes conflicts with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine using terms like 'raiders' and 'provocations.' It also labels the mobilization of clergy as 'forced.' The outlet reports that the website frames these events as religious rights violations, citing statements from international organizations and churches to support its narrative.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A traditional Armenian khachkar was consecrated in Poltava, Ukraine, to honor victims of the Armenian and Ukrainian peoples. The event coincided with Armenia’s Independence Day on September 21. Karina Pivovarska of the Urartu-Vank Union emphasized the Armenian Church's role in preserving national identity. Head of the union Gennady Agadzhanyan stated plans to build an Armenian Orthodox church on the site. David Mkrtchyan noted the stone cross serves as a spiritual substitute for a church. Local official Vladimir Sostin encouraged the community to preserve its culture. This follows previous khachkars in Novi Sanzhary and Kremenchuk.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to the Information and Educational Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, Russian forces have damaged the Petropavlivskyi Church in Sumy, Ukraine. The historic building, recognized as an architectural monument, has suffered repeated war-related destruction. After the latest explosion, church staff covered broken windows with protective film to shield the interior from weather. Despite the ongoing danger, the congregation continues to hold services and prayers at the site.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇳🇱 Netherlands·
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the Netherlands recently presented the Order of St. Panteleimon to volunteers supporting Ukraine. Recipients included Ukrainian volunteer Iryna Kuchi and Dutch citizens Frankie van Gintum and Kun van Oosten. The award recognizes outstanding humanitarian efforts, including delivering medical supplies and evacuating civilians. Olga Hersuni, head of the Order's council in the Netherlands, described the honor as Ukraine's highest public distinction in healthcare. The ceremony highlighted the deep gratitude of Ukrainians for international aid provided since the full-scale invasion began.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Theodosius of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) submitted a video appeal to the UN Human Rights Council, according to the Cherkasy Eparchy website. He complained about the mobilization of clergy and unequal treatment compared to other denominations. The metropolitan stated that priests from his church are not appointed as military chaplains and that Ukrainian authorities persecute bishops and priests. He did not specify the reasons for these exclusions or the legal charges against his clergy. Theodosius Snigiryov has faced trials for over three years. In February 2026, a court convicted him of inciting religious hatred and fined him 8,500 hryvnias.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) announced that the Cassation Administrative Court has opened appeal proceedings regarding a lawsuit filed by the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). The state agency seeks to terminate the Kyiv Metropolitanate's activities and transfer its assets to the government, citing canonical ties to the banned Russian Orthodox Church. The Lavra challenged lower court rulings that upheld the termination of its lease agreements due to violations of state property use. This legal battle highlights ongoing efforts by Ukrainian authorities to sever institutional links between local Orthodox structures and Moscow.
Translated from Українська
Read more →
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
