RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Religious Information Service of Ukraine (RISU) published an analysis of claims regarding the August 23 killing of monk Varsonofiy at the Swiatohirsk monastery in Ukraine. The outlet argues that pro-Russian groups, including Robert Amsterdam and Metropolitan Timofiy Margaritis, are manipulating the incident to portray persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. RISU highlights financial ties between Margaritis and sanctioned Russian businessman Igor Altushkin, suggesting the bishop's statements serve Kremlin interests rather than seeking justice. The report asserts that these narratives are propaganda efforts to discredit Ukrainian authorities and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
RISU analyzes international reactions to the August attack on clergy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra in Ukraine. The outlet argues that pro-Russian figures, including Metropolitan Theodosius Snigirev and Archbishop Rastislav Gont, exploited the tragedy to claim persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church. While German pastor Heinrich Derksen and Cardinal Ladislav Nemet called for a thorough investigation, RISU criticizes Gont and Snigirev for labeling the victim a martyr without evidence. The article suggests these narratives serve Kremlin interests by fabricating stories of religious persecution in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The second volume of the book 'With an Angel in the Pixel' was presented at the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Lviv, Ukraine. This publication documents the experiences of military chaplains serving across the country since the full-scale invasion began. Co-editor Yuliana Lavrysh describes the project as a scientific study preserving the stories of those supporting soldiers on the front lines. Metropolitan Igor Vozniak emphasizes the growing need for chaplains to provide spiritual care. The book aims to maintain historical memory and highlight the century-long tradition of religious support for Ukrainian defenders.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to Mikhail Brytsin, director of the Eurasia Mission's Department of Religious Freedom, Russia has destroyed or damaged 70 religious buildings in Ukraine during the first seven months of 2026. The organization tracks these incidents using open-source intelligence to ensure accuracy. The majority of affected structures belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, while Protestant communities also suffered significant losses. The data covers confirmed cases up to July 31, with additional damage reported in August in Kharkiv and Kherson. This monitoring highlights the broader impact of the war on religious freedom and community life across the country.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius and the Grand Mufti of Ukraine met to discuss joint efforts supporting the country during the ongoing war. The meeting, also attended by Metropolitan Evstratiy of Bila Tserkva, focused on Russian attacks on religious buildings and the need for spiritual and psychological aid for citizens. According to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church press service, the leaders also addressed enhancing international advocacy for Ukraine, particularly through engagement with Islamic nations. The discussion highlighted the importance of interfaith cooperation in addressing current challenges and promoting unity among religious communities in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
On September 10, 2026, the Sixth Appellate Administrative Court in Ukraine heard a case regarding the liquidation of the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the Russian Orthodox Church. The proceedings were delayed as the court read statements from parishioners supporting the structure. Lawyer Archpriest Mykyta Chekman subsequently argued that the church's current statute, adopted in May 2022, is invalid. He submitted documents referencing an older 1998 version instead. According to RISU, this strategy aims to prolong the legal process and potentially allow the church to revert to previous governance structures if state pressure decreases. The next hearing is scheduled for October 7.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Volodymyr and Oksana Zavadsky, a Ukrainian couple, have spent a decade as spiritual parents to children through their 'Ark of Peace' center. After meeting in their youth, they deepened their faith through the Alpha course and responded to the 2014 war by serving in eastern Ukraine. They provided aid and spiritual support near the front lines in Donetsk, including in Berdianske. A conversation with local children during shelling convinced them to stay permanently. Their story highlights the risks and commitment of Christian volunteers in conflict zones, as reported by RISU.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, told LB.ua that the Moscow Patriarchate has launched a new propaganda campaign. He criticized the claim that salvation depends on whether priests mention Patriarch Kirill during liturgies. Sviatoslav described this as a dangerous theological weapon aimed at Ukrainian Christians. He stated that this narrative is particularly harmful to Ukrainians who identify with the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, as it creates division and imposes a strict condition for spiritual salvation.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian military chaplains recently completed a training program in Norway, combining theory with practical exercises. According to the Service of Military Chaplains of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the course covered pastoral care, military ethics, and psychological support. Norwegian Colonel Torstein welcomed participants, emphasizing the value of international cooperation. The Ukrainian chaplains exchanged practical experience with their Norwegian counterparts and learned effective methods for spiritual support. The initiative aims to strengthen partnerships between the two nations' chaplaincy services and implement best practices in military spiritual care. This collaboration highlights ongoing professional development and mutual support in challenging modern conditions.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇰🇪 Kenya·
Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya Yuriy Tokar stated that the Russian Orthodox Church is recruiting Kenian men for the war against Ukraine. The claim, reported by RISU citing The Standard, follows the death of 31-year-old Charles Waithaka Wangari, who died on the front lines after traveling to Russia. Rights groups link his recruitment to the church, which is expanding its presence in Kenya. Tokar argues the institution legitimizes the invasion and serves as a channel for Russian influence in Africa, urging Kenyan authorities to investigate these networks.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The parish of St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv, Ukraine, is continuing restoration efforts following a 2021 fire and recent Russian missile strikes. According to the parish, a fire in September 2021 destroyed the organ and damaged the interior. Later, a December 2024 attack broke windows, forcing urgent repairs before winter. Father Pawlo Vyshkovsky stated that while full restoration takes time, the community is now focused on preserving the building. The church remains active for services despite ongoing structural vulnerabilities. The historic structure, designed by Vladyslav Horodetsky, was transferred to the parish in January 2026 for a 50-year term.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇫🇷 France·
According to the Telegram channel Christians Against War, nuns from a Minsk monastery are continuing fundraising activities in France. The outlet reports that the sisters have collected funds to supply Russian soldiers with drones, army boots, and at least nine vehicles. While the publication could not verify if money raised in France was directly sent to the war effort due to cash transactions, the monastery denies any such link. This activity persists in France even though similar operations have faced bans or restrictions in the UK, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland. French parish leaders admit they cannot verify the use of the collected funds.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian security services report that a Protestant pastor from Kyiv region is facing up to 12 years in prison for organizing a scheme to help men avoid military mobilization. The suspect, identified in Chernivtsi region, allegedly collected 7,500 euros from individuals to smuggle them across the border into the European Union. He recruited congregants to find targets and extract mobilized men from military units. The pastor then drove the fugitives to the border and instructed them on how to cross illegally on foot. Authorities have formally notified the suspect of charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, with potential asset confiscation.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Russian attack on Kyiv on September 4 damaged the National Sofia Kyiv Museum Reserve. General Director Nelia Kukovalska told Suspilne Kultura that windows were blown out and a glass entrance group was destroyed. No people were injured as everyone took shelter. The main Sofia Cathedral remained undamaged. The consistory building, located on Volodymyrska Street, also sustained damage. The incident highlights the ongoing risks to cultural heritage sites in Ukraine during the conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
On September 2, unknown individuals attacked a temple of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine. According to the priest Konstantin Kuznetsov and Serhiy Horobtsov, assailants threw stones at the gates and shouted pro-Russian slogans. The incident occurred at the Holy Trinity Church, which recently transferred from the Moscow Patriarchate to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Police arrived and detained two participants, releasing one. The Security Service of Ukraine also responded. The priest suspects the event was a deliberate provocation rather than simple hooliganism, citing threats and aggressive behavior. Authorities are investigating the motives behind the attack.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
In the Lviv region of Ukraine, Father Myroslav Lech established a volunteer fire brigade composed of parishioners from the St. Bartholomew church in Drohobych. The initiative grew from years of cooperation with emergency services and humanitarian aid efforts since the start of the war. The team, now consisting of seven trained volunteers, has received equipment including a fire truck and protective gear. They plan to coordinate with the State Emergency Service to respond to incidents in Drohobych and surrounding villages, continuing their community support role during the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Andriyana Ilkiv, deputy head of the Holy Barbara community in Shchyrka, Ukraine, shared how the group has united people around charitable work for 18 years. According to RISU, the community began after a tragic incident prompted youth to seek spiritual support. They now engage teenagers in faith discussions and produce candles, cookies, and willow bouquets to raise funds for the Armed Forces and impoverished families. The outlet reports that the group also plans to establish a therapeutic pottery studio to aid the psychological rehabilitation of soldiers and their relatives. This initiative highlights the community's commitment to selfless volunteering and practical assistance.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to the press service of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill visited Bishop Mitrofan of Horlivka, who was injured by a drone in August in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. The patriarch expressed relief that the bishop survived, calling the incident a form of confession for standing with Russia. Mitrofan, who opposes the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's independence from Moscow, thanked the patriarch for support. The visit highlights the ongoing ties between the Russian church and pro-Russian clergy in occupied territories.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, Viktor Bondarenko, a pastor and volunteer from Berdiansk, Ukraine, was sentenced to over 22 years in prison by Russian occupation authorities. Bondarenko organized evacuations and delivered humanitarian aid to civilians during the occupation. He was arrested in May 2024 following a previous detention in 2022. His daughter, Maria Sizyonova, shared details of his arrest and imprisonment in various facilities, including the Vladimir Central in Russia. The report highlights the broader persecution of religious leaders in occupied territories, noting that dozens of clergy have been killed or imprisoned by Russian forces since the full-scale invasion began.
Translated from Українська
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