RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Women of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Lviv participated in a training session focused on developing leadership skills for social service, according to Eleos-Ukraine. Trainer and psychologist Nataliia Bordun reported that participants were motivated to take initiative and organize larger community projects. The program, implemented by Eleos-Ukraine in partnership with Dan Church Aid and Norwegian Church Aid, aims to support mental health during the war in Ukraine. It is funded by the Norwegian government and conducted in cooperation with the Lviv Theological Seminary.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to Viktor Kovalenko, head of the Zolochiv Military Administration, Russian aircraft struck the settlement of Zolochiv in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine on October 28 at 14:20. Three guided aerial bombs caused damage to thirteen private houses, gas and electrical networks, and a church building. Kovalenko stated that preliminary reports indicate no casualties resulted from the attack. The incident highlights the ongoing impact of aerial bombardments on civilian infrastructure in the region.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Russian Orthodox Church has awarded several individuals identified as propaganda supporters and war correspondents. According to the outlet Christians Against War, the recipients include Telegram channel authors, media hosts, and actors. Notable honorees are Danila Bezsonov, Yana Poplavskaya, and war correspondents Mokei Rusinov and Lada Syniutkina. The group also recognized leaders of charitable foundations and other media personalities. This recognition highlights the church's alignment with figures promoting its narrative during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The religious community in the village of Romanivka, Zhytomyr region, has voted to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Archbishop Volodymyr announced the transition on October 26, following a unanimous vote by 41 residents on October 24. The decision was driven by dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, particularly regarding the refusal of its clergy to participate in mourning services for fallen soldiers. The former priest remained with the Moscow-linked church but vacated the building. New services will be conducted by Father Ivan Fatych three times a month. This marks the seventh congregation in the region to switch to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine since the start of 2026.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇾 Belarus·
According to RISU, the Religious Information Service of Ukraine, funds were collected for Russian occupying forces during the Pokrov Festival in Minsk, Belarus. The outlet Хрысціянская візія reported that while the monastery's official program focused on biblical themes and activities for mothers, a stand from the Holy Trinity Monastery in Serbia was present. This stand displayed Russian and Serbian flags alongside slogans linking Russia to faith. This follows a similar incident in December 2022, where aid for Russian soldiers was gathered at the same event and in other cities like Vitebsk. The monastery's official resources did not announce these collections.
Translated from Українська
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RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Papal Almoner, visited the UGCC Patriarchal Center in Kyiv on October 27. He was accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas and UGCC Patriarchal Economist Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorsky. During the visit, the Archbishop met with Bishop Yosyf Milian and toured the center's social kitchen and media studio. According to RISU, the delegation aims to demonstrate Pope Leo XIV's support for Ukrainians suffering from war. The mission includes visits to Kyiv, Fastiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia until October 30. The group says the trip highlights the universal Church's solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Translated from Українська
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Maksym Diachenko on UnsplashGood news and persecution
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A delegation from the World Council of Churches met with the State Service for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Ukraine (Dess). Head of Dess Viktor Yelensky discussed Ukraine's religious pluralism, the role of churches in national defense, and interfaith relations. The WCC members explained their membership procedures. Topics included chaplaincy services, alternative military service, and believers in occupied territories. The meeting addressed potential Orthodox harmony and ecumenical movement perspectives. This dialogue highlights ongoing efforts to integrate Ukrainian religious structures into international ecumenical frameworks while navigating complex geopolitical realities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, addressed the Plenary Assembly of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe in Salzburg, Austria, from October 27 to 30. According to RISU, he thanked European bishops for supporting Ukrainian refugees and providing pastoral care. Shevchuk urged them not to tire of this solidarity, stating that Russia's war against Ukraine is a war against all of Europe. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis ahead as winter approaches, noting systematic attacks on infrastructure. The assembly also included representatives from Ukraine and other European countries, with a special prayer for peace held in Salzburg.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, met with Pope Leo XIV shortly after the pontiff's return from the hospital. The Patriarch expressed deep emotion that the Pope wished to hear Ukraine's voice during this time. The meeting highlighted the Pope's solidarity with the Ukrainian people and his advocacy for peace. Shevchuk thanked the Pope for his humanitarian diplomacy and warnings against the war. This discussion occurred following a major Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which damaged areas near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The church leader emphasized the importance of global Catholic support as Ukraine prepares for winter.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine met with a delegation from the World Council of Churches in Kyiv. According to the press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the discussion focused on the religious and socio-political situation amid the ongoing Russian aggression. The delegation aims to better understand the Ukrainian church context as part of the review process for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's application for membership. During the meeting, Metropolitan Epiphanius highlighted the spiritual significance of major Ukrainian shrines, including Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The group expressed hope that the visit would facilitate the collection of necessary information for their decision.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Stanislav Shyrokoradyuk, bishop of the Catholic Church in Ukraine, stated that the situation in Oleshky, Ukraine, resembles a repetition of the Holodomor famine. He told CREDO that Russian forces have blocked supplies, forcing residents to walk long distances for food. The bishop reported that international organizations have recently intervened to deliver aid. He criticized the global community for slow responses and compared current events to historical tragedies. Shyrokoradyuk emphasized that Ukraine is now fighting back more effectively against the aggressor.
Translated from Українська
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Tienko Dima on UnsplashPersecuted church
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇯🇴 Jordan·
Authorities in Jordan arrested three suspects following an attack on a church in a northern region. The operation occurred after a shootout with armed men discovered in an abandoned house southwest of the capital. All three individuals sustained serious injuries during the arrest. The interior minister stated that security forces fulfilled their duty and identified the suspects shortly after the incident. The group resisted arrest, but police successfully detained them and confiscated firearms and ammunition. This development marks a significant step in the investigation into the terrorist act.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Bishop Vitaliy Krivytskyi, Ordinary of the Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, is traveling to Assisi, Italy, to participate in an interfaith forum. In an interview with Vatican media, he stated his message focuses on the theme 'Prayer saves the world.' He addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, noting that despite five years of conflict, believers must unite their voices in prayer. He emphasized that true peace is linked to justice and expressed gratitude to global supporters who continue to stand with Ukraine. The bishop travels as a pilgrim seeking strength for defenders and the faithful.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇫🇷 France·
Archbishop Savva (Tutunov), a vicar of the Moscow Patriarchate, has officially renounced his French citizenship. Born in Villecresnes, France, he was forced to give up his passport to address accusations of dual loyalty from Russian ultranationalists. The Center for Public Monitoring reports this move may position him as a candidate for the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. Russian officials, including Senator Andrey Klishas, praised the decision as a sign of absolute loyalty to the Kremlin. Consequently, Savva loses EU freedom of movement rights, though EU sanctions do not automatically apply solely due to citizenship loss.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A fragment of the relics of Saint Anthony of Padua has arrived in Ukraine for permanent veneration, according to the Lviv Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The relics were transferred to Father Marian Ilnytskyi in Padua, Italy, following approval from the Order of Conventual Franciscans. The relics will be permanently housed in the Church of Saint Archangel Michael in Pidhorodne, Lviv Oblast. A ceremonial entry into the church is scheduled for November 29, 2026, led by Archbishop and Metropolitan Igor Vozniak. The church says this event provides spiritual support for Ukrainians during the ongoing war.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
An ecumenical prayer service for Ukraine took place in Kharkiv, Ukraine, initiated by the Council of Christian Churches of Kharkiv. Bishop Vasyl Tuchapets, Exarch of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Kharkiv, led the gathering. Representatives from various denominations, military chaplains, veterans, and activists participated. According to the Kharkiv Exarchate press service, Bishop Tuchapets emphasized the need for unity and spiritual support amid the ongoing war. He stated that regardless of denominational affiliation, it is a duty to pray for a just peace for the suffering Ukrainian people.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to the Information and Educational Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), Russian attacks damaged two places of worship in Kramatorsk, Ukraine. Local believers reported that around 15:00, a strike hit the Pokrovsky Church, causing significant structural damage including a breached dome, broken doors, and scattered debris. Additionally, a drone struck the roof of the Mykolaivsky Church in the nearby settlement of Shabelkivka, creating a one-meter hole. The incident highlights the ongoing destruction of religious infrastructure in the region.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A court in Volyn, Ukraine, has ruled in favor of a parish seeking to remain under the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP), overturning a previous decision to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). According to RISU and the lawyer Mykyta Chekman, the dispute concerns community meetings held on October 8, 2023. The plaintiff argued that only registered members, not all village residents, had the right to vote on changing religious affiliation. While the first-instance court initially rejected the claim on May 29, 2025, the appellate court satisfied the appeal. Chekman stated this decision protects UOC MP rights and that legal battles will continue.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Russian strike damaged the Caritas building in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, according to Caritas Ukraine. The attack harmed the facade, walls, interior rooms, and metal roof, with a crater forming nearby. A neighboring nine-story residential building was also hit. The structure was purchased with German federal funding. Father Vasyl Ivaniuk, director of Caritas Kramatorsk, had planned renovations to expand the facility for post-war operations. Despite the damage, he intends to proceed with reconstruction. The organization, employing over 100 staff, continues aiding war victims, though some activities have shifted to safer locations in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions due to security concerns.
Translated from Українська
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