RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the Vatican. Shevchuk congratulated the Patriarch on his 35th anniversary of service and his new honorary doctorate from the Angelicum University in Rome. The two leaders exchanged gifts and discussed the importance of ecumenical unity. Shevchuk thanked Bartholomew for supporting Ukraine and condemning the ideology of the Russian world. He also criticized distortions of Christian faith that hinder dialogue between churches. The Patriarch assured support for Ukraine's victory. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen interchurch relations during the war.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Knights of Columbus are holding a national pilgrimage in Staruna, Ukraine, today. According to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church's information department, participants will gather at the Blessed Symeon Lukach Center for prayer for the country and its defenders. The event includes a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy led by Archbishop Volodymyr Vitytskyi, veneration of relics, and a Way of the Cross. The Knights of Columbus is described as the world's largest male Catholic charitable organization, with about two million members globally. The schedule features registration, processions, a fraternal meal, and a final prayer for Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Approximately twenty priests from the Khmelnytskyi diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church donated blood at the regional blood service center in Khmelnytskyi city. The action was organized to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The diocese's press service reported the event, stating that donation is a manifestation of sacrificial love for neighbors. This initiative highlights the church's contribution to the military's medical needs during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇹 Portugal·
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Basilian monks celebrated 25 years of missionary work in Portugal. Events included a conference and liturgies in Lisbon and Fatima. Ukrainian Ambassador Marina Mykhaylenko and church leaders attended. The mission began in 2001 to serve Ukrainian migrants. Bishop Dionysius Lyakhovych and Bishop Volodymyr Yushchak led services. The celebration highlighted the growth of Ukrainian church structures abroad. Activities included pilgrimages and cultural performances. The event recognized the ongoing support for the community over two and a half decades.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Philadelphia Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is sending more than 250,000 dollars to Ukraine, according to RISU. Three anonymous donors pledged to match contributions up to this amount, with the doubled funds going to the Healing the Wounds of War in Ukraine Fund. The money was raised during charity events in Philadelphia and Whippany, New Jersey, led by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak. The archeparchy also noted raising over half a million dollars total to support its own clergy formation and staff initiatives. The aid aims to help those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukraine's Ministry of Justice is considering establishing paid chaplains in prisons to aid rehabilitation. Deputy Minister Yevhen Pikalov emphasized the need for effective re-socialization tools, including correctional programs for minors and veterans. Father Oleg Nestor of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church stated that spiritual support is crucial for inmates' reintegration. Both sides agreed to form a working group to identify pilot institutions and officially appoint penitentiary chaplains. This initiative aims to provide psychological and spiritual restoration within correctional facilities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A representative of Pope Leo XIV is traveling to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid and demonstrate the Pontiff's support for those suffering from the war. According to Vatican News, the envoy will visit Kyiv, Dnipro, Fastiv, and Zaporizhzhia. The mission aims to address the difficult humanitarian situation in occupied areas, such as Oleshky, where residents face hunger. The trip involves collaboration with both Greek Catholic and Latin Rite church structures. Additionally, the Vatican is collecting winter clothing and food supplies to assist the Ukrainian population.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Forum of Military Chaplains took place in Kyiv, Ukraine, bringing together evangelical Protestant leaders, chaplains, and state officials. Organized by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), the event aimed to develop the institutional capacity of military chaplaincy and integrate it into the international community. Participants discussed challenges, shared experiences, and coordinated volunteer efforts to support Ukrainian defenders. Viktor Voynalovych, First Deputy Head of DESS, highlighted the difficult conditions of service during the full-scale war. He also presented the President’s award “For the Defense of Ukraine” to several chaplains for their contributions to spiritual care and national defense.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Bishop Petro Loza of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church met with Irish bishops to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine. He thanked the Irish people and Catholic Church for their prayers and aid to refugees fleeing the war. The bishop highlighted that the conflict threatens Ukraine's territorial integrity and national identity. Participants also discussed ways to end the war and the importance of continued moral and material assistance. The visit included a prayer at the Knock Shrine, where attendees prayed for peace and victory. The diocese also acknowledged Father Roman Biletsky for his pastoral work among Ukrainian communities in Ireland, strengthening ties between the two churches.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Philadelphia Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has launched a financial support initiative for priests serving in Ukraine. According to the press service, the program aims to assist clergy in frontline parishes, hospitals, and military units who face difficult financial conditions due to the ongoing war. The Metropolitan Fund 'Healing the Wounds of War in Ukraine' coordinates the effort. Eight parishes, one deanery, and Metropolitan Borys Gudziak have committed to supporting eight priests. Ukrainian bishops provided a list of 25 clergy from Kyiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lutsk exarchates requiring aid. The archeparchy states this solidarity demonstrates practical love and care for pastors and the faithful.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church youth in Cologne, Germany, passed a symbolic peace fire to communities in Lviv and Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. According to the Church's information department, participants received three candles during a service. One remains in Cologne to support displaced Ukrainians, while the other two were sent to Lviv for internally displaced persons and to Zaporizhzhia to show solidarity with those near the front lines. The initiative, supported by Father Tobias Schwaderlap, aligns with the long-standing 'Light from Altenberg' tradition. Additionally, the group raised over 50,000 hryvnias for a charging station for youth ministry in the Donetsk exarchate. Ulyana Derkach helped transport the candles to Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav, has again transmitted lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war to Pope Leo XIV. According to the Synod of Bishops, the names are provided directly by families during meetings across Ukraine. Sviatoslav thanked the Pope for supporting Ukraine and calling for an end to the war and attacks on civilians. He highlighted the Holy See's humanitarian diplomacy, including Cardinal Zuppi's visit to Russian prisons. The leader also discussed preparations for winter and asked for continued international Catholic solidarity amid the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇬 Bulgaria·
On October 18, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel celebrated the Divine Liturgy together at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria. The leaders highlighted the spiritual bond between their churches and stressed the importance of Orthodox unity amid growing global divisions. Patriarch Daniel called for humility and dialogue to overcome schisms, while Patriarch Bartholomew described the Mother Church’s role as service rather than power. He also acknowledged the name of Metropolitan Epiphanius in the diptychs. Despite protests from conservative groups opposing Constantinople’s policies in Ukraine, the event marked a new era of reconciliation between the two patriarchates.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇱🇻 Latvia·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, consecrated the Ukrainian House and chapel in Riga, Latvia. According to the church's information department, he described the space as an icon of Ukrainian identity where prayer, culture, and education unite. After the ceremony, he met with representatives of Ukrainian community, cultural, and educational organizations in Latvia. These groups shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the Latvian people for their solidarity. Shevchuk thanked them for preserving their heritage and stated he came from Kyiv to serve as a bridge between Ukrainians in Latvia and their nation during the ongoing war.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The 'Majory' team from Druzhkivka relocated to Blahodatne village in the Cherkasy region of Ukraine after fleeing conflict. Led by Halyna Khomchenko, the group established a recovery base for hundreds of displaced families and children. Since arriving in July, they have hosted approximately 1,300 participants, including war widows and internally displaced persons. The center offers therapy, accommodation, and community support, operating through partnerships and transparent fundraising to maintain its services for those affected by the war.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine stated that international church organizations have provided aid exceeding one billion euros to Ukrainians. Speaking at an online conference on October 15, 2026, organized by an Italian university, Archbishop Kulbokas emphasized the Church's role in offering hope and psychological support during the war. He noted that approximately 100 military chaplains serve the front lines where about a million people are located. The aid includes food, shelter, and rehabilitation for displaced persons. Kulbokas also highlighted that Catholics make up a small minority in Ukraine, with roughly four million believers in the non-occupied territories. He urged global communities to take responsibility for building peace.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church stated that Kyiv residents will not leave the capital despite the approaching winter. Speaking to the Catholic Information Agency, he warned that Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting critical infrastructure like heating and water supplies. The Church is enhancing its own resilience with solar panels and independent water systems to serve as community stability points. Shevchuk noted that many residents are learning survival skills and expect to remain in the city. He expressed confidence that Ukraine will endure the difficult season and emerge stronger.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, stated that Ukraine needs loyal friends and human solidarity from Poland rather than just material aid. Speaking in an interview published by the church's information department, he emphasized that Ukrainians in Poland contribute positively to their host country. He also highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine's integration into the European Union, arguing that Ukraine and Europe need each other. Shevchuk thanked the Catholic Church in Poland for its assistance and guaranteed transparency in the distribution of humanitarian aid to prevent corruption.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Renewal Forum of the Catholic Communities Union took place in Lviv, Ukraine, bringing together charismatic groups to foster greater unity. Organizers stated the event focused on prayer, dialogue, and shared mission. Tetiana Dzyonyk, the union's head, emphasized that collaboration allows members to achieve more than individually. Bishop Dmytro Hryhorak led the liturgy, stressing that faith must be visible in daily actions. Representatives from the European network, including Aleks Myskow and Michal Steiner, highlighted the importance of keeping Jesus central despite diverse interpretations of charismatic life. The forum outlined future cooperation areas, including spiritual training and communication strategies, aiming to support communities and serve the Church and society.
Translated from Українська
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