RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Kyiv court postponed the hearing regarding the lease termination between the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) until September 29. The delay followed a rejected motion by UOC MP representatives to disqualify the judicial panel. The dispute stems from the Lavra's 2023 decision to end the rental agreement with the monastery. Lawyers for both sides exchanged accusations of procedural delays and alleged pressure during the session. The case has been ongoing for three years, with the Lavra's director stating that eviction of monks can only occur after a final court ruling. According to RISU, tensions remained high in the courthouse corridors.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Maxim Ostapenko, director of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra National Sanctuary, stated that representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) are abusing the Ukrainian judicial system. Speaking after a court hearing in Kyiv, he accused the church of delaying tactics and misleading the public during the three-year dispute over the return of the Dormition Cathedral to state control. Lawyer Ivan Prokopenko noted that numerous motions have prevented a substantive review since January 2024. The Northern Appeal Economic Court recently postponed the appeal hearing to September 29. The conflict began in March 2023 when the sanctuary terminated the monastery's lease agreement.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Victor Yelensky, head of the Department for Religious Affairs of Ukraine, met with a delegation from the American-Ukrainian Christian Alliance (AUCA). The group included Pastor Vadim Dashkevych and other leaders. According to the press service, AUCA representatives highlighted continued American support for Ukraine. Yelensky emphasized the vital role of religious communities in aiding soldiers and displaced persons during the war. He also noted that Russia systematically destroys religious freedom in occupied territories. The parties discussed future cooperation and the importance of preserving Ukrainian identity among citizens forced to leave their homes due to the conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Boris of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church delivered humanitarian assistance to Ukraine's defense forces in Kyiv. According to Oleksandr Alfiorov, head of the Ukrainian Information and Press Office, the cleric drove the vehicle himself for three days to avoid endangering his staff. Alfiorov highlighted their long-standing friendship, noting they studied together at the Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy starting in 2010. The visit supports Ukrainian initiatives and underscores the growing institutional strength of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church under Boris's recent leadership.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The State Department for Religious and Nationalities Affairs (DSRDA) has determined that the Zaporizhzhia Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church maintains affiliations with the Russian Orthodox Church. According to the agency's press service, an investigation confirmed the diocese is part of the Kyiv Metropolis, which is legally recognized as affiliated with a banned foreign religious organization. The study, conducted from August 12, 2026, verified that the diocese's charter and the Russian Orthodox Church's statutes establish this structural connection. The decision was issued under Ukrainian laws regarding religious organizations and constitutional security. This finding formalizes the administrative separation of the local church structure from its Russian counterparts.
Translated from Українська
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by engin akyurt on UnsplashGood news and persecution
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
The Conference of the Bishops of Poland has issued a statement calling for reconciliation and Christian love between Poles and Ukrainians. According to RISU, the bishops urged an honest historical dialogue to clarify difficult past events and asked authorities to combat rising nationalist tensions. They recalled Poland's strong support for Ukrainian refugees in 2022 but noted increasing conflicts. Police data shows hate crimes against Ukrainians rose by 30% in early 2026. Surveys indicate worsening Polish attitudes due to historical disputes and social benefits. The church emphasized standing with war victims and healing historical wounds through mutual respect.
Translated from Українська
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Different Resonance on UnsplashPersecuted church
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Russian forces destroyed a historic 115-year-old wooden church in the village of Hirs'k, Chernihiv region, Ukraine, on August 26, 2026. The Holy Mykolaivskyi temple, built between 1908 and 1911, was completely burned out following a hostile airstrike. The Chernihiv and Novhorod-Siverska Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church confirmed the loss. The structure survived Soviet-era repression and World War II but could not withstand the current aggression. Local residents and veterans described the building as a vital community center for baptisms and weddings for over a century. The incident marks the loss of a significant cultural and religious landmark in the border area.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Clement Vecherya of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) stated that saints do not assist in murder or aggression. He responded to Russian media reports suggesting that the relics of Prince Dmitry Donskoy should be sent to the war zone in Ukraine. According to the outlet, Metropolitan Clement emphasized that holy figures cannot support violent acts, regardless of political justifications. He urged those firing weapons at civilian homes to recognize the tragedy and seek repentance. This comment follows claims by Russian Orthodox Church officials, including Vakhtang Kipshidze, that moving the relics to the conflict area is a reasonable decision supported by President Putin.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, the garrison church of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Chernihiv cannot secure land documentation due to administrative obstacles. Father Eugene Orda states that while the parish is legally registered and the building constructed, the lack of land papers prevents official use of the facility. The church serves as a volunteer hub at the Remzavod creative cluster, sending supplies to the front monthly. Despite repeated requests to the Chernihiv city council and offers to pay rent, officials have failed to resolve the issue, leaving the community unable to operate as a formal entity.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Unknown assailants attacked the Sviatohirsk Lavra, a monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), in Ukraine. The incident resulted in the death of monk Varsonofiy (Turyansky) and injuries to monk Hryhoriy and refugee Andriy Kiriienko. The attack was discovered around 11:15 when Hryhoriy alerted authorities. Police responded, and the victims were treated in Sloviansk before being transferred to hospitals in Kharkiv for further care. Both survivors suffered lung injuries and significant blood loss. A criminal case has been opened, and investigators are conducting actions. A memorial service was held on August 23 for the deceased monk.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav, met with the widow of Alexei Yukov, a volunteer searcher who died in August 2026 in eastern Ukraine. The meeting, also attended by other mission members, focused on continuing the 'Platzdarm' search and rescue operations. Sviatoslav emphasized that burying the dead is a fundamental human right and a Christian duty, regardless of nationality or side in the conflict. He pledged support for the team and highlighted the importance of honoring all fallen soldiers to bring peace. The discussion also addressed the ongoing needs of families of the missing and detained.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Ukrainian court will review a legal conflict between the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery and the Kyiv-Pechersk National Sanctuary on Tuesday. In response, the NGO Heritage of Freedom is organizing a public rally titled
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, a drone strike in the Russian-occupied city of Horlivka, Ukraine, injured four people, including Metropolitan Mitrofan Nikitin of the Russian Orthodox Church. The outlet reports that the metropolitan, along with priest Roman Stepin and two volunteers, were among the injured, though his life is not in danger. This incident follows Mitrofan's public disagreement with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's decision to declare independence from Moscow, as he maintains that the Horlivka diocese remains united with the Russian Orthodox Church.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda visited the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Ukraine to assess damage caused by a Russian attack on June 15. According to the National Sanctuary of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Assumption Cathedral lost over 80 percent of its roof, and 19 cultural heritage sites were damaged in total. The president reviewed emergency repair efforts and a new exhibition of the cathedral's treasury. The visit also highlighted the shared history between Ukraine and Lithuania, particularly the ongoing restoration of Prince Konstanty Ostrogski's monument, a joint project previously inaugurated by Nauseda in 2021.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
An ecumenical prayer service for Ukraine took place at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine. The event was part of the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine, as called for by the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was represented by its head, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Following the Lord's Prayer, representatives of various churches and religious organizations offered petitions for an end to the war, protection of the Ukrainian people, and a just peace. Shevchuk thanked God for Ukraine's independence and asked for victory over the aggressor. The gathering concluded with the singing of the Ukrainian spiritual anthem, God, Great, Unique.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Residents of Mokretsi, Ukraine, attended a Turisk settlement council session to protest the ongoing construction of a Russian Orthodox church. The village elder, Oleksiy Shvets, stated that building permits were violated, as the land was designated for residential use. Locals, including families of fallen soldiers, argue the project is illegal and morally insensitive during the war. They demand authorities halt the daily construction work and hold the landowner accountable for the alleged violations of urban planning laws.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The National Prayer Breakfast took place in Kyiv, Ukraine, attended by approximately 500 people. The event featured joint prayers led by Metropolitan Epiphanius and Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that prayer unites people across religious and political divides during the war. Guests included Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and former US special representative Keith Kellogg. The gathering highlighted the role of religious communities in fostering peace and compassion. Traditional Ukrainian pastries were served, and a table of remembrance honored fallen soldiers. This annual tradition, originating in the US, has been held in Ukraine since 2008.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Police in Khmelnytskyi region state that the annual UOC-MP pilgrimage to Pochaiv is illegal but organizers cannot be identified. The cross-procession began on August 19 in Kamianets-Podilskyi and will cross into Ternopil region on August 22-23. Officials note that participants claim they are walking independently, making legal accountability impossible. Police monitor the route to ensure public order. The event concludes on August 28 at Pochaiv Lavra. Authorities in both regions have banned mass gatherings, yet the procession continues without permits.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇾 Belarus·
A court in Belarus has officially designated the Polish Catholic magazine Gość Niedzielny as extremist. According to the outlet Hrytskianaska Viziya, the decision follows the publication of several articles concerning Belarus. These pieces included interviews with Aleś Biaklycki and Andrzej Pochobut, as well as reports on the Lukashenko regime and the expulsion of Polish Catholic priests from the country. Biaklycki discussed the shortage of clergy and pressure on the Catholic Church within Belarus. This ruling highlights ongoing tensions between Belarusian authorities and religious institutions, particularly regarding foreign clergy and critical media coverage of the government.
Translated from Українська
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