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·
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.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Knights of Columbus in Ukraine have restored their annual autumn pilgrimage tradition, which was suspended since 2021 due to the full-scale war. The event took place in Staruna, the birthplace of Blessed Symeon Lukach, and was blessed by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk. The liturgy was led by Metropolitan Volodymyr Viytyshyn in Ivano-Frankivsk, with participation from Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas and other clergy. Participants prayed for soldiers, prisoners, and victims of the conflict. The pilgrimage included a Way of the Cross and a meeting titled 'Under the Protection of the Blessed,' where members shared testimonies of their service and initiatives supporting widows and orphans.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The World Council of Churches delegation met with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations in Ukraine. The visitors expressed respect for Ukrainian religious groups continuing their work during the war. They emphasized that Ukrainian church participation helps amplify the country's voice internationally. A key goal was reviewing the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's membership application. Ukrainian leaders discussed the council's 30-year history and interfaith cooperation. Attendees included Metropolitan Epiphanius and WCC representatives like Susan Durber. The groups exchanged views on deepening mutual understanding and future collaboration amid the ongoing conflict.
Translated from Українська
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Maksym Diachenko on UnsplashGood news
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·
Ukraine's Minister of Culture, Tetiana Berezhna, stated that the government aims to resolve the long-standing legal dispute over the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. She emphasized that while the state intends to take full control, it must respect judicial processes and avoid procedural delays. Berezhna plans to attend upcoming court hearings to defend the position of the Ministry and the national reserve. The Northern Appellate Economic Court in Kyiv has postponed the hearing regarding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's appeal on lease agreements until November 3. The church seeks to maintain worship services, while the reserve argues that previous contracts have expired. The minister also referenced new legislation regarding national sanctuaries.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Victor Signayevsky, son of a Ukrainian Orthodox Church priest from Volyn, died on January 27, 2026, during a Russian drone attack on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region. The 21-year-old had joined the military by contract in May 2025 and was returning from leave when the Shahed kamikaze drone struck. He had previously been listed as missing. The Volyn Eparchy confirmed his death and offered condolences to his father, Archpriest Feodor Signayevsky, and his family, honoring him as a hero who died defending Ukraine.
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.
Translated from Українська
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Yaroslav Muzychenko on UnsplashPersecuted church
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·
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·
On October 20, 2026, Ukraine's Supreme Court upheld lower court decisions denying a resident of Vinnytsia the right to substitute military mobilization with alternative non-military service. The man, a member of a Baptist congregation, argued that his religious beliefs prohibited bearing arms. The court ruled that current legislation only allows such substitution for conscription, not for mobilization during martial law. The Supreme Court stated that protecting the state during armed aggression justifies limiting the right to refuse service based on conscience. The ruling confirms that religious convictions do not automatically exempt individuals from mobilization duties under existing laws.
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·
On October 21, the Sixth Appellate Administrative Court in Ukraine ordered the liquidation of the Rovensk Diocese Administration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience filed the lawsuit in August 2026, citing criminal convictions of the organization's authorized representative for aiding the aggressor state under Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code. While the court approved the dissolution, it denied the request to transfer non-worship assets to state ownership. The decision can be appealed within twenty days to the Cassation Administrative Court of the Supreme Court. This action aims to protect Ukraine's national security and sovereignty.
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·
Ukrainian religious leaders issued a statement condemning the escalation of Russian attacks and warning the world against appeasing the aggressor. The Interconfessional Council of Religious Organizations in Ukraine called for increased sanctions against Russian officials and clergy complicit in crimes. The declaration followed a massive missile and drone strike on Kyiv on October 22, 2026, which killed one person and injured at least 22 others. The group stated that releasing hostages does not justify labeling Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian. They urged democratic governments to maintain consistent support for Ukraine to stop the war and prevent further destruction across Europe.
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·
Lenur Khalilov, head of the independent Crimean Tatar Muslim community in Alushta, is in critical condition while serving a sentence in a Russian colony. Refat Chubarov, chairman of the Crimean Tatar People's Mejlis, reported the deterioration of Khalilov's health, citing liver cancer and hepatitis C. A human rights activist noted he can barely move. Although previously released for health reasons, a Russian court reversed the decision, returning him to custody. His imprisonment is linked to Russian pressure on independent religious groups in occupied Crimea. The full report is available from RISU.
Translated from Українська
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