RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A resident of the Rivne region in Ukraine was sentenced for making insulting comments about parishioners of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. According to RISU, the court ruling dated October 20 states that in February, Oleksandr Mosiychuk described believers switching from the Moscow Patriarchate as Judas figures who crucify Christ. He also shared a video on Facebook in March that insulted those supporting the transition. Experts concluded his actions aimed to incite religious hatred. The defendant admitted guilt and reached an agreement with prosecutors. His mobile phone will be confiscated as part of the penalty.
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)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Religious Freedom (DESS) has determined that the Balt Eparchy administration of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine shows signs of affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church. The agency states that the eparchy is part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is linked to the banned Moscow Patriarchate. This decision was issued under Ukrainian laws protecting the constitutional order. Additionally, clergy from the Balt Eparchy expressed concern to Metropolitan Onufriy regarding their bishop's public statements affirming unity with the Russian Orthodox Church and his mention of Patriarch Kirill during services. The findings highlight ongoing scrutiny of religious organizations with foreign ties in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Russian drone struck a cemetery in Rivne, Ukraine, damaging more than ten graves, according to Rivne Regional Military Administration head Oleksandr Koval. The attack targeted a site where Ukrainian heroes are buried. Local authorities and the cemetery administration are assessing the damage and urging residents to check the condition of relatives' graves in the affected sector. Koval condemned the strike as a cynical disregard for human life, noting that Russian forces target schools, homes, and burial sites alike.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A fire broke out at a 19th-century church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate in Uhl, Zakarpattia region, Ukraine, on October 19. Smoke was spotted by clergy, prompting rescue teams from Tyachiv, Dubove, Drakovo, and Chumalovo to respond. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the blaze started near the altar. Firefighters worked in protective gear to extinguish the flames and remove church property. The fire was contained within an hour, damaging the altar and religious items across a 10-square-meter area. The historic building was constructed in 1875.
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)·🇧🇾 Belarus·
Father Leontiy Tumovsky was inaugurated as the new Apostolic Administrator for Greek Catholics in Belarus, according to RISU. The ceremony included Archbishop Yusef Stanevsky, former administrator Archimandrite Sergei Gaiak, and Apostolic Nuncio Ignazio Ceffalia. This leadership change occurs during a difficult period for the community, which lost 25% of its registered parishes following government re-registration efforts. The article attributes these losses to the repressive policies of the Lukashenko regime against religious groups deemed undesirable by the authorities. Tumovsky, born in Polotsk, holds a doctorate in theology from Rome and has served in Poland since 2022.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
A Russian court has sentenced six Crimean Tatars to prison terms ranging from 15 to 19 years for alleged involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir, according to RISU citing Sosyalne Krym. The defendants, including Ruslan Asanov who received the longest sentence, participated via video link. They rejected terrorism charges, calling the case politically motivated and fabricated. The men argued they were punished for their religious practice and national identity rather than criminal acts. The arrests followed raids in August 2023 in the Bakhchysarai district of Crimea.
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 Northern Appellate Court in Ukraine postponed the hearing of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate's appeal regarding the lease of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The session, originally scheduled for October 20, was delayed due to an air raid alert and will resume on November 3 at 14:00. The dispute concerns the use of the Dormition Cathedral and the Refectory Church. Activists gathered outside the court to protest the church's presence, citing its ties to Russian imperial history. The National Reserve insists that the church's continued presence without a new agreement is illegal. The UOC MP seeks to maintain worship services under previous terms.
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·
A new report by the International Press Institute of Human Rights (IPHR) states that religious persecution in occupied Ukrainian territories is systematic. Based on interviews with clergy and laypeople, the study details Russian military and security service control over worship, censorship, forced use of Russian, and violence against those not aligned with the Russian Orthodox Church. The authors argue this constitutes a deliberate policy to suppress resistance and impose the 'Russian world' ideology. They suggest these actions may qualify as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report also cites estimates that at least 80 clergy have been killed and over 200 kidnapped or tortured since the invasion began.
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·
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that religious factors were among the triggers of the conflict in Ukraine, according to reports citing Russian media. Lavrov repeated Moscow's narrative that Russia is fighting for the rights of Russian-speaking people in Ukraine. He claimed the West would prefer Ukraine to adopt secular values instead of Christian ones. These assertions contradict documented evidence of Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, which have caused casualties and significant damage. The claims are attributed to Lavrov by the outlet RISU.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇱🇹 Lithuania·
The Lithuanian Archeparchy of the Moscow Patriarchate expressed deep concern over proposed legislative changes in Lithuania. The archeparchy claims the bills aim to strip its status as a traditional religious community and transfer authority to the Constantinople Patriarchate. Officials argue the measures lack evidence of security threats and violate constitutional rights. This follows statements by Lithuanian officials and analysts who assert the church remains dependent on Moscow. The archeparchy has called for prayer and protested the initiatives, warning they could cause religious conflict in the country.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A church of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Volyn, Ukraine, suffered damage from a recent Russian drone attack. The Volyn Diocese reported the incident, citing a statement by Vasyl Skulyntsi. According to the report, shrapnel from the explosion broke windows and scarred the exterior walls of the building. The diocese emphasized that the community will continue its prayers and charitable activities despite the destruction. This event highlights the ongoing impact of the conflict on religious infrastructure in the region.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Russian attack has destroyed the building of the Good News church in Kramatorsk, Ukraine. According to the outlet Slovo pro Slovo, the structure was effectively razed during the strike on October 18. The congregation had previously abandoned the main hall due to repeated damage from Russian assaults. Consequently, no worshippers were present inside the building when the latest attack occurred. This incident marks the final destruction of a site that had already suffered significant harm from prior hostilities in the region.
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.
Translated from Українська
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