RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, a Russian Orthodox metropolitan recently argued that Ukrainians and Belarusians should not possess independent national states. Speaking at an event covered by the outlet 'Christians Against War', the cleric criticized the concept of separate national identities, referring to them as distinct 'apartments'. He stated that resistance against hostile forces must prioritize divine will and the preservation of societal unity. The remarks emphasize a vision of historical Rus' that rejects national division in favor of spiritual cohesion and love among the people.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha thanked Pope Leo for speaking out to protect civilians in Oleshky. According to Sybiha, who posted on X, the town faces a severe humanitarian crisis with no medicine and bodies left unburied. Residents are starving and being threatened by Russian soldiers. Ukraine has repeatedly called for safe evacuation corridors and humanitarian access. Sybiha urged the UN and the Red Cross to act, emphasizing that the Pope's appeal to Putin is crucial for saving lives right now.
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·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine stated that Russian Patriarch Kirill is a co-creator of an ideology that promotes killing. Speaking to Radio Svoboda, he described the concept of the Russian world as heresy and a source of death. He accused the Russian Orthodox Church of openly supporting Vladimir Putin’s aggression by blessing weapons and framing the conflict as holy. Epiphanius emphasized that the war brings grief and cannot be considered sacred, a view also held by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The Ukrainian church asserts it must witness the truth about these actions.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) filed a complaint with the police against a journalist and an activist. The incident was reported by Archpriest Mykyta Chekman via his Telegram channel. On October 16, 2026, details were entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations under Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The case stems from a KyivFM broadcast on September 9, 2026, which was subject to a ruling by the Shevchenko District Court of Kyiv. The church claims the program contained insults directed at its clergy and parishioners.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A 15-year-old boy in Lviv, Ukraine, has apologized to Muslims for painting a swastika on the facade of the Khidayet mosque. The boy stated he was influenced by radical Telegram channels but now recognizes that many Muslims, including Crimean Tatars, defend Ukraine. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea accepted the apology, emphasizing forgiveness. However, the group highlighted this incident as part of a broader pattern of attacks on religious sites, including an arson attack in April. They urged authorities to investigate the spread of extremist ideas online and the potential influence of hostile information operations.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Patriarch Sviatoslav, stated that negotiations are doomed to fail when energy resources are valued above human life. He criticized recent Russian attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, which targeted cities and villages. The Patriarch argued that agreements must prioritize reducing civilian suffering rather than offering political or economic benefits. He emphasized that Ukraine has the moral right to participate in decisions shaping its future. The church leader urged people not to succumb to moral indifference or despair, asserting that the values of freedom and truth remain essential despite the high cost of the ongoing conflict.
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·
Artem Sharlai, a former official in the Russian-backed administration of occupied Melitopol, Ukraine, has received a formal suspicion for war crimes. According to RISU, Sharlai monitored religious groups and shared data with Russian security services. He targeted Ukrainian Greek Catholic clergy who refused to comply with occupation rules. Investigators state he participated in searches and forced the expulsion of priests. This indictment follows a 2024 conviction for collaboration. The actions violate international humanitarian law by persecuting protected persons.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇦🇿 Azerbaijan·
In Azerbaijan, students and teachers have protested for nearly a week against a government ban on headscarves in schools. The dispute began with a September 2026 decree prohibiting clothing that contradicts secular education principles, which schools interpreted as a hijab ban. RISU reports that demonstrators, including younger children and supportive classmates, have faced police crackdowns and social media blocks. Authorities have arrested dozens of individuals for disrupting public order. Officials, including MP Fazil Mustafa, attribute the unrest to foreign influence, while religious leaders warn against conflict. The situation remains tense with no compromise in sight.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
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·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine told Radio Svoboda that priests remain in occupied territories but worship secretly. The church withdrew most clergy after several were killed, making open presence too dangerous. However, some priests continue services in hiding to avoid severe consequences if discovered. Additionally, Metropolitan Epiphanius noted that over 700 religious buildings have been destroyed since Russia's full-scale invasion. The project Religion in Flames reports 807 damaged or destroyed sites by late September 2026, including 83 belonging to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
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.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
According to RISU citing Mediazona, a Russian Orthodox priest in the settlement of Telma reported a parishioner named Uglynitsya for expressing anti-war sentiments during confession. The businessman stated his desire for a Ukrainian military counteroffensive and victory. The priest described the conversation as hostile and noted the man's intention to leave the church. Authorities issued two protocols against Uglynitsya for inciting hatred, but courts dismissed both cases due to the statute of limitations expiring. The individual remains concerned about potential future legal repercussions for his stance. This incident highlights the risks faced by those opposing the war within Russian religious institutions.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A church belonging to the Volyn Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) was damaged in a Russian attack, according to the website Pravoslavna Volyn. In response to the danger of further strikes, the diocese has urged clergy, parishioners, and residents to heed air raid warnings and seek shelter immediately. The group advises people to stay away from windows and avoid going outside during attacks. According to the Religion in Flames project, more than 800 religious buildings across Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed due to full-scale hostilities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇱🇹 Lithuania·
On October 14 in Vilnius, Lithuania, researchers presented a study on the Russian Orthodox Church's role in spreading Russian influence across Europe. The event marked the launch of the Libertas Fidei International Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Experts noted that over a thousand Moscow Patriarchate-linked organizations operate in the EU, using religious institutions for political goals. Former Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte stated that local structures remain dependent on Moscow. The analysis highlights the need to distinguish between legitimate religious activity and threats to national security posed by foreign interference.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Kremlin restricted the public reporting of Pope Leo XIV’s special envoy, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi’s, September 2026 mission to Moscow. While Russian officials highlighted discussions on prisoner exchanges and child returns, they withheld detailed political outcomes. The Russian ambassador to the Vatican praised the humanitarian channel but denied blocking Vatican-mediated peace talks. Data from the Center for Public Monitoring indicates Moscow uses the Vatican for humanitarian lists but refuses political negotiation mandates. The mission also involved meetings with Russian human rights commissioners and a visit to Ukrainian POWs, though no formal exchange agreements were publicly confirmed.
Translated from Українська
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