RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
According to Forum 18 and inVictory, Russian courts have banned twelve Baptist communities across seven regions for refusing state registration. Authorities cite failure to notify the Ministry of Justice and alleged illegal missionary work as grounds for closure. This practice contradicts previous rulings by the Russian Supreme Court, which stated that lack of notification alone cannot justify banning a group. Specific cases include a Saransk court ordering a community to register and a Rostov-on-Don case. Additionally, Vladimir Rytikov, a 67-year-old elder in occupied Luhansk, faces deportation despite local ties, citing security threats. These actions reflect ongoing pressure on unregistered religious groups in Russia.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇸 United States·
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has dedicated a new place of worship on the west coast of the United States, specifically in San Diego. According to the church's information department, crosses arrived from Ukraine to mark this construction milestone. The local parish community thanked donors, benefactors, volunteers, and faithful supporters for their assistance. The congregation's history dates back to 1960, with building preparations starting in 2016. The site was consecrated in 2018, and services were held in a chapel and outdoors during the pandemic. The parish also donated a ciborium to the Patriarchal Cathedral in Kyiv.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine awarded Henrik Erhard Hermansen, General Secretary of the Norwegian Council of Churches, with the Order of Archangel Michael, Second Class. The ceremony took place in Ukraine following a meeting that included Metropolitan Evstratiy of Bila Tserkva and Archpriest Serhiy Berezhnyi. The leaders discussed the current religious and political situation, specifically addressing the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in supporting the Kremlin's war against Ukraine. The award serves as a gesture of gratitude for Norway's assistance to the Ukrainian people during the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇷🇺 Russia·
The Russian Orthodox Church has suggested treating crimes against participants in the special military operation and their families as an aggravating circumstance in criminal law. A church representative stated that protecting these individuals from cyber threats is a matter of Christian morality and spiritual warfare. The official emphasized that information technology is being used to attack the consciousness and peace of mind of soldiers and their relatives. The outlet did not specify how the church views crimes committed by war participants against civilians in peacetime.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
Polish authorities are requesting assistance from Ukraine to investigate a violent attack at a monastery in Jarosław. According to RMF24 and UNN, prosecutors suspect the suspect, Igor M., may have received psychiatric treatment in Ukraine due to his psychosis symptoms. Investigators also plan to question his mother, who originates from the Ivano-Frankivsk region, and determine his activities in Ukraine. The suspect, who arrived from Germany, pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder. The September 24 attack resulted in the death of priest Stanisław Zbojnowicz and serious injuries to four others. Polish police are also investigating his failed border crossing at Korczowa due to insurance issues.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
On October 7, an international discussion on ecumenical education took place in Lviv, Ukraine, as part of the 19th Ecumenical Social Week. Organized by the Conference of European Churches, the event explored how theological training can bridge divides between Christian traditions and foster social solidarity. Speakers included Taras Kurylets from the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of UCU, who highlighted the need for inter-confessional dialogue in seminaries. Piotr Kopets from the Catholic University of Lublin and Natalia Vasilevich from Belarus also shared insights. They argued that ecumenical education is crucial for overcoming polarization, especially in the context of the war against Russia, transforming it from a theoretical concept into a practical tool for national unity and reconciliation.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇸 United States·
Fourteen bishops from various Orthodox jurisdictions in the United States participated in a synaxis organized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The gathering included representatives from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, and the Albanian Orthodox Diocese. According to RISU, the event aimed to strengthen fraternal bonds and discuss pastoral responsibilities. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the importance of church unity and mutual trust. Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church highlighted the need to preserve spiritual heritage while serving the broader American society, particularly those affected by the war in Ukraine.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
RISU reports that Ukrainian pastor Oleksandr Kolotun and his 15-year-old daughter Hanna died in the occupied Kherson region. While the Russian-appointed official Vladimir Saldo claims a Ukrainian drone destroyed their car near Rykove, the Baptist Union notes the bodies were found near Chkalove, over 70 kilometers away. Saldo stated the family had 13 children and received an award from Vladimir Putin. However, the outlet highlights discrepancies in the timeline and location, suggesting the official narrative may be propaganda. Kolotun was known for distributing food to locals in Oleshky.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
Polish prosecutors have formally charged 31-year-old Ukrainian national Igor M. with murder and attempted murder following a knife attack at a Benedictine monastery in Jarosław, Poland. The incident on September 24 resulted in the death of 72-year-old priest Marek Pieńkowski and injuries to four others. Authorities delayed the charges due to the suspect's mental health issues, but his condition improved by October 7, allowing for interrogation. Two injured priests are recovering, while Father Adrian urged the community not to blame all Ukrainians for the crime. Igor M. remains hospitalized under arrest.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The All-Ukrainian Prayer and Fasting Marathon has united Christian churches across 23 Ukrainian regions and believers abroad, according to RISU. Initiated by the Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine with support from the Ukrainian Interchurch Council, the project aims to foster unity in prayer for the nation, its defenders, and a just peace. Churches take turns leading weekly vigits throughout the year to ensure continuous intercession. Recent participants included congregations from Zakarpattia, Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Volyn, and Zaporizhzhia. The initiative also involves Orthodox, Catholic, and Greek Catholic communities in some areas, with support from diaspora groups in the US and Europe.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Ukrainian Protestant churches received the European Hope Award in Golem, Poland, for their service during the war. The Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine was honored at the Hope for Europe 2026 conference. Leaders of the European Evangelical Alliance presented the award to a Ukrainian delegation. They praised the churches for humanitarian aid, shelter provision, and unity among different denominations. The group says over 40,000 people were baptized since the invasion began. Igor Bandura, the council's general secretary, thanked European Christians for their support and noted that spiritual ministry continues despite ongoing dangers and losses in Ukraine.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 2 outlets
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇪🇪 Estonia·
The Estonian Christian Orthodox Church has filed a complaint with the European Court of Justice to contest a domestic ruling requiring it to sever administrative links with Moscow. The Estonian Supreme Court upheld the law, giving the church until December 28 to appoint a new metropolitan and cut ties. Lawyers for the church argue the mandate violates religious identity and legal certainty. Meanwhile, the Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs maintains that the state respects freedom of religion but must enforce laws protecting national security from foreign religious influence. The church, formerly linked to the Moscow Patriarchate, claims the government intends to force its dissolution, a claim officials deny.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 1 other outlet
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Andrii Yurash, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Holy See, shared details of a meeting with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi regarding the Vatican envoy’s recent trip to Moscow. According to Yurash, the discussion covered potential prisoner exchanges and aid for civilians in Oleshky. The cardinal visited Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia, describing the experience as deeply troubling but a hopeful first step. Yurash also conveyed gifts from Ukrainian families to the Vatican representative. The visit occurred on September 30, with the Pope sending a message of solidarity to the detainees.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The city of Kalush in Ukraine will transfer a former Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) temple to a new Ukrainian Orthodox Church (OCU) congregation. Mayor Andriy Naida announced on October 6 that Father Fedir Moroz will lead the parish. The decision requires registration with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration. The church on Mykhaila Hrushevskoho Street had been closed since the full-scale invasion began. Local authorities previously attempted to convert the site into a garrison church and veteran support center. Following a vote by parishioners in late 2023 to dissolve the old parish, the land was transferred to the new POCU community in April 2024. The original parish officially ceased operations in July.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has issued an in absentia notice of suspicion to a 61-year-old archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church. According to the SBU Sumy region department, the cleric has systematically collected funds and purchased generators, medical equipment, and camouflage nets for Russian occupying forces since the full-scale invasion began. He supplied these resources to military units in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as equipment used during the 2022 offensive on Kharkiv. The priest also travels to occupied territories to deliver pro-war sermons and urges financial support for the Russian army via Kremlin media. He is currently wanted as he hides in Russia.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Representatives from the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations met with a delegation from the Norwegian Council of Churches in Kyiv. The visit began with a tribute at a war memorial. Ukrainian leaders thanked their Norwegian counterparts for support during the war, including aid for refugees and humanitarian assistance. They also discussed religious persecution in occupied territories. Norwegian officials expressed continued solidarity and interest in Ukraine's defense experience. Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and cooperation between their respective religious bodies. The meeting highlighted the importance of interfaith collaboration amid the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Father Ivan Tsykhuliak, a military chaplain of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, was awarded the US Medal for Military Achievement. The honor was presented during training sessions where Ukrainian clergy shared their pastoral practices. The US Army recognized the chaplain's courage and dedication to supporting soldiers. American representatives expressed gratitude for the spiritual and psychological assistance provided to troops on the front lines. The award highlights the strong partnership between the US military and Ukrainian armed forces in maintaining human dignity and freedom during the ongoing conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, citing Dumka, a Russian drone attack struck the village of Havrylivka in the Barvinkove community, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. The strike damaged a church, two shops, an administrative building, a warehouse, and railway infrastructure. A fire broke out but was extinguished by State Emergency Service rescuers. Power lines were also hit, leaving 1,063 subscribers without electricity while crews worked to restore supply. No injuries were reported in the incident.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A NATO delegation visited the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Ukraine to assess damage caused by a recent Russian drone strike on the Dormition Cathedral. The group, comprising 40 participants from 22 countries including NATO General Lieutenant Remigijus Baltrėnas, toured the impact site and an exhibition detailing the destruction and restoration efforts. According to the reserve's press service, the visit aims to show international partners the threat Russian aggression poses to Ukrainian cultural heritage. The delegation also viewed the Trinity Gate Church after scaffolding removal. A representative performed a cappella for the guests to highlight the need for preservation support.
Translated from Українська
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