RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Mission Eurasia study reports that religious belief in Ukraine has strengthened despite Russian destruction of at least 737 places of worship. According to RISU, the share of self-identified believers rose from 68% to 74%, with the largest increase among 18-to-24-year-olds. Registered religious organizations also grew by nearly 10%. The article highlights pastor Mark Sergiyev, who continues serving in Kyiv after losing his church in Melitopol. Researchers note that faith provides psychological resilience and community support during the war, proving that Russia cannot destroy Ukrainian spiritual life.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 2 outlets
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Patriarch Sviatoslav, thanked those who helped evacuate residents from Oleshky, a city on occupied territory where people had been starving for months. He emphasized that many similar cities exist under occupation and urged the world to remember human rights violations, including torture and religious persecution. The Patriarch also expressed gratitude for the visit of Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, who traveled to Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, and Kyiv. Additionally, he condemned a recent Russian missile strike on a train station in Dnipro on October 29, which killed 15 people and injured over 15 others, including an 11-year-old boy.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Representatives of Caritas Ukraine greeted residents evacuated from Oleshky at the border with Belarus. According to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church's information department, Caritas specialists worked with the Office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman over the past week to assess needs and arrange departures to government-controlled territory. At the border, a warm tent provided SIM cards, food, internet, and psychological support. The organization also arranged transport for relatives meeting the evacuees. Upon arrival in Ukraine, individuals were taken to a hospital, where Caritas will continue to assist with their adaptation.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (VRCiRO) issued a statement on October 31 thanking those involved in the humanitarian mission to Oleshky in the Kherson region. The council expressed gratitude to Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets, his team, and Western partners, particularly the United States, for facilitating agreements between Ukrainian and Russian ombudsmen. The mission relied on a ceasefire to deliver aid and evacuate residents. VRCiRO praised Pope Leo XIV and expressed hope that this model could be applied to other areas, while reaffirming prayers for an end to the war.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
On October 29, a papal envoy visited Zaporizhzhia and Poltava in Ukraine to deliver humanitarian assistance to war-affected communities. According to Vatican News, the delegation met with displaced persons and those suffering from food shortages. In Zaporizhzhia, the envoy supported the Apostolic Almoner’s efforts to distribute bread and canned goods, including a donated oven used by Catholic and Protestant groups. The visit also included a stop at a humanitarian center in the Donetsk Exarchate, where aid was provided for a sheltered school and kindergarten. In Poltava, funds were left to help refugees with essential supplies like medicine and winter clothing, as reported by RISU.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Women of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Lviv participated in a training session focused on developing leadership skills for social service, according to Eleos-Ukraine. Trainer and psychologist Nataliia Bordun reported that participants were motivated to take initiative and organize larger community projects. The program, implemented by Eleos-Ukraine in partnership with Dan Church Aid and Norwegian Church Aid, aims to support mental health during the war in Ukraine. It is funded by the Norwegian government and conducted in cooperation with the Lviv Theological Seminary.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Papal Almoner, visited the UGCC Patriarchal Center in Kyiv on October 27. He was accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas and UGCC Patriarchal Economist Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorsky. During the visit, the Archbishop met with Bishop Yosyf Milian and toured the center's social kitchen and media studio. According to RISU, the delegation aims to demonstrate Pope Leo XIV's support for Ukrainians suffering from war. The mission includes visits to Kyiv, Fastiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia until October 30. The group says the trip highlights the universal Church's solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A delegation from the World Council of Churches met with the State Service for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Ukraine (Dess). Head of Dess Viktor Yelensky discussed Ukraine's religious pluralism, the role of churches in national defense, and interfaith relations. The WCC members explained their membership procedures. Topics included chaplaincy services, alternative military service, and believers in occupied territories. The meeting addressed potential Orthodox harmony and ecumenical movement perspectives. This dialogue highlights ongoing efforts to integrate Ukrainian religious structures into international ecumenical frameworks while navigating complex geopolitical realities.
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·
Papal Almoner Archbishop Luis Marina de San Martín visited a Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish in Shchaslyve, Ukraine, accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas. The visit aims to demonstrate Pope Leo XIV's closeness to those suffering from the war and to observe church charity work. Father Hryhoriy Berezhyk presented the War Wounds Healing Center, supported by the Patriarchal Foundation 'Wise Cause' and L'Œuvre d'Orient. The mission, lasting until October 30, includes stops in Kyiv, Fastiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia to support communities affected by conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A papal envoy visited Caritas Spes Ukraine in Kyiv to discuss the ongoing war and humanitarian needs. The meeting included displaced women from Bakhmut who shared their experiences of loss and displacement. Participants included Caritas Spes Ukraine President Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskyi, Executive Director Father Vyacheslav Hrynevych, Deputy Executive Director Olena Voychyk, and Kyiv Director Father Andriy Peda. The envoy expressed solidarity with Ukrainians and support for the organization's work. The visit highlighted the Church's continued commitment to those affected by nearly five years of full-scale war, emphasizing compassion and shared burden.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The religious community in the village of Romanivka, Zhytomyr region, has voted to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Archbishop Volodymyr announced the transition on October 26, following a unanimous vote by 41 residents on October 24. The decision was driven by dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, particularly regarding the refusal of its clergy to participate in mourning services for fallen soldiers. The former priest remained with the Moscow-linked church but vacated the building. New services will be conducted by Father Ivan Fatych three times a month. This marks the seventh congregation in the region to switch to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine since the start of 2026.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, addressed the Plenary Assembly of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe in Salzburg, Austria, from October 27 to 30. According to RISU, he thanked European bishops for supporting Ukrainian refugees and providing pastoral care. Shevchuk urged them not to tire of this solidarity, stating that Russia's war against Ukraine is a war against all of Europe. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis ahead as winter approaches, noting systematic attacks on infrastructure. The assembly also included representatives from Ukraine and other European countries, with a special prayer for peace held in Salzburg.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, met with Pope Leo XIV shortly after the pontiff's return from the hospital. The Patriarch expressed deep emotion that the Pope wished to hear Ukraine's voice during this time. The meeting highlighted the Pope's solidarity with the Ukrainian people and his advocacy for peace. Shevchuk thanked the Pope for his humanitarian diplomacy and warnings against the war. This discussion occurred following a major Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which damaged areas near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The church leader emphasized the importance of global Catholic support as Ukraine prepares for winter.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine met with a delegation from the World Council of Churches in Kyiv. According to the press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the discussion focused on the religious and socio-political situation amid the ongoing Russian aggression. The delegation aims to better understand the Ukrainian church context as part of the review process for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's application for membership. During the meeting, Metropolitan Epiphanius highlighted the spiritual significance of major Ukrainian shrines, including Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The group expressed hope that the visit would facilitate the collection of necessary information for their decision.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Bishop Vitaliy Krivytskyi, Ordinary of the Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, is traveling to Assisi, Italy, to participate in an interfaith forum. In an interview with Vatican media, he stated his message focuses on the theme 'Prayer saves the world.' He addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, noting that despite five years of conflict, believers must unite their voices in prayer. He emphasized that true peace is linked to justice and expressed gratitude to global supporters who continue to stand with Ukraine. The bishop travels as a pilgrim seeking strength for defenders and the faithful.
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·
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·
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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