Ukraine
Let’s celebrate the Epiphany with an eye on the future
By Thomas Reese — January 4, 2023
(RNS) — In the West, the Epiphany is about the Magi. In the East, it is about the baptism of the Lord. But it is also about the second coming of Christ.
How the war in Ukraine dominated this year’s online searches for Bible verses
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 28, 2022
(RNS) — YouVersion reported that users' engagement with the Bible rose by 55% this year in Ukraine, which neighboring Russia invaded in February.
US targets Russian mercenary group over religious freedom
By Matthew Lee — December 4, 2022
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Friday placed a well-known Russian paramilitary organization on a list of religious freedom violators alongside a number of notorious terrorist organizations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced he had designated the Wagner Group as an “entity of particular concern” for its activities in the Central African Republic. Also […]
Ukraine searches monastic complex, prompting anger in Moscow
By Hanna Arhirova — November 22, 2022
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Ukrainian counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism service said the search is part of its "systematic work to counter the subversive activities of the Russian special services in Ukraine."
Cardinal asks bishops to challenge lawmakers who want to cut Ukraine aid
By Jack Jenkins — November 16, 2022
BALTIMORE (RNS) — The suggestion, which drew applause from bishops, appeared directed at Republicans who have suggested reducing aid to Ukraine.
World Council of Churches head meets with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill
By Jack Jenkins — October 20, 2022
(RNS) — The Patriarch reportedly said churches 'must not add fuel to the fire' of political conflict but has been widely accused of doing just that.
On Yom Kippur, a Ukrainian couple finds a new Jewish home in North Carolina
By Yonat Shimron — October 4, 2022
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — Vladislav Bedereu, a ballet dancer and opera singer, and Elizabeth Orela, a theater actress, gave up their lives and livelihoods in Odesa.
At World Council of Churches gathering, Russian church keeps its membership
By Jack Jenkins — September 9, 2022
(RNS) — The 11th assembly of the World Council of Churches approved a statement on Thursday (Sept. 8) regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
From shoeboxes to war zones: How Samaritan’s Purse became a $1 billion humanitarian aid powerhouse
By Yonat Shimron and Bob Smietana — September 9, 2022
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (RNS) — Now one of the largest US nonprofits, its growth has come largely through frontline work in public health crises and natural disasters around the world.
Patriarch Kirill cancels Kazakhstan trip and chance to meet with Pope Francis
By Jack Jenkins — August 24, 2022
(RNS) — For the second time this year, an in-person meeting between the two global religious leaders has fallen apart.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens a cultural heritage the two countries share, including Saint Sophia Cathedral
By J. Eugene Clay — July 28, 2022
(The Conversation) — Saint Sophia Cathedral was built under the reign of Grand Prince Yaroslav, whose father, Volodymyr, converted the region to Christianity.
Ukraine Muslims pray for victory, end of occupation
By Francesca Ebel — July 11, 2022
KOSTIANTYNIVKA, Ukraine (AP) — The mosque in Kostiantynivka used to cater for a local Muslim population of several hundred people. On Saturday, few local residents were present, having journeyed west with their families. Instead the congregation was made up of soldiers or combat medics.
Incoming WCC head Jerry Pillay: ‘Our task is to proclaim God’s name’
By Jack Jenkins — July 5, 2022
(RNS) —The Rev. Jerry Pillay told Religion News Service that controversy after his election to lead the World Council of Churches was ‘expected.’
Pope denies resignation rumors, hopes to visit Kyiv, Moscow
By Associated Press — July 5, 2022
ROME (AP) — He said his knee is ‘slowly getting better’ with laser and magnet therapy.
UK sanctions Russian Orthodox head; decries forced adoption
By Associated Press — June 16, 2022
LONDON (AP) — Truss also targeted children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, who has been accused of enabling the taking of 2,000 vulnerable children from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine and facilitating their forced adoptions in Russia.
