Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Ukrainian Catholics Aid Displaced, Face Persecution from Occupation
Imagine a group of Ukrainian Catholics helping people who had to leave their homes because of the war.
They are giving them food, comfort, and a safe place.
The Catholic Church in Ukraine is getting bigger, while another church is losing followers.
Sadly, the Russian government doesn't like the Catholic Church and has stopped them from doing their work.
Some priests have been arrested or kicked out.
The war is making things difficult for people of faith, with accusations of mistreatment by the Russian side.
Ukrainian Catholics in Zaporizhzhia are aiding those displaced from Russian-occupied territories.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is growing, while Orthodox Christianity's popularity has declined.
Russian authorities banned the Ukrainian Catholic Church and charities in occupied areas.
Several priests faced persecution, including arrest and deportation, by Russian forces.
Religion has become intertwined with the war, with accusations of religious persecution by Russia.
- Who
- Ukrainian Catholics, displaced persons, Russian authorities, and clergy members.
- What
- Ukrainian Catholics are aiding displaced people and facing persecution in the context of the ongoing war.
- When
- Ongoing since the 2014 occupation, with increased persecution since the 2022 invasion.
- Where
- Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, and occupied territories including Melitopol and Berdiansk.
- Why
- Due to the Russian occupation and the Ukrainian Catholic Church's stance against it.
Ukrainian Perspective
Russian Perspective
Religious Freedom
Ukrainian Perspective
Russian forces are persecuting Ukrainian Catholics and violating religious freedom.
Russian Perspective
The Russian Foreign Ministry states that actions were taken in accordance with the law and the alliance’s reports are biased.
- Location
- Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
- Church Affiliation
- Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
- Catholic Church Growth
- 12% of the Ukrainian population (2024)
- Exiled Bishop
- Stepan Meniok
- Imprisoned Priests
- Ivan Levitsky, Bohdan Geleta
- Exiled Exarchate
- Donetsk Exarchate