Russia observed the Day of the Baptism of Rus', the annual church-state commemoration honoring St. Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles. Celebrations in Moscow were led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'. Following the Divine Liturgy in the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, a procession carrying a relic and an icon of St. Vladimir made its way to the monument of the Baptizer of Rus', where a thanksgiving service was held.

In his address, Patriarch Kirill described the Baptism of Rus' as the defining event that shaped the nation's spiritual, cultural, and historical identity. He called on believers to remain faithful to the Christian heritage of St. Vladimir, strengthen national unity, and live according to the Gospel. Special prayers were offered for peace, the Church, the country, and its defenders. In Oryol, a new church at the National Guard headquarters was consecrated as part of the celebrations.

The Russian Orthodox Church commemorated civilians killed in recent drone attacks. In Rostov-on-Don, Metropolitan Mercury celebrated a memorial service for the victims and urged support for the families of those who were killed or injured.

Patriarch Kirill also expressed condolences following a deadly strike on a holiday resort in Kyrylivka, Zaporizhzhia Region, where civilians, including children, lost their lives. He instructed clergy to provide pastoral care for grieving families and to offer prayers for comfort and healing.

Tensions surrounding the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church intensified after proposals were made to remove the Church from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn.

Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, an adviser to Patriarch Kirill, criticized the initiative as disrespectful to the religious feelings of Orthodox believers, noting that the cathedral has repeatedly faced attempts to alter its status throughout history. The dispute comes amid ongoing pressure on the Church following recent legislative changes in Estonia.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is facing an internal dispute involving Archimandrite Nikanor, who concelebrated in Kyiv with Epiphaniy Dumenko, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria suspended Archimandrite Nikanor from priestly ministry for 15 days and initiated disciplinary proceedings, citing violations of canonical order and monastic obedience. Nikanor rejected the decision and publicly criticized the Patriarch on social media. In response, 75 clergy of the Sofia Diocese issued a declaration supporting Patriarch Daniil and calling for the preservation of Church unity and canonical discipline.

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) has adopted new social media guidelines for clergy. Approved by the Eastern American Diocese, the document encourages priests to exercise restraint online, avoid political disputes and personal conflicts, and resist the pursuit of internet popularity.

The guidelines emphasize that a Christian's strongest witness is personal example and that pastoral ministry should remain focused on direct engagement with parishioners, prayer, and works of mercy.

The Orthodox Church of Moldova congratulated the country's newly appointed government led by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

In his message, Metropolitan Vladimir of Moldova stressed that public office should be understood primarily as service to the people. He also reaffirmed the Church's willingness to cooperate with state authorities in promoting family values, the moral education of young people, and the preservation of the country's spiritual heritage.

The Jerusalem Orthodox Church announced the construction of a new church in Amman, Jordan, dedicated to three modern Orthodox saints: St. Paisios the Athonite, St. Sophrony of Jerusalem, and St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia.

The project, blessed by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, is intended to serve a rapidly growing Orthodox community in the Jordanian capital and strengthen the Church's presence in the region.

UNESCO has inscribed the Palestinian village of Sebastia—widely identified with the ancient biblical city of Samaria—on both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.

UNESCO cited concerns about the site's preservation amid the ongoing conflict and proposed development plans. The decision drew mixed reactions: Palestinian officials welcomed the designation, while Israel argued that it fails to adequately recognize the Jewish and Christian heritage of ancient Samaria.