Russian President Vladimir Putin told India Today that the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) is “practically banned” in Ukraine. He claimed that parishes are being stripped of their churches, believers forcibly removed, and clergy prosecuted. Linking this to Kyiv’s recent legislation enabling a ban on the UOC, Putin said Russia seeks to protect “its people, the Russian language and religious tradition” in the affected territories.

The Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC reported the emergency hospitalization of Metropolitan Theodosius after a month of serious illness. His condition improved slightly by 5 December, according to Ukrainian media. Doctors are conducting broad diagnostics, including tests for toxic substances, and sources have suggested potential heavy-metal poisoning. The hierarch has been under prolonged criminal investigation, and his health has repeatedly arisen in court hearings. The diocese called on believers to pray for his recovery.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his first foreign tour with events significant for Orthodox–Catholic relations. A meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul resulted in a joint declaration affirming the Churches’ commitment to restoring full communion, rejecting the use of religion to justify violence, and commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.

During a visit to Lebanon, the Pope met Christian and Muslim leaders. Patriarch John X of Antioch welcomed him, highlighting the historic role of the Eastern Churches and the unique place of Antioch, where the followers of Christ were first called Christians. He described Lebanon as “breathing with two lungs — Christian and Muslim” and expressed hope for strengthened peace.

In Armenia, Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, the chief secretary of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was arrested on charges of involvement in planting drugs on a 2018 protester. His lawyer called the accusations absurd and politically motivated, while the Church in Etchmiadzin said pressure on the clergy is escalating. A court ordered two months of detention. The case unfolds amid growing conflict between the state and the Armenian Church.

Representatives of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa concluded an educational mission in Kenya, held from 11 to 28 November. Russian clergy trained local priests from seven deaneries in liturgical practice and held seminars for clergy, catechists, youth leaders and women’s groups. They also delivered service books, liturgical items and educational materials. The visit ended with a meeting at the Russian Embassy and a liturgy at the Church of Apostle Barnabas in Aorachuodo.

Orthodox parishes in Thailand have joined relief efforts after devastating floods in the country’s south. With Metropolitan Sergius’s blessing, churches collected donations and transferred 40,000 baht to the Thai Red Cross. The floods have killed 181 people, affected millions, and severely damaged infrastructure. Authorities and the army continue evacuation and recovery operations.

After a reservoir failure left more than 100,000 residents in Prahova County without drinking water, the Romanian Orthodox Church delivered 17,250 liters of bottled water to St Paraskeva Church in Câmpina. Acting on the initiative of Patriarch Daniel, the Church is supplying schools, hospitals and local communities as authorities warn that water service may not resume before next week.

The 11th Christmas Educational Readings opened in Minsk under the theme “Enlightenment and Modernity: Personality Formation and the Challenges of the Times.” Metropolitan Benjamin emphasized the need for cooperation between the Church, state and society to address issues such as technological influence and information overload. The forum includes conferences, roundtables and exhibitions, and has already honored winners of the “Light of Mercy” contest. The event runs until 10 December.