In RF, former parishioner of Evangelical Church orders murder of two pastors
Illustrative image: an arrest of a criminal. Photo: free sources
On October 16, 2025, an official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia reported the arrest of a former parishioner of an Evangelical Church who ordered the murder of two pastors in the Krasnodar region. The man approached hitmen, promising to pay them 1 million rubles for the execution of the community's ministers.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the suspect transferred 30 thousand rubles to the alleged perpetrator as a down payment. The murder order was related to "religious hatred and intolerance". A criminal case has been initiated against the detainee under the article on attempted murder for hire.
In footage released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the man admits his guilt and states his readiness to face punishment. According to him, the motives for his actions were "personal". The names of specific religious organizations to which the conflict participants belonged are not specified in official reports.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Kryvyi Rih, a UOC priest was attacked with an axe during the Liturgy.
Read also
DESS expert: Phanar Exarch asked bail for Chernyshov under pressure from SBU
A religious-studies commentator aligned with the OCU said the scandalous appearance of the Bishop of Comana – offering to stand surety for an official accused of large-scale corruption – was prompted by the SBU.
Persecuted UOC cathedral community holds worship in new premises
The persecuted UOC community in Volodymyr continues its liturgical life, gathering for prayer in a makeshift space.
Charismatic pastor urges “re-baptizing” UOC faithful to sever ties with RF
A Ukrainian Protestant pastor said he considers baptisms in the UOC invalid and called on Orthodox believers to undergo the rite again.
OCU “bishop”: UOC celebrates Christmas on January 7 to divide Ukrainians
Firley believes it is not those imposing the new calendar style who are dividing Ukrainian society, but those who have remained on the old one.
UOC church rector killed by shelling in Hryshyne village
In Donetsk Region, Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko – who had served for many years in a frontline village – was killed during shelling.
Cabinet extends religious communities’ use of state property to up to 50 years
The government has changed the rules for transferring religious sites, increasing contract terms and establishing priority for communities that have already been using the churches.