Russian occupation authorities formally banned the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) and Catholic humanitarian groups in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, labeling them “foreign intelligence” entities.
All Greek- and Latin-rite Catholic priests have been expelled or fled, leaving “not a single Catholic priest” serving in the occupied territories, according to UGCC leadership.
Russian forces have killed nearly 70 clergy and destroyed over 630 places of worship in Ukraine, with occupation authorities central to the repression.
Catholic churches and properties have been seized and rededicated for the Russian Orthodox Church, described by UGCC leadership as a sacrilege.
Two UGCC Redemptorist priests, Fr. Ivan Levitsky and Fr. Bohdan Geleta, were abducted in late 2022 and subjected to torture while held in Russian custody.
Experts testifying to U.S. lawmakers described the situation for Christians in occupied Ukraine as worse than Soviet-era repression, with Catholics among targeted groups.
Catholic observers report that the war is not merely military but also a campaign to erase independent churches and impose a Moscow-aligned religious regime.
Persecution of Catholics in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Why This Matters For U.S. Catholics
The Catholic faithful in Ukraine are facing religious persecution and risks to life and ministry in the occupied zones.
As Catholics in America, our prayers and voices can stand in solidarity with those whose freedom to worship and serve is under attack.
Awareness is the first step toward advocacy—so that the suffering of our Catholic brothers and sisters behind the front lines is not forgotten.
How You Can Help
Pray for the safety of Catholic clergy and laity in occupied Ukraine, and for the release of those unjustly detained.
• Support Catholic relief and aid efforts working in Ukraine through trusted agencies.
• Encourage your parish or diocese to mark a day of remembrance or petition, drawing attention to religious freedom in Ukraine.
• Stay informed by subscribing to Catholic news outlets covering religious persecution globally.
Current Ukrainian Cities Occupied
vs Comparable U.S. Cities
Under Occupation
Population
Comp. U.S. City
Population
Sevastopol
485,386
Omaha, NE
486,051
Simferopol
360,260
Cleveland, OH
372,624
Yalta
137,947
Pasadena, CA
138,699
Donetsk
901,645
Charlotte, NC
874,579
Luhansk
397,677
Tampa, FL
384,959
Mariupol (pre-war)
425,681
Minneapolis, MN
429,954
Mariupol (current)
120,000
Cambridge, MA
118,403
Melitopol
148,851
Svannah, GA
147,780
Nova Kakhova
44,427
San Luis Obispo, CA
47,063
Berdiansk
106,311
Boulder, CO
108,250
Watch the Feature Film
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