A documentary about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was premiered in Moscow on December 3 at the Church Council Hall of Christ the Savior Cathedral. The film highlights the religious oppression in Ukraine, featuring the writer Yan Taksyura, who was detained by the SBU. Among the attendees was His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. Emir Kusturica, the creator of the film, was awarded the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

During the film's premiere, Patriarch Kirill emphasized that, spiritually, Russia and Ukraine are one country. He noted that the Russian Orthodox Church helps maintain unity between the two nations and expressed confidence that, despite external efforts to tear them apart, the spiritual bond based on Orthodoxy enables them to endure all trials.

Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy shared an interview this week about the hardships faced by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He described the violent attack on the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy on October 17, 2024, by supporters of the OCU, using batons, firearms, and tear gas against the faithful, including clergy. He compared the situation to the persecutions of the Soviet era, marked by violence and oppression.

Metropolitan Ephrem of Aleppo and Iskenderun declared his commitment to remain with his parishioners in besieged Aleppo despite escalating conflict. He emphasized the importance of pastoral care and continuing church services as circumstances allow. The Archbishops of Cyprus and Albania expressed their support for the Patriarch of Antioch, praying for peace in the region.

The authorities in Tallinn have doubled the rent for the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, citing the country's decision to sever canonical ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. The church is required to vacate its premises by July 2024, but has appealed the decision in court. While the legal process is ongoing, the church will pay the increased rent.

The Georgian Orthodox Church condemned President Salome Zourabichvili’s call for schoolchildren to join protests against the suspension of negotiations for Georgia’s EU membership. The Church expressed concern over violence during the protests and urged parents to keep children out of demonstrations. Metropolitan Shio of Senaki also called for prayers for peace and reconciliation.

Father Sergius Voyemava, a priest from the North African Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, was awarded the Order of Merit for his social and educational service, including his work with orphans and leading the Sergey Radonezhsky Orthodox school in the Central African Republic.

Sales of religious literature, particularly the Bible, have surged in Russia since the beginning of 2024. Bible sales increased by 52% compared to 2023, with a notable interest in the Synodal translation of 1876. Online platform Wildberries reported a 2.2-fold increase in Bible sales, and similar trends are seen in the U.S., where Bible sales rose by 22%.

On December 2, the Romanian Church celebrated the feast day of two newly canonized saints, Paisius (Olaru) and Cleopa (Ilie), both from the 20th century. The Divine Liturgy was led by Bishop Damaschin of Dornei. Their canonization will be officially declared next year, marking the 140th anniversary of the autocephaly of the Romanian Church.