More than 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action since the advent of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. But Samborskyi’s funeral became something of a media spectacle in Ukraine, with dozens of journalists in attendance, in part because Azman has become somewhat of a folk hero in Ukraine since the outbreak of the war. (Klein, Religion News Service)
Read MoreOlder Millennials, younger Gen Xers and those living in the American West are driving the surge of Americans who identify as "religiously unaffiliated," according to the latest census of religious diversity in the U.S. (Contreras, Axios)
Read MoreGeneration Z, the first to grow up with smartphones and tablets, is the most fearful and anxious of any age, the American Bible Society (ABS) said in its latest release from the 2024 State of the Bible. But regular Bible engagement, a practice that attracts only 11 percent of Gen Z, reduces anxiety by half and can improve other markers of emotional health, study authors said in releasing chapter six of the study Sept. 12. (Chandler, Baptist Press)
Read MoreFrancis’ papacy has from the start been one of symbols: the small modest cars he’s used, kissing the feet of criminals, the Casio watch he wears. His destinations are as much a part of his teachings as his homilies, and this trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore was seen as part of how he has defined his papacy. (Bubola, The New York Times)
Read MoreWhile Halloween is a spooky day in its own right, many people also feel uneasy and unlucky on Friday the 13th. This year will see the date occur twice, in September and December. The next one after December won't occur until June 2025. (Hauari, Crowley and Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today)
Read MoreTaylor Swift ‘s dominance continued at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she took home seven awards — including the night’s biggest, the trophy for video of the year. (Sherman, AP News)
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