Head of State Ethnopolitics: There is a lack of chaplains in Ukraine
Head of the State Ethnopolitics Viktor Yelensky. Photo: My.ua
The head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, Viktor Yelensky, says that Ukraine still lacks military chaplains. He stated this during the national telethon.
“We, the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, want these people to get the necessary skills. A chaplain is not a combatant, he does not pick up a weapon, but he must be able to at least defuse this weapon, he must be able to launch an armored personnel carrier, he must have medical, ethical and other skills,” Yelensky said.
At the same time, the official said that he did not know how long it would take to train chaplains, since military training is only the last stage in the service for which priests have been preparing all their lives.
As the UOJ reported, the UOC did not receive a single chaplaincy mandate; Yelensky said that in order to receive it, the priest needs to leave the UOC.
Read also
Rada speaker discusses legalization of same-sex marriage in Rivne region
Ruslan Stefanchuk suggested that sponsors of separate bills to legalize same-sex marriage personally make their case to Ukrainians.
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.