The number of military chaplains serving in Armed Forces of Ukraine revealed
Military chaplains. Photo: AFU's StratCom
Over 300 priests from 13 religious organizations serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to StratCom. The agency noted that the official chaplaincy service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) was established in 2021, though its roots date back to 2014 when the Russian invasion of Crimea and Donbas began.
"Chaplains are present alongside the military both on the front lines and in the rear or in hospitals. They pray with the soldiers, conduct religious ceremonies, and provide spiritual support to those in need," StratCom noted.
In November 2021, the Verkhovna Rada approved a law on the Military Chaplaincy Service, according to which a chaplain must have a mandate to perform this activity and sign a contract for officer service. Chaplains serve in the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service.
In March 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine added an article to the chaplaincy law stating that a person belonging to a religious organization with a governing center in an aggressor state cannot serve as a military chaplain.
As reported by the UOJ, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) previously explained why their clergy are reluctant to serve as chaplains on the front lines.
Read also
Constantinople hierarch: We hope the ROC helps bring one Church in Ukraine
The Metropolitan of Chalcedon said that the Church of Constantinople is hoping for the ROC's good will for dialogue on the Ukrainian issue.
Suspended bishop files a lawsuit against the Church in Armenia
The lawsuit by a hierarch banned from serving against the leadership of the Armenian Church is the first such case in modern Armenia, where the Church is separated from the state.
Bosnia’s Interreligious Council speaks out against creating “Bosnian Church”
The Interreligious Council of Bosnia rejected an attempt to form a separate religious structure outside the canonical jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Germany sends €63 million to international abortion organizations – media
Despite official statements, German authorities allocated tens of millions of euros in 2022–2025 to organizations promoting abortion abroad.
Pashinyan says Catholicos’ activities threaten Armenia’s security
At a briefing in Yerevan, Armenia’s head of government said the Catholicos poses a threat to the state.
Dumenko: Russian shelling only underscores the “canonical” status of the OCU
Serhiy Dumenko assured that the OCU “opposes discord by seeking accord, peace, and unity.”