Yelensky informs UCCRO about clergy exemptions
Viktor Yelensky. Photo: DESS website
On March 18, 2025, Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), held a working meeting with members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO), reports the DESS website.
According to the report, “the key topic of discussion was the implementation of Government Resolution No. 76 of January 27, 2023, regarding the exemption of conscripted individuals, particularly clergy, in the context of mobilization.”
It is emphasized that the head of DESS “provided clarifications on this issue,” though the specifics of his explanations were not disclosed.
Additionally, Yelensky discussed border-crossing regulations for clergy with UCCRO members, as well as “the implementation of believers’ right to freedom of religion in accordance with Part Four of Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine.” However, the details of what this entailed were not revealed in the report.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Yelensky was reappointed as the head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics.
Read also
Congresswoman to Ukrainian ambassador: Imprisoning Christians is never good
Anna Paulina Luna wrote to Stefanishyna that justifying the actions of the Ukrainian authorities against the UOC is not good.
Lavra abbot concelebrates with His Beatitude in Boryspil after long break
On the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, Metropolitan Pavel concelebrated with the Primate of the UOC at the Boryspil Cathedral.
The Patriarch of Bulgaria revealed that the issue of the OCU was discussed in Istanbul
According to the head of the BPC, during the visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Ukrainian issue was considered with respect for the position of the Bulgarian Church.
Shevchuk to Cherkasy officials: UGCC is on the information war front lines
The head of the UGCC told officials in Cherkasy region that the church has become an important participant in the information war.
Ukraine’s ambassador to U.S. tells congresswoman why authorities target UOC
According to Stefanishyna, the UOC speaks about persecution because it is “linked to Moscow”.
Christmas procession visits UOC churches in Kamianske
A procession with revered shrines is taking place in the city, before which prayers are offered for peace and for the people of Kamianske.