DESS has not yet prepared lists for clergy exemptions
Illustrative photo: Suspilne
Back in December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers announced that clergy would be eligible for military service exemptions and instructed the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) to prepare a corresponding list. However, in response to an inquiry by Interfax-Ukraine regarding the list of religious organizations considered critically important for the economy and essential services during a special period, DESS gave a vague reply.
“Work is currently underway to compile such a list,” the agency stated. It added that there is still no information regarding the number or names of religious organizations granted critical status. There is also no information about the number of clergy exempted from military service, as the exemption process will only begin after the list is approved.
DESS is conducting a phased review of over 30,000 religious organizations. The timeline for completing this process remains unknown.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, clergy of the UOC are expected to face difficulties obtaining military exemptions.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.