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
In Chernivtsi, another seizure of UOC cathedral prepared
Believers of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy have been called to intensified prayer due to the threat of a new forceful provocation.
Rivne Eparchy venerates "Life-Giver" Icon of Most Holy Theotokos
On the day of veneration of the "Life-Giving" icon, the UOC hierarchs celebrated the Liturgy and held a procession at the Mezhyrich Monastery.
In Romania, memorial cross placed on site of church demolished under communism
In Bucharest, a monument was blessed on the site of the Spirea Veche Church, which was destroyed in 1984 for the construction of the "House of the People".
Pope calls European military spending as betrayal of diplomacy
The pontiff called on students not to confine themselves within national borders and ideologies.
Rada creates “Seeking the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness” association
The inter-factional parliamentary association in the Verkhovna Rada will be headed by MP Heorhiy Mazurashu.
Trial of Metropolitan Arseniy in Dnipro postponed until June
The hearing at the Chechelivka District Court was postponed due to the defense’s complaint over the replacement of the prosecutorial team and motions filed by three of the four lawyers.