Government and AUCCRO discuss ways to “cooperate even more effectively”
The meeting took place at Kyiv’s “Temple of Peace.” Photo: DESS
On May 22, 2025, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Olena Kovalska and Head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) Viktor Yelensky met with members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) at the “Temple of Peace” in Kyiv.
According to rhe DESS’s press service, the meeting focused on discussing further ways of cooperation between the state and religious organizations.
“This meeting was a continuation of discussions and a specification of the actions mentioned back in April during the meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky,” the statement said. “They discussed how the state and churches could cooperate even more effectively.”
Olena Kovalska and religious leaders also discussed plans for holding a “National Prayer Breakfast.”
Viktor Yelensky gave an update on the implementation of the Cabinet resolution regarding exemption of clergy from military mobilization.
As previously reported by the UOJ, DESS had earlier been unable to say when the exemption process for clergy would begin.
Read also
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.