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
Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity Supported LGBT
The Ministry of Family published a rainbow logo of a same-sex family and called for respect for homosexuals.
Minkult moved the pagan holiday of Kupala following the PCU calendar reform
The Ministry of Culture published a selection of Kupala festivities and scheduled them for June 20–21 – instead of the traditional night of July 7 in the old style.
FIFA dedicates Iran–Egypt match to LGBT community
FIFA has required Muslim athletes to take part in a “Pride match” featuring rainbow-themed symbolism despite their religious convictions.
Palestinian MFA condemns Israel’s seizure of Jerusalem Church land
Palestine called on the international community to stop the displacement of Christians from Jerusalem.
Czech authorities opt out of Istanbul Convention over “gender ideology”
The government withdrew its consent to ratify the document, calling its provisions destructive to the traditional understanding of sex and family.
Dozens of residents embrace Orthodoxy in Mozambique
After administering the sacrament of Baptism, the priest went on to bless the homes of the newly converted Christians.