DESS updates the list of clergy exemptions for religious organizations
State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS). Illustration: DESS / dess.gov.ua
On October 8, 2025, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) published an updated list of religious organizations recognized as critical for the functioning of the economy and ensuring the life of the population during a special period.
The list includes 9,216 legal entities – religious organizations that passed the verification process in accordance with the criteria approved by DESS Order No. N-21/11 of February 5, 2025, and registered by the Ministry of Justice. The list features structures of various confessions, including the OCU, as well as Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern religious associations.
Observers note that, once again, the updated list omits organizations belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which traditionally unites a significant portion of the country’s Orthodox faithful. Representatives of the UOC have repeatedly stated that such exclusions reflect a discriminatory approach in the formation of these lists.
Earlier, the UOJ reported Metropolitan Anthony’s statement that the mobilization of UOC clergy constitutes a deliberate desecration of the priesthood.
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.