Without UOC: DESS announces new stage of clergy exemptions
War in Ukraine, illustrative image. Photo: open sources
The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has opened the second stage of the reservation process for clergy employed in critically important religious organizations, according to the agency’s official website.
On November 8, 2025, the DESS order “On Approving the Procedure for Submitting Documents for Reserving Clergy During Mobilization and Wartime” came into force, establishing the mechanism for submitting exemption documents.
The first stage covered only the heads of religious organizations – one per organization listed in the Unified State Register. The new stage now extends the reservation process to all other clergy employed under labor contracts in religious organizations deemed critically important and included in the official list.
Notably, as before, clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) are excluded from the reservation list. According to DESS official Vyacheslav Horshkov, the agency cites unresolved issues related to Law No. 2662-VIII on the renaming of religious groups whose leadership centers are allegedly located in an aggressor state. To apply for reservation, the UOC would need to comply with this law – which in practice means acknowledging “affiliation” with the Russian Orthodox Church, the official noted.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that UOC Chancellor Metropolitan Anthony called the mobilization of UOC clergy a deliberate desecration of holy orders.
Read also
Radicals decide to contribute to case against Kyiv Metropolis
A radical called on concerned citizens to show their position in the court case against the Kyiv Metropolis.
Shevchuk tells ex-Naftogaz chief how UGCC prepared for shelling
The Uniate leader discussed preparations for a difficult winter with the former Naftogaz chief and proposed cooperation on energy supply.
Bulgarian theologian calls silence over murder in Sviatohirsk grave sin
Theologian Georgi Todorov condemned the silence of the media about the attack on the Sviatohirsk Lavra.
Pilgrims of Volyn Eparchy meet with Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos
Believers of the Volyn Eparchy presented the Primate of the Jerusalem Church with a facsimile edition of the Lutsk Gospel.
NSDC center condemns ROC Patriarch's visit to wounded metropolitan
The Center for Countering Disinformation under the NSDC stated that the ROC has nothing to do with faith or spirituality.
New National Guard unit created in Uman to protect Hasidic pilgrims
A new National Guard unit has been established in Uman, with its members learning Hebrew to ensure the safety of Hasidic pilgrims.