Rivne Eparchy provides update on mobilized 59-year-old cleric
Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk. Photo: Rivne Eparchy
The Rivne Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has reported that Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk, rector of the Presentation Church in the village of Zalavie, Dubno district, who was previously mobilized by TCC officers, has passed a military medical examination and has grounds for discharge provided by law. The statement was published on the eparchy’s official Facebook page.
The eparchy said that until all necessary procedures are completed, the priest will perform military service in the settlement of Mlyniv – the place of his pastoral ministry.
“We hope this will allow Father Pavlo to continue celebrating services and providing spiritual care to his parish,” the statement said.
The Rivne Eparchy stressed that all further steps would be taken in accordance with current Ukrainian law and that, once all required procedures had been completed, Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk would be legally discharged from the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The eparchy also thanked the command of Operational Command West “for its understanding, support, and the decision allowing Father Pavlo to perform military service at the place of his pastoral ministry.”
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Rivne Eparchy said that Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk had been mobilized despite having documents confirming the need to provide constant care for his sick mother.
Read also
Vatican on Ukraine diplomacy: "The results are rather limited"
The Vatican has pledged to continue its diplomatic efforts despite the lack of progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Volyn TRC explains mobilization of UOC cathedral deacon in Volodymyr
The Volyn TRC says no force was used against the UOC deacon and that he was eligible for mobilization because he had no valid exemption or deferment.
Mukachevo Metropolitan consecrates altar for UOC community in Shenborn
Before the Divine Liturgy at St. Michael’s Church in Shenborn, the hierarchs performed the rite of consecration of the altar.
ROCOR Synod responds to upcoming award ceremomy for Zelensky in U.S.
ROCOR hierarchs said plans by representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to honor a political leader have caused concern among Orthodox Christians in America.
Bulgarian faithful oppose Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to country
Laity and clergy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church are asking the Synod to cancel Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to the Rila Monastery.
OCU “hierarch”: UOC metropolitan’s service in Jerusalem caused us pain
Ilarion Protsyk told Metropolitan Pimen of Rivne that Ukrainians must remain Ukrainian even in Jerusalem.