DESS recommends holding services online during air threat

DESS published recommendations during an air threat. Photo: DESS

The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) published recommendations for holding religious services during a yellow-level air threat. The agency proposed that religious organizations give preference to online broadcasts of services without gathering worshippers.

Officials developed the rules in accordance with the Cabinet of Ministers resolution of September 4, 2026, No. 1092. In the absence of a shelter, communities have the right to hold services by agreement with the community until a shelter is arranged, but for no longer than three months from the date the Cabinet of Ministers resolution enters into force.

Worshippers may enter the premises or venues of events at their own discretion. Officials recommend that organizers give preference to online broadcasts without inviting participants to the venue of full-scale services.

Before events begin, responsible persons are required to announce the procedure for action during a yellow-level threat and to show the location of the shelter. Organizers determine in advance the nearest civil protection shelters capable of accommodating participants and mark the routes with signs.

Leaders must check evacuation routes, open shelter doors, and appoint persons responsible for people's safety. Responsible persons are provided with means of communication and access to official notification channels. Organizers are required to warn worshippers of the prohibition on publishing photos and videos on social media until the event is fully completed.

When sirens sound or a yellow-level drone threat signal is received, responsible persons must suspend the event and escort worshippers to the shelter. If conditions inside the protective structure permit, clergy and laity may continue prayer in the shelter. In the event of escalation and the declaration of a red-level danger, leaders must immediately halt the event and direct all people to the shelter.

As the UOJ reported, DESS gave the Pochaiv Lavra another 60 days to break ties with the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC.

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