The Rivne Diocese reported on the situation with the mobilized 59-year-old cleric
The UOC diocese reported that Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk has undergone a military medical commission, has legal grounds for demobilization, and will temporarily serve in Mlyniv.
The Rivne Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reported that the rector of the Presentation Church in the village of Zalaviya, Dubno district, Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk, who had previously been mobilized by TCC officers, has undergone a military medical commission and has grounds for demobilization provided for by law. The corresponding statement was published on the official Facebook page of the diocese.
The diocese noted that until all necessary procedures are completed, the clergyman will serve in the town of Mlyniv — at the place of his pastoral ministry.
«We hope that this will give Father Pavlo the opportunity to continue celebrating divine services and spiritually caring for his parish», the statement reads.
The Rivne Diocese emphasized that further actions will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of current Ukrainian legislation, and after the completion of all prescribed procedures, Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk will be discharged from the Armed Forces of Ukraine on legal grounds.
The diocese also expressed gratitude to the command of the operational command «West» «for their understanding, support, and the decision made, which allows Father Pavlo to serve in the military at the place of his pastoral ministry».
As the UOJ previously reported, the Rivne Diocese had stated that Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk was mobilized despite having documents confirming the need for constant care of his sick mother.
