DESS has not yet prepared lists for clergy exemptions
Illustrative photo: Suspilne
Back in December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers announced that clergy would be eligible for military service exemptions and instructed the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) to prepare a corresponding list. However, in response to an inquiry by Interfax-Ukraine regarding the list of religious organizations considered critically important for the economy and essential services during a special period, DESS gave a vague reply.
“Work is currently underway to compile such a list,” the agency stated. It added that there is still no information regarding the number or names of religious organizations granted critical status. There is also no information about the number of clergy exempted from military service, as the exemption process will only begin after the list is approved.
DESS is conducting a phased review of over 30,000 religious organizations. The timeline for completing this process remains unknown.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, clergy of the UOC are expected to face difficulties obtaining military exemptions.
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.