Government adopts amendments to Chaplaincy Law
Chaplain. Photo: UOJ
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved changes to the Regulations on the Procedure for Issuing a Mandate for the Right to Carry Out Military Chaplaincy Activities, reports Taras Melnychuk, the Permanent Representative of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to the Verkhovna Rada.
According to Melnychuk, the regulation "On Amendments to Some Laws of Ukraine Regarding Ensuring the Rights of Servicemen and Policemen to Social Protection" has been adopted.
Now, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience has grounds to refuse chaplaincy mandates to a religious organization that is recognized as part of a religious organization whose governing center is located in a state recognized as having committed armed aggression against Ukraine and/or temporarily occupied part of the territory of Ukraine.
As the UOJ reported, in August 2023, the most mandates were issued to the OCU – 494. Of these, only 97 people, or 20%, are in the army. A similar situation exists with the UGCC. Out of 91 mandates, only 25 individuals serve as chaplains in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, priests of the UOC are not allowed to serve as chaplains on the front lines, while those from the OCU and UGCC are not willing to.
Read also
Archbishop Atanasie Enthroned as First Romanian Orthodox Bishop in the UK
In a historic ceremony marked by royal and patriarchal blessings, Archbishop Atanasie assumes leadership of over 1.4 million Romanian Orthodox faithful in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
A Bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church Serves in the Birthplace of Saints Cyril and Methodius
May 10, 2025—Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with Bishop Jovan of Pakrac and Slavonia from the Serbian Orthodox Church, at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Thessaloniki.
Abp. Elpidophoros Approves "Food-sensitive" Eucharist
When Accessibility Crosses the Line: A Call for Faithful Integrity in Liturgical Practice
Kenyan Orthodox Priest Targeted, Guard Severely Wounded in Machete Attack
"We must not repay violence with violence." —Fr. Antipas
Procession of the Icon of the Theotokos at the Holy Monastery of Iveron on Mount Athos
Monks and pilgrims accompanied the Iveron Icon in a solemn procession around the Monastery and along the shore on Bright Tuesday.
The Mystery of Christian Love - Eulogy for the Funeral of Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon
In his eulogy, Igumen Gabriel, Abbot-elect of Holy Cross, spoke of Fr. Panteleimon’s legacy and spiritual testament.