UOC KP calls up priests for chaplain ministry in Armed Forces and Interior Ministry Troops

On July 8, 2015, the Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyiv Patriarchate convened under the chairmanship of Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine. The bishops of the UOC-KP discussed theenrolment of priests to chaplain service at the Armed Forces and Interior Troops of Ukraine, as this is essential in the context of Russian aggression.

According to the press service of the Kyiv Patriarchate, the Synod approved to place all priests of the UOC-KP, citizens of Ukraine aged25-55 (except those who are unable for health reasons, or contain particularly important managerial positions) under the obligation to serve as military priests (chaplains) in units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Ministry of Interior of Ukraine, by doing so in consultation with the diocesan bishops and the Synodal Military Department.

Until July 17, 2015, the diocesan bishops must submit the lists of clergymen to serve as military priests (chaplains)to the Administrative Office of the Kyiv Patriarchate.

As for the destination and the term of service, military priests will be seconded one time every 4 months to serve in units of the Armed Forces and Interior Ministry of Ukraine during a month on a rotating basis, one month of service in the military units and three months of service in the parishes. During the detachment, priestswill retain their places of ministry. The Synodal Department of Military Clergymen is entrusted with coordination of clergymen’s activity.

The Synod instructed the Kyiv Patriarchate’s administrative office and the dioceses to provide priests with military camouflage, shoes, and protection means.