A 24-hour legal assistance hotline has been launched for clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to address questions regarding mobilization

A 24-hour hotline has begun operating in Ukraine to provide legal support to clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). This measure was taken in response to the increasing number of cases of forced mobilization of clergy. This was reported by Archpriest Nikita Chekman, a lawyer for the UOC.

As the UOC’s attorney explained, the initiative was prompted by the growing number of inquiries from the clergy. By calling +38 (093) 000-84-42, clergy members can promptly receive expert advice on issues related to mobilization and military service, as well as legal assistance when dealing with representatives of regional recruitment centers (RRCs) and other government agencies.

A key feature of the project is that services are provided free of charge and are available 24/7. This is critically important in emergency situations requiring immediate legal assessment, particularly when summonses are served or in cases of forced detention.

As a reminder, Viktor Yelensky, head of Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, previously stated officially that his agency does not grant exemptions from mobilization to clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).