Head of the OСU meets with chaplains from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

On April 11, 2025, a meeting took place between Epiphany Dumenko and the chaplains of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. The visit was led by Konstantin Kholodov, the head of the Chaplaincy Service of the Main Intelligence Directorate, along with his colleagues Pavel Osnovenko and Volodymyr Romanyshyn. This was reported by the OCU’s official website.

According to the report, during the meeting, the support of Ukrainian soldiers was discussed, with particular attention given to the development of the military chaplaincy institution.

In addition, Epiphany congratulated Lieutenant Colonel of the Military Chaplaincy Service Konstantin Kholodov on his 50th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the head of the OCU presented him with the Order of the Holy Archangel Michael of the second degree and a personal cross.

It should be noted that Ukrainian religious scholar Hennadiy Khrystokin believes that the OCU and the UOC are not ready for dialogue. Among the reasons he outlined, he pointed to the conflict-laden nature of their relationship. Khrystokin confirmed that the OCU, taking advantage of the moment, is expanding at the expense of UOC parishes and, having received «a vote of confidence» from the authorities and society, is effectively seeking revenge on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for past grievances.