Defense Ministry to launch chaplaincy service by the end of year

The Defense Ministry continues working on the establishment of military chaplaincy service in the Armed Forces. Chaplains will serve not only the army but also in the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service.

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine - Chief of Staff Petro Mehedi says that by the end of year it is planned to launch the chaplaincy service.

UNIAN journalis treported him saying this during the August 11 briefing.

Mehedi noted that the Defense Ministry continued work on the introduction of chaplaincy service in the Armed Forces.

“Pursuant to the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers on chaplaincy service in the Armed Forces, National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, this year the provisions on chaplaincy servicein the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the provision onrespective agencies have been developed ... The introduction of chaplaincy service in the army is scheduled for the end of this year,” the deputy ministersaid.

As previously reported, in July 2014 the Cabinet accepteda requestto introduce military clergy (chaplaincy service service).

The chaplaincy service is planned to be established not only in the army but also in the National Guard and the State Border Service.

It is assumed that "the primary purpose of military priest (chaplain) is a religious care of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their families aimed at deepening of religious life, strengthening positive character traits and moral values.”

The clergymen that were promoted by religious organizations and passed selection signed employment contracts for the positions in the Armed Forces. They belong to the religious personnel and will have the status of military priests (chaplains) with respective rights.