Abp. Sylvester Calls for Equal Rights in Clergy Mobilization Debate

KYIV — Abp. Sylvester of Bilogorodsky has published a detailed reflection on the mobilization of clergy under martial law, addressing both legal and canonical dimensions of the issue. He emphasized that discussions around clergy conscription should begin from the principle that “We do not seek privileges, but equal rights with other confessions.”

In his statement, the Archbishop underscored that the Church does not regard war as a normal condition of human life, noting that “the Church of Christ has always considered wars to be the result of the sinfulness of human nature.” At the same time, he affirmed that in the current conflict, when Ukraine faces armed aggression, Christians may take up arms to defend their neighbors and protect the country’s freedom, culture, and national identity. He stressed that the Church supports Ukrainian society and its defenders while continuing to pray for those serving in the Armed Forces.

Abp. Sylvester also described a tension between state law and Orthodox canon law regarding clergy participation in military service. While noting that legislation allows mobilization of priests under certain conditions, he argued that Orthodox canonical tradition forbids clergy from bearing arms. He called for clearer legal regulation and equal treatment across religious communities, insisting that any solution must preserve both constitutional rights and religious conscience.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Ukrainian priest was forcibly mobilized from a hospital despite his health status.