UPDATE: Fr. Pavlo Stepaniuk Approved to Serve Near His Parish Before Discharge

RIVNE, UKRAINE — The Rivne Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) announced that Protopresbyter Pavlo Stepaniuk has completed the military-medical commission process and will continue serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the village where he ministers as a parish priest, pending his legal demobilization.

In a statement published on the eparchy's official social media page, church leaders thanked the faithful for their prayers, encouragement, and concern for Fr. Pavlo, who serves the parish in the village of Zalavy in the Dubno district. The eparchy said he qualifies for demobilization under Ukrainian law and that, once all required legal procedures have been completed, he will be formally discharged from military service.

Until then, Fr. Pavlo will serve with the military in Mlyniv, allowing him to continue celebrating the Divine Services and providing pastoral care to his parish. The eparchy expressed hope that the arrangement would enable him to fulfill both his military responsibilities and his priestly ministry during the transition period.

Church officials also thanked the command of the Operational Command "West" for what they described as its understanding and support in approving the decision. Concluding its statement, the eparchy offered prayers for Ukraine's clergy and for peace in the country, asking God's blessing upon all who faithfully carry out their duties to both God and Ukraine.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the UOC reported the disruption of an outdoor service in Ukraine.