Ukrainian Bishop Sentenced to Probation for Facilitating False Clergy Certificates to Avoid Military Service

A Ukrainian bishop has been sentenced to three years of imprisonment on probation for issuing false clerical certificates to help conscripts avoid military service. The court in Kalusch, West Ukraine, found that Kyrill Mychajljuk, bishop of the westernmost diocese of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OKU), provided 291 men with forged documents certifying them as deacons, despite them not being clergymen. The bishop collected 2,000 dollars per document, enabling the men to be classified under the clergy category in the national defense register, thus exempting them from military service and basic training.

The court cited the Criminal Code, which could have imposed a sentence of five to eight years, but reduced the penalty due to mitigating factors. These included Mychajljuk’s acknowledgment of guilt, sincere repentance, and active participation in the investigation. Additionally, he had donated nearly 10,000 euros to the Ukrainian armed forces. The bishop exploited his position from June 2023 to November 2025, deceiving military authorities by falsely claiming the men were clergymen.

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OKU), established in 2018, is viewed as highly patriotic and distinct from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOK), which is perceived as closer to Moscow. The Ukrainian government supports the OKU, while challenging the UOK in court over its ties to Russia. Critics argue the sentence reflects leniency toward the OKU, especially since the bishop was aided by a church assistant in the fraud. The church leadership suspended Mychajljuk in November and retired him in February at the age of 62.

Military service evasion through bribes is a widespread issue in Ukraine. In 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that men paid up to 15,000 euros to avoid conscription. The case highlights the broader challenge of balancing national defense with the ethical and legal responsibilities of religious leaders. The bishop’s actions raise questions about the role of religious institutions in civil matters, particularly during times of conflict.

The verdict has sparked discussions about the moral and legal responsibilities of religious leaders in times of war. Proverbs 18:17 reminds that “the first to present his case seems right, but the one who argues his case is considered blameless.” This case underscores the importance of accountability and integrity, even within religious communities. As the Orthodox Church of Ukraine continues to navigate its role in national affairs, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and ethical leadership.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)