Economes of UGCC Eparchies and Exarchates in Ukraine Discuss Financial Support for Clergy

During a recent online working meeting on February 10, the economes of the eparchies and exarchates of the UGCC in Ukraine discussed the current status and future models of financial stability for the clergy. The meeting was organized by the team of the Patriarchal Economate of the UGCC, led by Father Lyubomyr Yavorskyy.

The main conclusion of the meeting was clear: one-time assistance is no longer sufficient. A comprehensive system is required—one that accounts for the realities of martial law, demographic shifts, and energy security challenges.

Key Challenges: War and Energy

The war has significantly impacted the viability of parishes. Energy security, in particular, has emerged as a critical issue:

• Generator Expenses: Fuel costs for running generators during power outages have become prohibitive (for example, requiring up to 150 liters of fuel for just two days of operation).
• Heating Costs: High gas prices are forcing some communities to completely turn off heating in their churches.
• Vulnerable Families: Special attention must be paid to the clergy in eastern Ukraine, as well as to families in need, particularly widows and children of deceased clergymen left without a breadwinner.

Proposed Solutions and Innovative Projects

To overcome this crisis, the economes proposed a series of practical steps during the discussion:

• Social Guarantees: Official employment of priests, which has been facilitated by administrative reservation mechanisms, ensures proper tax contributions and formal social protection.
• Mutual Aid Funds: Expanding the existing practices of certain eparchies that already operate solidarity funds to provide financial support in cases of illness.
• Education: Implementing financial literacy courses for both seminarians and active priests.

“We must fully account for the context of the war and the depopulation of rural areas. Our objective is to secure a dignified standard of living for every priest so that he can fully dedicate himself to serving his community,” it was emphasized during the discussion.

Next Steps

To develop an objective and effective strategy, a decision was made to conduct an anonymous survey among the clergy to assess the true state of current incomes and needs. The working group will hold its next online meeting on February 18, with an in-person conference scheduled for March to finalize proposals ahead of the Synod.