In brief
- Military Chaplain’s Day in Ukraine: 12 October (in 2026, this falls on a Monday).
- Established by: the Interfaith Council on Military Chaplaincy under the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
- International date: 25 October — International Military Chaplain’s Day (Commemoration Day of Saint Martin the Merciful).
- Legal status: Determined by the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Military Chaplaincy Service’ No. 1915-IX of 30 November 2021.
When is Military Chaplain’s Day in 2026
The holiday is celebrated in Ukraine every year on 12 October. According to the Religious Information Service (RISU), this date was established by the Interfaith Council on Military Chaplaincy under the Ministry of Defence. Official authorities also list 12 October in their list of commemorative dates.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 October | Monday |
| 2027 | 12 October | Tuesday |
| 2028 | 12 October | Thursday |
The original minutes of the Interfaith Council are not publicly available, but the date has been officially confirmed by religious media and government authorities.
Why are there two dates: 12 and 25 October
25 October — the feast day of Saint Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours. The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church designates this day as International Military Chaplain’s Day. According to the publication ‘ArmyInform’, Saint Martin is regarded as the founder and patron saint of the military clergy.
Previously (notably in 2023), the Ukrainian media sometimes cited 25 October as the main date. However, recent publications and official sources have established 12 October as National Military Chaplain’s Day. References to 25 October in older news reports relate to the international context or previous practice.
Who is a military chaplain under the law
The Law of Ukraine ‘On the Military Chaplaincy Service’ No. 1915-IX was adopted on 30 November 2021 (current version – dated 4 May 2024). It is worth noting that volunteer chaplaincy has been operating in Ukraine since 2014.
Key requirements for a chaplain (Articles 1 and 7 of the Law):
Official status: A military chaplain is a member of the armed forces who holds an officer’s post within the Military Chaplaincy Service and possesses the relevant mandate.
Citizenship and subordination: Ukrainian citizenship is mandatory, as is the status of a clergyman of a religious organisation registered in Ukraine.
Mandate: An official mandate must be obtained from the governing body of one’s denomination.
Education: A higher theological education is required (the provision of Part 2 of Article 7 shall come into full force 5 years after the adoption of the law).
Restrictions: Representatives of organisations whose governing body is located in an aggressor state are prohibited from carrying out chaplaincy work (Article 7(3), added by Law No. 3621-IX of 21 March 2024).
Quotas and numbers
The strength of the Military Chaplaincy Service shall be no less than 0.15 per cent of the maximum authorised strength of the relevant military formation (Article 4(4)).
90 per cent of permanent posts are allocated according to quotas amongst the denominations, whilst 10 per cent constitute a reserve (Article 9).
Remuneration of chaplains
There is no single fixed standard rate for military chaplains in publicly available sources, as it depends on rank, post and conditions of service.
For example, job vacancies advertised by the Operational-Tactical Forces Command specify a salary of 21,000 UAH (excluding additional payments for carrying out tasks in a combat zone).
Jobs on Injobe
There are 36 active vacancies on Injobe; none of them are for chaplains. Military service as a chaplain is arranged through a mandate from a religious organisation and a contract. For other opportunities, see the vacancies section.
Congratulations on Military Chaplain’s Day
Father, thank you for being there when words are hardest to find. May your service give strength, and your comrades a steadfast faith. Happy Military Chaplain’s Day!
Happy Chaplain’s Day! Your silence beside the wounded and your prayer before you set out mean more than any speech. Take care of yourselves!
Dear Father, on behalf of the entire unit, we thank you for your support, your heartfelt conversations and your faith in each and every one of us. May the Lord protect you!
Happy Chaplain’s Day! May you always be surrounded by people who support you as devotedly as you support our defenders.
Happy Military Chaplain’s Day. Thank you for your words of wisdom, which sustain and inspire us in the most difficult moments.
Happy professional holiday! We wish you good health, peaceful skies and a speedy return home together with all those you accompany and protect.
