OCU cleric blames TRC for forced mobilization and kidnapping of parishioners

Military ID. Photo: Focus

A cleric of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) from the Church of Archangel Michael in the village of Losyatin, Kremenets district, Vasyl Khomytsky, posted an emotional statement on his Facebook page condemning the actions of the local military recruitment office. He claimed that representatives of the Kremenets Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) stormed into the church and took one of the parishioners, who had been helping with repair work in the church.

“It is a sin TO REMAIN SILENT!!! Today, on October 2, 2024, while repair work was being done in the Church of Archangel Michael in the village of Losiatyn, Kremenets district, Ternopil diocese of the OCU, the Kremenets TRC stormed into the church and kidnapped one of the parishioners who had come to help with the repair work,” the priest wrote.

Khomytsky emphasized that the rector of the church was not summoned or informed about the incident, calling it “outrageous”. He expressed indignation over the actions of the recruitment office, noting that people come to church not to hide but to pray and fulfill their religious duties.

“I understand that there is a war going on in Ukraine, but mobilization is not about kidnapping!!! How long will this horror and chaos, which is spreading across Ukraine, continue?” the OCU cleric asked.

He also noted that such actions could lead to internal division: “We cannot defeat the enemy with such actions... We will all become enemies at home, and the main enemy will come to each of us without a fight... Shame and disgrace.”

As reported by the UOJ, UGCC leader Sviatosalv Shevchuk admitted to hiding male workers from mobilization.

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