Media reveal details of UOC Ovruch Eparchy priest’s detention by TRC

Priest Pavlo Kushnirchuk. Photo: Facebook

Archpriest Pavlo Kushnirchuk of the UOC's Ovruch  Eparchy, who was abducted by TRC employees, has been released. However, according to Orthodox journalists, he was threatened with criminal charges.

The Telegram channel Pershyi Kozatsky provided details of Father Pavlo’s detention.

On February 19, the priest was taken to the Korosten Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC), where he immediately stated that he was a clergyman. Unfortunately, he did not have his priestly credentials with him at the time. Father Pavlo and his wife, Natalia, immediately contacted the diocese to confirm his clerical status.

The diocese promptly provided all the necessary information and sent a priest to deliver the required documents to the TRC.

"Father Pavlo’s family called the police to document the fact of his forced detention. However, the operational group immediately accused him of ‘voluntarily getting into the TRC bus.’ At the same time, TRC employees claimed they had not received any documents confirming his clerical status. Allegedly, no one had provided them. They refused to release Father Pavlo and transported him back and forth between Chernihiv Oblast and other locations for several days, attempting to send him to training units," the Orthodox Telegram channel reported.

According to journalists, during this entire time, the priest was subjected to constant psychological pressure, being forced to sign documents and take up arms.

"Moreover, he was pressured to join the OCU, with promises that ‘all doors would immediately open’ for him," Pershyi Kozatsky commented. "Father Pavlo bravely endured the threats and pressure. Unable to force him to comply, on the evening of February 21, TRC employees returned him to Korosten."

It is noted that the priest was released, but he was warned that criminal charges for refusing military service would be initiated against him.

As previously reported by the UOJ, on February 21, TRC representatives released Father Pavlo Kushnirchuk. His wife expressed gratitude to believers for their support and prayers.

Read also