UOC protodeacon illegally detained by TRC in Khmelnytskyi
Protodeacon Andriy. Photo: UOC Khmelnytskyi Eparchy's press service
The press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reports the illegal detention of one of its clergy – Protodeacon Andriy (Arthur Mankevych), a full-time deacon of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Khmelnytskyi.
On June 11, 2025, around 7:00 p.m., the protodeacon was returning home after an evening service when he was detained by representatives of the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) in the city of Khmelnytskyi. Without explanation, he was taken to the TRC facility in the Ozerna district, where he is currently being unlawfully held.
Fr. Andriy presented an official decree confirming his assignment as a deacon of St. Nicholas Cathedral and his clerical ID from the UOC’s Khmelnytskyi Eparchy. However, TRC personnel refused to recognize these documents.
Despite his explanations regarding health conditions and the need to collect documentation proving his unfitness for military service, he was forcibly transported overnight from June 11 to 12 between various military units across Ukraine. He is now reportedly locked inside a TRC barracks in Khmelnytskyi.
The eparchy’s press service reminded the public that, according to international law and conventions, clergy are exempt from military conscription and are not permitted to bear arms. These actions, they noted, constitute not only a violation of human rights but also a blatant disregard for the spiritual mission of the clergy.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the TRC had detained the abbot of the Pochaiv Holy Spirit Skete in Kremenets and later transported him to a military unit in Rivne Oblast.
Read also
Sumy Eparchy celebrates miraculous "Bread of Life" icon and 80th anniversary
Jubilee celebrations were held at the Transfiguration Cathedral with the participation of UOC hierarchs, the eparchy's clergy and laity of the Sumy Eparchy.
One of the oldest UOC clerics passes away in Odesa Eparchy
In Odesa, Archdeacon Ioann Hanaba, who dedicated more than sixty years to serving the Church, reposed in the Lord at the age of 86.
His Beatitude: Sacrificial love leads a person to Heavenly life
During the Sunday service at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Primate of the UOC reminded the faithful about the significance of almsgiving and self-sacrifice for the sake of God and neighbor.
Mobilized UGCC cleric dies on training ground
The authorities do not disclose the causes of Orest Cherny's death.
Notre-Dame's old stained glass to be replaced with modern works featuring blacks
As part of a 4 million euro project, six 19th-century stained glass windows will be replaced with contemporary works; critics claim a violation of the Venice Charter and a loss of heritage.
During Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, two terrorists kill 12 people
During the Hanukkah celebration, terrorists opened fire on the gathered crowd: one attacker was killed, the second was detained, and explosive devices were found at the scene.