Khmelnytskyi TRC releases illegally detained UOC protodeacon

Protodeacon Andriy (Arthur Mankevych). Photo: screenshot from Khmelnytskyi Eparchy video

On June 13, 2025, after two days of unlawful detention at the Khmelnytskyi Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) in the Ozerna district, Protodeacon Andriy (Arthur Mankevych) of St. Nicholas Cathedral was released. The press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reported the news.

The clergyman had been detained on June 11 around 7:00 p.m. by TRC personnel while returning home from evening worship.

“His release became possible thanks to numerous calls to the hotline and the public outcry from concerned citizens. The voice of the Orthodox community of Khmelnytskyi was heard. After two days of unlawful detention, Fr. Andriy returns home – to his family and children, and to his ministry at St. Nicholas Cathedral,” the statement read.

Fr. Andriy thanked everyone for their support: “Thank you to everyone who prayed, wrote, called, and stood by me – with word, deed, and heart.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that TRC officers in Kremenets detained the abbot of the Pochaiv Holy Spirit Skete and later transferred him to a military unit in Rivne Region.

Read also

Congresswoman to Ukrainian ambassador: Imprisoning Christians is never good

Anna Paulina Luna wrote to Stefanishyna that justifying the actions of the Ukrainian authorities against the UOC is not good.

Lavra abbot concelebrates with His Beatitude in Boryspil after long break

On the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, Metropolitan Pavel concelebrated with the Primate of the UOC at the Boryspil Cathedral.

The Patriarch of Bulgaria revealed that the issue of the OCU was discussed in Istanbul

According to the head of the BPC, during the visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Ukrainian issue was considered with respect for the position of the Bulgarian Church.

Shevchuk to Cherkasy officials: UGCC is on the information war front lines

The head of the UGCC told officials in Cherkasy region that the church has become an important participant in the information war.

Ukraine’s ambassador to U.S. tells congresswoman why authorities target UOC

According to Stefanishyna, the UOC speaks about persecution because it is “linked to Moscow”.

Christmas procession visits UOC churches in Kamianske

A procession with revered shrines is taking place in the city, before which prayers are offered for peace and for the people of Kamianske.