Greek media: Draft notice to Bishop Boholep part of repression against UOC

Metropolitan Boholep of Oleksandriia and Svitlovodsk. Photo: politica.com.ua

The issuance of a draft summons to Metropolitan Boholep of Oleksandriia is part of a broader campaign of persecution launched by the Ukrainian authorities against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), according to a report by the Greek Orthodox news outlet Romfea.

The article states that this incident is evidence of escalating tensions in church–state relations in Ukraine.

According to Romfea, the situation also underscores the vulnerable position of Ukrainian clergy, since hierarchs like Metropolitan Boholep, along with other priests, are not exempt from conscription.

“This means he could be sent to the front line under general conscription rules, which raises concern within the Orthodox community,” the outlet writes.

Romfea notes that the draft summons issued to the Metropolitan of Oleksandriia is “part of a broader and systematic persecution initiated by the Ukrainian authorities against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.”

“The Ukrainian Church, the largest religious community in the country, is under criticism for alleged ties to Russia. As part of this crackdown, local authorities in various regions of Ukraine have banned the activities of the Ukrainian Church,” the leading Greek Orthodox portal adds.

As previously reported by the UOJ, on July 15, 2025, staff of the Territorial Recruitment Center detained Metropolitan Boholep (Honcharenko) of Oleksandriia and Svitlovodsk. He was not sent to a military unit, but was issued a draft notice and an administrative citation.

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