In Kovel, TRC officers detain a UOC priest and father of four
Archpriest Vitalii Popko. Photo: kaplichka.com
On October 16, 2025, officers of the Lutsk Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) detained Archpriest Vitalii Popko, a cleric of the UOC Church of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God in Kovel, Volyn region, near his home. The parish website reported the incident.
Father Vitalii has four underage children in his care – two biological and two adopted orphans. He possesses all properly issued documents entitling him to a deferment from mobilization.
According to the parish community, despite this, the priest is currently being held in a distribution center and is being prepared for dispatch to a military training ground.
“We ask for prayers for Archpriest Vitalii Popko,” the message reads.
As the UOJ previously reported, on October 16 a TRC unit in Kyiv detained a UOC protodeacon.
Read also
Greek hierarch criticizes new school textbooks containing LGBT propaganda
Metropolitan Seraphim called on parents to monitor school lessons in order to protect their children.
Site blessed for new church construction in Oleksandriia Eparchy
On the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Boholep laid a foundation capsule for a new church.
World Council of Churches condemns confiscation of Evangelical church in Iran
Secretary General Jerry Pillay demanded the return of the St. Peter's Church compound to believers.
Poland repeals law recognizing same-sex unions concluded in EU
The court ruled that the registration of foreign same-sex unions contradicts the article of the Constitution defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman.
St. Basil the Great's hand to visit Romania for first time
The relic from Greece will be displayed in the cathedral of Alexandria to mark the 30th anniversary of the local diocese.
DESS expert tells US State Department reps about religious freedom in Ukraine
Andriy Smirnov held a meeting with staff of the US State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom.