TRC officers release UOC priest detained in Kovel

Archpriest Vitaliy Popko. Photo: Volodymyr-Volynsky Eparchy

On October 17, 2025, the priest with many children from the Kovel Сhurch of the Pochaiv Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in Volyn, Archpriest Vitaliy Popko, who was illegally detained by Lutsk TRC officers the day before, returned to his family. This was reported by the press service of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy.

The eparchy notes that the clergyman was released thanks to the wide publicity in the media and social networks, as well as the prayers of the faithful.

Father Vitaliy sincerely thanks everyone who prayed and worried for him. The eparchial press service notes that the truth prevailed, and the good priest and father of children will continue to pray for the people of Ukraine, spiritually care for the soldiers, and raise his four minor children.

As reported by the UOJ, Archpriest Vitaliy Popko was detained by Lutsk TRC officers on October 16 near his own home.

Read also

Supporters of OCU seize historic UOC church in Bezuhlivka, Chernihiv region

On Bright Thursday, representatives of Dumenko’s structure cut the locks and broke into St. Michael’s UOC church in the village of Bezuhlivka.

UOC's Orthodox cultural center “Lestvytsia” destroyed by shelling in Dnipro

As a result of a strike on central Dnipro, the historic building housing the UOC Orthodox cultural center was destroyed.

Ternopil deputy proposes classifying UOC priests as enemies of the people

A deputy of the Ternopil Regional Council believes that UOC communities are not joining the OCU because of their clergy.

Memory of St. Anastasia commemorated at Kyiv Protection Monastery

Metropolitan Pavel led the festive service and procession on the occasion of the monastery’s patronal feast.

UOC clergy deliver Easter gifts to Lukianivka detention center

The UOC collected 1,600 Easter cakes for inmates at the capital’s detention center, reminding them that the Church stands by them during the feast.

In Kyiv, OCU raiders attempt to remove property from UOC church

Supporters of Dumenko arrived at the church in a minibus, but fled when police showed up.