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.

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