OCU “hierarch” selling fake ID documents sent to pre-trial detention center
Kyrylo Mykhayliuk (right) with a friend. Photo: Mykhayliuk's Facebook
On February 19, 2026, the Ivano-Frankivsk City Court chose a preventive measure for "bishop" of the Uzhhorod-Khust Eparchy of the OCU Kyrylo Mykhailiuk, suspected of obstructing mobilization. He was taken into custody for 60 days with the possibility of posting bail. This is reported by local publication "Blitz-Info" citing the court ruling.
According to the investigation materials, the SBU petitioned for the suspect to be held in custody. The court partially granted this petition, setting the period of detention until April 17, 2026, with the alternative of posting bail in the amount of 232,960 hryvnias. After the decision was announced, Mykhailiuk was taken into custody in the courtroom and delivered to penitentiary institution No. 12 in Ivano-Frankivsk.
According to law enforcement data, the defendant organized a scheme for issuing fictitious documents about ordination to the rank of deacon to military-liable men. For a monetary reward ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 US dollars, ‘certificates’ were issued in this way, which made it possible to obtain a deferment from military conscription. The investigation claims that about 40 people received such documents, which led to distortion of military registration data.
In case of posting bail, the suspect will be obliged to surrender his passports, not leave the boundaries of the Zakarpattia Region, and refrain from communicating with witnesses in the case.
Earlier, in November 2025, the "Synod" of the OCU suspended Kyrylo Mykhailiuk from heading the eparchy over the published materials of the criminal proceedings and court decisions concerning the issuance of false certificates.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the OCU banned a "priest" for attempting to transfer to another eparchy.
Read also
Patriarch Theophilos addresses believers with words of support ahead of Pascha
The Primate of the Church of Jerusalem, in a video address, highlighted that even in conditions of war, Christians are not abandoned by God and place their hope solely in the Resurrection of Christ.
Muslims of Russia call war with Ukraine "sacred jihad"
The Mufti of Chechnya stated that all Islamic religious leaders should be ready to stand alongside RF soldiers.
Kyiv UOC Eparchy holds aid drive for children and people with disabilities
In Boyarka, Kyiv region, more than 50 families received food and clothing as part of a charitable outreach held on the eve of the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.
New monastics tonsured at Putyvl’s Molchensky Convent
The ruling bishop of the Konotop Eparchy performed a monastic tonsure.
US Protestant Churches hold Easter events with drone shows and spectacles
Protestant communities in the United States marked Easter with large-scale events featuring drones, helicopters, and spectacle-driven shows aimed at drawing people in and conveying the Gospel message.
Temporary church of persecuted UOC community burns down in Telchi
In Volyn, a fire has effectively destroyed the building where the faithful had been praying after their church was seized.