Khmelnytskyi TRC detains UOC priest in Cherepivka village
Archpriest Andriy Osyka. Photo: Khmelnytskyi Eparchy
The Khmelnytskyi Eparchy has reported the detention of one of its clerics, Archpriest Andriy Osyka, by TRC employees. According to a statement issued by the eparchial press service, the incident occurred at around 6:00 a.m. in Khmelnytskyi on 7 October 2026.
According to preliminary information from the eparchy, Father Andriy underwent a military medical examination. Afterward, the press service alleges, he was unlawfully held at the assembly point of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Commissariat, located at 3 Ozerna Street.
Archpriest Andriy Osyka is the rector of the parish of Saint John the Theologian, Apostle and Evangelist, in the village of Cherepivka, Khmelnytskyi region.
The eparchy called on the clergy and faithful to pray for the priest. It also noted that military service involving combat operations and the possibility of bloodshed is incompatible with the priestly ministry under the canonical rules of the Orthodox Church. The statement cites Apostolic Canon 83, Canon 7 of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, Canon 55 of St. Basil the Great, and Canon 5 of St. Gregory of Nyssa.
The eparchy called on the competent state authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident and to comply with Ukrainian law. It also urged them to respect freedom of conscience and religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. In addition, the eparchy appealed to all people of good will to help secure the priest’s return to his parish.
As the UOJ reported, TRC detains rector of UOC church in Mali Puzyrky village.
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