In Khmelnytsky Oblast, the TCC abducted the rector of the community in Sutkovtsi
Archpriest Volodymyr Stefanyshyn is already at the training ground.
On July 11, 2026, employees of the TCC abducted the rector of the Intercession Church in Sutkovtsi, Volodymyr Stefanyshyn, as reported by the Khmelnytsky Diocese of the UOC. The priest was detained in the village of Yarmolyntsi and taken to the military commissariat of Khmelnytsky.
According to the diocese, Fr. Volodymyr is already at the training ground in Rivne.
The UOC reminded that, according to the canonical rules of the Orthodox Church, a clergyman cannot take up arms, as the shedding of blood is incompatible with the ministry of a priest called to offer the bloodless sacrifice to God.
Previously, the SPJ reported that, according to the head of the SEANPFC, Yelensky, the authorities acknowledge that a priest cannot shed blood, but UOC clergy are not being granted deferments.
