TRC detains UOC parish rector in Skovorodky
The UOC's Khmelnytskyi Eparchy reported that police and TRC officers detained Archpriest Mykhailo Odarych, rector of the Church of the Intercession in Skovorodky.
On November 2, 2026, at approximately 9 a.m., police detained Archpriest Mykhailo Odarych, rector of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's Intercession parish in the village of Skovorodky, in the city of Starokostiantyniv. Officers from the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) arrived at the scene shortly afterward, the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy reports.
According to available information, the priest had previously undergone a military medical examination in Khmelnytskyi and was declared fit for military service. The eparchy called on clergy and believers to pray fervently for Archpriest Mykhailo, emphasizing that military service involving the use of weapons is incompatible with the priesthood.
"Military service involving participation in combat and the possibility of shedding blood is incompatible with priestly ministry. A priest is called to offer the Bloodless Sacrifice to God and fulfill his pastoral duties. Under Church canons, military service and priestly ministry cannot be combined in one person," the eparchy stressed.
The eparchy also noted that every priest takes an oath before the Holy Gospel at ordination, pledging fidelity to his calling. Therefore, a priest cannot take up arms or swear another oath that conflicts with his ministry.
The eparchy urged the relevant government authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the detention, ensure compliance with the law, and uphold the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion.
The UOJ previously reported that a UOC archimandrite detained by TRC officers had been diagnosed with a pre-infarction condition.
