UOC Priest Detained in Dnipro for Military Deployment
UOC clergyman Fr. Andriy Ilman was detained in Dnipro en route to services and is reportedly being prepared for military deployment.
DNIPRO, UKRAINE — A clergyman of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was detained in the city of Dnipro on January 17 while on his way to conduct divine services, according to a report by kozakTv1.
Fr. Andriy Ilman, a monk-priest of the Holy Spirit Monastery of the UOC, was reportedly stopped near his residence by representatives of the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC). Sources cited by the outlet say the detention occurred shortly before he was scheduled to serve at the monastery.
Following his detention, Fr. Andriy was taken to a military distribution point. According to information shared by eyewitnesses familiar with the situation, he is currently undergoing processing and is being prepared for possible deployment to the front lines.
The incident follows many other reported cases involving the detention of UOC clergy in different regions of Ukraine. Members of the faithful have been urged to intensify their prayers for Fr. Andriy Ilman amid uncertainty over his situation and future assignment.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a UOC altar server was was reportedly beaten and abducted by unknown individuals claiming to be law enforcement.
