UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention
Unlike other denominations, UOC clergy lack official exemptions, fueling accusations of targeted persecution amid ongoing war.
KORSUN — A priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), Father Anatoliy, was dramatically released from mobilization proceedings today after local recruitment officials received confirmation of standing orders exempting clergy from conscription.
Fr. Anatoliy was stopped by police while driving and was immediately transferred to the local Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support (TCR). Staff began processing him for military service, including photographs for a military ID.
Unlike other Ukrainian clergy, UOC priests are not exempt from impressment (or forced conscription).
Minutes later, the center's commander intervened, informing subordinates of explicit instructions not to draft priests. Fr. Anatoliy was promptly released.
The incident was relayed to the UOJ by Archpriest Ioann Nalapko, dean of the Korsun region.
This episode coincides with the Society of St. John’s Day of Action on Capitol Hill, where nearly 200 Orthodox Christians gathered to advocate for religious freedom in Ukraine and protest perceived persecution of the UOC.
Among the organizer's demands was the end of the impressment of UOC priests.
