Ukrainian Priest Forcibly Mobilized From Hospital Despite Health Status
A Ukrainian Orthodox priest with medical conditions was mobilized from a hospital in Volyn despite health exemptions, prompting church concern and calls for prayer.
VOLYN, UKRAINE — A priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Protopriest Vitaliy Chaban, was forcibly mobilized from a hospital on January 23, 2026, while undergoing in-patient treatment, according to the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Diocese. Fr. Vitaliy serves as pastor of the Intercession Church in the village of Torhovyshche and ministers to parishes in Cherniiv and Perevaly. Church officials state that he holds an official status of limited fitness for military service under Article 61b, based on medical findings confirmed by a Military-Medical Commission.
Despite this status, the priest was summoned to the Turiy Territorial Recruitment Center and subsequently taken from the medical facility. He was later transported toward a military training area in the Lviv region. The diocese emphasized that Fr. Vitaliy has been actively involved in volunteer assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and civilians affected by the war.
The Volodymyr-Volynskyi Diocese expressed serious concern for Fr. Vitaliy’s health, describing his condition as requiring continued treatment. The faithful have been asked to offer prayers for Fr. Vitaliy and for a just resolution to the situation.
Previously, the UOJ reported that UOC parishioners demanded answers regarding their priest's forced mobilization.
