Ukrainian Recruitment Officers Detain UOC Priest With Heart Condition

KHMELNYTSKY, UKRAINE — Ukrainian military recruitment officers detained an Orthodox priest with a heart condition and other illnesses on October 9, 2026, forced him to undergo a military medical examination, and subsequently took him to an undisclosed location, according to the Khmelnytsky Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

Archpriest Serhiy Sinyuk, rector of St. Michael’s Church in the village of Mali Puzyrky, was detained at approximately 8 a.m. He was taken to the fourth department of the Shepetivka Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center in Bilohirya. The diocese said that, following the medical examination, authorities transported him elsewhere without disclosing his destination.

In a statement, the diocese called on state authorities to investigate the circumstances of the detention, uphold Ukrainian law, and respect the constitutional guarantees of freedom of conscience and religion. It also appealed for the priest’s release and return to his parish so he could resume his pastoral duties.

The diocese further argued that military service involving weapons and the shedding of blood is incompatible with Orthodox priesthood. It cited Canon 83 of the Holy Apostles, Canon 7 of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, and other church rules concerning clergy and the use of weapons.

The statement urged clergy and faithful to intensify their prayers for Archpriest Serhiy, asking God to strengthen him during his detention and grant a just and lawful resolution. The diocese emphasized that priests undertake an oath of fidelity to their sacred calling and must preserve their commitment to pastoral ministry.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a UOC priest was sent to a military training center despite three health abnormalities.