UOC Eparchy Reports Detention of Protodeacon in Volodymyr Region

VOLYHYNIAN, UKRAINE — The Volodymyr-Volyn Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has reported that Protodeacon Bogdan Rudnichok was taken to a military facility after allegedly being detained near his home in the city of Volodymyr on July 7. The eparchy said the incident occurred around noon after the cleric returned home following a church service.

According to a statement published by the eparchy, Rudnichok was reportedly transported to a military training ground in Rivne. Church representatives asked the faithful to pray for the clergyman while calling for clarification regarding the circumstances of his detention.

The eparchy also published a list of clergy members from the region who have served in Ukraine's armed forces during the war, including Rudnichok, as well as names of clergy reported missing or deceased. The statement said the situation involving clergy members has raised concerns about legal procedures and the treatment of religious figures during mobilization efforts.

The circumstances surrounding Rudnichok's reported detention have not been independently confirmed, and no official explanation from military authorities was included in the eparchy's statement. The case comes amid broader discussions in Ukraine regarding mobilization, religious communities, and the rights of clergy members during wartime.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a UOC priest was detained after refusing sniper duty.