UOC Monk Reportedly Detained in Kyiv and Taken to Training Center

KYIV — According to Telegram Channel The First Cossack, relatives of Hierodeacon Gerasym (Kurkchy), a monk of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), say he was detained in Kyiv on July 8 and later taken to a military training facility. The circumstances of his reported detention have drawn attention from church supporters, who are calling for prayers for the clergyman.

The monk was detained in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district after delivering groceries to his mother. His relatives allege that police and military enlistment office employees were involved in the detention and that he was initially taken to Bila Tserkva before contact with him was lost for a period of time.

The statement said that relatives later learned that Hierodeacon Gerasym had been taken to the Desna training center, where they say he is being held. No official statement from Ukrainian authorities regarding the circumstances of the monk's detention was provided in the report.

The case comes amid continuing discussions in Ukraine over military mobilization procedures, including the involvement of clergy members and religious communities during wartime. The UOC has previously raised concerns about the treatment of some of its clergy members during mobilization efforts.

Previously, the UOJ reported that reports alleged that force was used in the detention of a UOC priest.