In the Khmelnytskyi region, representatives of the TCC detained a priest of the UOC and took him away to an unknown location

In the Khmelnytskyi region, police officers and personnel from the Regional Recruitment Center (TCC) detained Archpriest Andrii Chornyi, a clergyman of the Khmelnytskyi Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The clergyman was forcibly taken to the military registration and enlistment office and, despite complaints about his health, was transported to an unknown location, after which contact with him was lost. This was reported by the Khmelnytskyi Diocese onFacebook.

It is reported that the incident occurred on June 4, 2026. The priest’s car was stopped by police officers, who took him to the third department of the Khmelnytskyi District Military Registration and Enlistment Office in the city of Derazhnya. Archpriest Andrei Chorny has served for many years as the rector of the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian the Unmercenaries in the village of Lysogorka.

Representatives of the Khmelnytskyi Diocese note that the detainee has serious health issues and a number of comorbidities. Despite his medical condition, representatives of the TCC conducted a military-medical examination. At this time, the diocesan leadership is calling on the clergy and the faithful to pray for the detained pastor and is asking the international community to assist in his release.

As a reminder, Viktor Yelensky previously officially stated that his agencydoes not grant exemptions from mobilization for clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).