The Sumy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reported that the seminary’s vice rector had been detained by representatives of the TRC

The Sumy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church issued a statement regarding the loss of contact with Archimandrite Anthony (Bondarenko), vice rector of the Sumy Theological Seminary, following his detention by personnel of the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC). The incident occurred on July 19, 2026, in Odessa.

According to information received by , the clergyman was urgently sent to a military medical commission, after which he was taken to one of the military units in the Vinnytsia region. Archimandrite Anthony was prevented from contacting his family and church leadership, as his mobile device was confiscated.

The diocese specifically emphasized that the cleric has serious spinal problems, stating that during the medical examination he was unable to fully provide the necessary documentation. Church representatives insist that, according to church canons, the status of a monk and clergyman precludes participation in combat operations, and they are calling for an objective review of the case. At this time, the Sumy Diocese is demanding that contact with the archimandrite be restored and that his rights be respected.

It should be noted that earlier, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), a hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, pointed out that the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations is ignoring violations of the rights of the clergy and believers of the UOC. The bishop cited the forced mobilization of the UOC clergy as an example, noting that the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations appears to be turning a blind eye to what is happening.