The Khmelnytskyi Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reported the mobilization of Archpriest Vasily Lisovoy

Staff members of the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) in Khmelnytskyi detained Archpriest Vasily Lisovoy, a clergyman of the Khmelnytskyi Diocese, and forcibly mobilized him into the ranks of the territorial defense forces. This was reported by the press service of of the Khmelnytskyi Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

According to the information received, the incident occurred on the morning of July 22. The clergyman was stopped on the street and then taken to the district TRC. There, he underwent a military medical examination, following which he was assigned to a combat unit. The diocese emphasized that the process was expedited, which has raised concerns among church leadership.

Representatives of the diocese issued an official statement calling on Ukrainian government authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the detention. The statement underscores the importance of upholding the provisions of the Constitution that guarantee freedom of religion. Church authorities point out that during ordination, a priest takes an oath before the Gospel, which, in their view, precludes the assumption of any other obligations that conflict with his pastoral duty.

The diocese also noted that, according to church canons, military service—which involves the necessity of bearing arms and using force—is fundamentally incompatible with the priesthood. The faithful and the clergy were called upon to intensify their prayers for a swift resolution of the situation and for Father Vasily’s return to the fulfillment of his pastoral duties.