In Transcarpathia, an archimandrite of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) who had been mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine defected to the schismatic faction and joined the OCU

Archimandrite Seraphim Rastvorov, who previously served as a cleric at the Holy Protection Monastery in Rakoshino, Mukachevo Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), defected to the schism and transferred to the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). This was reported by , the website of the Mukachevo-Carpathian Diocese of the OCU.

The transition to the OCU took place on September 13–14, 2026, after the priest—who is currently a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine— submitted a corresponding request to Viktor Bed, head of the Mukachevo-Carpathian Diocese of the OCU. After conducting interviews and reviewing his personal file, Bed decided to admit Archimandrite Seraphim to the diocese’s clergy and to the diocesan Spiritual Mission.

“His Grace blessed Father Seraphim for his continued service in defense of the Fatherland and for providing spiritual care to Ukrainian soldiers in the field of chaplaincy,” according to a statement from the diocese’s press service. Viktor Bed congratulated the priest on his admission to the OCU and wished him, “ ‘spiritual fortitude in fulfilling his pastoral and military duty to the Ukrainian people.’”

As a reminder, it was previously reported that Archimandrite Epiphany (Rudenko), rector of the Church of the Intercession of the UOC in the village of Khmelna, had changed his jurisdiction and joined the OCU. ’s decision to switch affiliations was made immediately after he was detained by officers of the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC).