The Khmelnytskyi Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reported the forced mobilization of yet another priest

On November 2, 2026, in the city of Starokostiantyniv, Archpriest Mykhailo Odarich, a cleric of the Khmelnytskyi Diocese and rector of the Parish of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God in the village of Skovorodky, was detained by police officers and representatives of the Territorial Center for Recruitment. According to the Khmelnytskyi Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, preliminary reports indicate that the clergyman has already undergone a military medical examination, following which he was deemed fit for military service.

Representatives of the diocese issued an official statement emphasizing that the mobilization of the priest contradicts the canonical rules of the Orthodox Church. In particular, the press service cites the 83rd Rule of the Holy Apostles and the 7th Rule of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, which prohibit clergy from serving in the military and using weapons. According to the diocese’s position, the performance of military duties is incompatible with the status of a cleric called to offer a bloodless Sacrifice.

In light of these events, the diocese has called on Ukrainian government authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the detention and ensure respect for the rights to freedom of conscience and religion. Church representatives expressed concern over the situation and asked the faithful for their prayers, while also calling on the public to help ensure Archpriest Mikhail Odarich’s return to his pastoral ministry at the parish.

As a reminder, we previously reported that in Chernihiv, employees of the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) had forcibly mobilized a clergyman of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.