Priests of the Zaporizhzhya diocese of the UOC claimed forced mobilization with human rights violations

Five clergymen of the Zaporizhzhya diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) were forcibly mobilized into the Ukrainian Armed Forces. One of those mobilized, Archpriest Sergiy Kholodkov, reported numerous violations of legislation in the conscription process, as well as psychological pressure and discrimination on religious grounds.

According to the Telegram channel of journalist Miroslava Berdnik, referring to the priest’s appeal, he and four other clerics — Archpriests Alexander and Dmitry, Priests Alexander and Rostislav — were enlisted in the AFU without taking the military oath. According to Archpriest Sergiy Kholodkov, the mobilization took place «with clear violations of current legislation and disregard for the norms of canon law».

The clergyman also spoke about the pressure they faced. In particular, they were offered to transfer to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (PCU) as «the only opportunity to continue pastoral care,» arguing that the UOC allegedly has no quotas for chaplaincy ministry. This, according to the clerics, is a form of discrimination because of their affiliation with the UOC.

Of particular concern was the work of the Berdyansk territorial staffing center. Archpriest Kholodkov gave as an example his case of passing the military medical commission. «Despite the presence of serious diagnoses (including bronchial asthma), the commission lasted only 7 minutes and took place in stuffy basement rooms, where I was actually in isolation,» he noted, adding that he was not given medical assistance during the attack.

Despite the situation, the mobilized priests continue to perform their pastoral duties as far as possible. In his appeal Archpriest Sergius Kholodkov asks for prayerful support and maximum dissemination of information, so that «the voice of Truth was not drowned out or hidden by the iniquitous people of this century.»

We shall remind you that on September 2, 2025 in Rivne region, TCC officers subjected to forced mobilization the hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Bishop Seraphim (Kadubianskyi) of Novovorontsovo. Together with the bishop, they detained his assistant, Hieromonk Gabriel (Kinashchuk).