TCC officers detained a priest of the Vladimir-Volyn diocese of the UOC

on February 3, 2026, a clergyman of the Vladimir-Volynsk diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was kidnapped by TCC officers. We are talking about the rector of the church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God «Life-Giving Spring» in the village of Horodilets, Kovel district, Volyn region, Archpriest John Chirik.

As reported by the Vladimir-Volyn diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, on February 3, Archpriest John Chirik was stolen near the entrance of the apartment, which he rented with his family. The incident occurred without any documents being presented by the kidnappers.

Already on February 4, a photo of Father John appeared in various Internet communities, on which he is depicted in a military uniform. This event caused concern among parishioners and the public, who are now asking for prayers for Archpriest John as a warrior and for his community, left without a spiritual leader.

Earlier, Metropolitan Volodymyr-Volynsky and Kovel Volodymyr, who heads the Volodymyr-Volyn diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), made an emergency appeal to the leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine in Volyn region. In his statement, the hierarch expressed deep concern and pain in connection with the intensification of pressure on the clergy and believers of the diocese, as well as reported about the facts of detention of clergy.