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UOC Priest in Cherkasy Reportedly Released After Detention by Recruitment Center

The episode highlights disputes over clergy exemptions after booking was tied to a state list that largely excludes canonical UOC parishes.

Overview

  • Konstantin Volovoy was released after roughly a day in custody, with the Union of Orthodox Journalists saying officials acted to avoid media attention.
  • According to the same outlet, Volovoy was stopped on the road in Cherkasy region on November 17, taken through a medical commission and sent to a training center.
  • Relatives reportedly brought booking documents to the Smila territorial recruitment center, which staff refused to accept, and SPJ says the priest has five minor children.
  • The reports rely on the Union of Orthodox Journalists for details and include no official response, and they also reference a November 7 detention of priest Alexey Lukash previously deemed limited fit.
  • Ukraine authorized booking for clergy of “critically important” religious organizations in late 2024, and a June list of over 7,700 entities was noted by local media for largely omitting canonical UOC communities.