In Smila, UOC parish gathers at TRC office demanding release of their priest
UOC parishioners outside the enlistment office. Photo: First Cossack
On November 10, 2025, parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s parish of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Cherkasy in Smila gathered outside the local Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (military enlistment office), demanding the release of their rector, Fr. Oleksii Lukash, who was abducted by the military commissar on November 7.
The parishioners stated that the priest suffers from serious health problems and that his mobilization was unlawful.
“We ask that the law be followed. Please share and spread this information as widely as possible,” the parishioners appealed.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Smila, employees of the enlistment office abducted UOC priest Fr. Oleksii Lukash.
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.