At the Ukrainian border, upon his arrival from Georgia, Hierodeacon Olimpiy (Khrashchevsky)—a monk of the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra—was detained by officers from the TCK (Territorial Recruitment Center). According to sources, the clergyman, who suffers from health issues, is currently being held at the TCK in the town of Kelmentsi.
The hierodeacon had spent the last six years in the mountains of Abkhazia, living the ascetic life of a hermit. Father Olimpiy intended to return to his monastery—the Holy Spirit Skete in Pochaiv—to continue his monastic service, but he was detained while en route to the holy site.
Human rights organizations view this incident as a continuation of a systemic campaign of forced mobilization targeting clergy of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A monk who had spent six years in ascetic prayer in the mountains was returning to his monastery, only to find himself at a military recruitment office instead.
Human rights advocates highlight the absurdity of the situation: a man who voluntarily renounced the world and dedicated himself to the service of God is being subjected to forced mobilization. This constitutes a gross violation of the right to freedom of religion and monastic service.
The hierodeacon had spent the last six years in the mountains of Abkhazia, living the ascetic life of a hermit. Father Olimpiy intended to return to his monastery—the Holy Spirit Skete in Pochaiv—to continue his monastic service, but he was detained while en route to the holy site.
Human rights organizations view this incident as a continuation of a systemic campaign of forced mobilization targeting clergy of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A monk who had spent six years in ascetic prayer in the mountains was returning to his monastery, only to find himself at a military recruitment office instead.
Human rights advocates highlight the absurdity of the situation: a man who voluntarily renounced the world and dedicated himself to the service of God is being subjected to forced mobilization. This constitutes a gross violation of the right to freedom of religion and monastic service.