In Ternopil region, a UOC priest released from TRC with a broken rib

Mobilization. Photo: Prozoro.net.ua

Archpriest Oleh Melnyk, who had previously been taken to the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) in Chortkiv, was released, but after speaking with the military commissars, he was diagnosed with a broken rib. The priest was invited to the TRC under the pretext of clarifying his data, as the "Reserve+" app did not show any information regarding his military-medical commission. Fr Oleh told the UOJ that he voluntarily went with the military recruiters, confident that all his documents were in order.

At the TRC, he was offered to serve in the rear, as he has a specialized education in communications, but the priest emphasized that he is a servant of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). During the talk, the medic suggested that he join the OCU to continue his service as a chaplain. Fr Oleh replied, "I will not join the OCU even under the threat of execution."

According to him, at the TRC, they tried to take his phone and confiscated his clerical ID. For about a day, the priest was not provided with any food, which led to an increase in his blood pressure. When medical personnel arrived, they took him to hospital, but after receiving first aid, he was returned to the TRC. There, the pressure on Fr Oleh intensified – he was insulted and then beaten.

Currently, Archpriest Oleh Melnyk is at home, but he has a broken rib. Despite his injury, the priest planned to attend the liturgy, but his health condition did not allow him to do so.

As reported by the UOJ, on 2 November 2024, almost 55-year-old Archpriest Oleh Melnyk of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was forcibly mobilized in the Ternopil region.

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