Kovel, Volyn Province, Ukraine, October 7, 2025
Photo: kovel.media
A priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was recently found guilty for holding a procession around his church.
Fr. Vladimir Shkvarok, rector of St. Panteleimon Church in Kovel, Volyn Province, organized a procession of parishioners on the grounds of the central district hospital, where his church is located, on August 9, without coordinating it with the Kovel District Military Administration, the Kovel City-District Court ruled, reports Kovel Media.
The court found this violated public order and created obstacles to the free movement of citizens, constituting a violation of the established procedure for organizing or conducting assemblies, rallies, street processions and demonstrations.
Fr. Vladimir admitted guilt in court and explained that the church where he serves is located on the grounds of the hospital. He said he didn’t obtain permission because he didn’t know that permission was required. He asked the judge not to punish him severely, noting that he supports a wife with a disability.
Judge Alexei Shishilin found Fr. Vladimir guilty and imposed an administrative penalty in the form of a warning, also ordering him to pay court costs to the state in the amount of 605.60 hryvnia ($14.70).
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