Rivne, Rivne Province, Ukraine, February 5, 2026
Photo: Rivne Diocese
Another cleric of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been seized by military recruitment authorities and sent to military service.
The Rivne Diocese of the UOC reported on February 3 that Archimandrite Herman (Kulakevich), a resident of the St. Barbara Skete in the village of Stary Korets, was taken by representatives of the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCC).
According to the Union of Orthodox Journalists, he was detained on his way home from a medical facility where he was examined for an acute respiratory viral infection.
The diocese appealed to clergy and faithful for prayers for the priest, asking that God grant him spiritual and physical strength, peace of heart, wisdom, and a just resolution of the circumstances.
On February 4, the diocese provided an update stating that after undergoing a military medical commission, Fr. Herman was declared temporarily fit for military service, specifically for service in reserve and support units. Therefore, he was sent to serve in one of the rear units in the Rivne region.
The Rivne Diocese of the UOC thanked all who responded to the request and offered prayers for Fr. Herman, asking for continued prayers for him, for all Ukrainian servicemen, and for the speedy establishment of a just peace in Ukraine.
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