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Ukrainian Orthodox monk seized by military recruiters released and returned to monastery

Velyka Kalynivka, Khmelnitsky Province, Ukraine, May 28, 2026

Photo: Khmelnitsky Diocese

Archimandrite Galaction (Redey), a monk of St. John the Baptist Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Velyka Kalynivka village, Khmelnitsky Province, has been released and returned to his monastery following his detention by military recruitment authorities.

According to a statement from the Khmelnitsky Diocese, Fr. Galaction was released from the Khmelnitsky City Territorial Recruitment Center and Military Commissariat yesterday May 27, after his personal details were verified and he underwent a military medical commission review.

Fr. Galaction has now returned to his monastery, where he has served as a monastic and spiritual father for nearly 20 years.

The diocese expressed gratitude to all those who assisted in securing his return.

Fr. Galaction was seized on Sunday, May 24, when three employees of the Territorial Recruitment Center entered the monastery grounds immediately after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, went to the second floor of the monastic building, and removed him from his cell. He had subsequently been reported to be at a military unit in Chortkiv, Ternopil Province, with communication cut off.

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5/28/2026

See also

Ukrainian military recruiters seize Orthodox monk straight from his cell

Ukrainian military recruiters seize Orthodox monk straight from his cell

Ukrainian military recruiters seize Orthodox monk straight from his cell

Ukrainian military recruiters seize Orthodox monk straight from his cell
According to preliminary information, Fr. Galaction is now at a military unit in Chortkiv, Ternopil Province. Communication with him has been lost.

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