Media outlets reported the story of the mobilization of a UOC deacon with many children
Deacon Andriy Vernyi of the Church of the Three Hierarchs in Lutsk stated that he faced pressure, threats, and violations during an attempt to mobilize him.
Media outlets reported the story of the forcible mobilization of a deacon with many children from the Church of the Three Hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Lutsk, Andriy Vernyi. According to information published in the Telegram channel "Pershyi Kozatskyi", the clergyman was insulted, attempts were made to falsify documents, in gross violation of the law.
As reported, the deacon is a father of many children and is entitled to a deferment from mobilization. According to relatives of the clergyman, despite this, on June 11, 2026, his car was stopped by TCC officers. During the conversation, the deacon was subjected to insults and accusations related to his church ministry.
«They began to insult the deacon, calling him a «zhdun», a «moskal», and a «Moscow priest». And this despite the fact that 4 of his own brothers are servicemen», – the message states.
Two days later, Andriy Vernyi's car was stopped again by TCC officers. He was informed of the need to undergo a military medical commission. «The TCC officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tonkorozhenko, stated that he could not issue a summons to the deacon and took the clergyman to the commission», – "Pershyi Kozatskyi" clarifies.
According to the clergyman's relatives, he was told that the procedure would take about half an hour, after which he would be able to return to his car. However, after passing the military medical commission, the deacon was not allowed to return to his car.
As it later emerged, TCC employees had falsified the signature on the medical documents.
After lawyers and police contacted the TCC, according to the clergyman's relatives, the situation was not resolved, and the deacon was transferred to another location.
Later, as reported, Andriy Vernyi was taken to a military training ground, where he repeatedly stated that he had grounds for a deferment due to having many children. Following the intervention of lawyers, relatives, and concerned servicemen, the clergyman was released and returned home.
Defense representatives claim that during this situation, pressure was applied to the deacon and attempts were made to conceal the circumstances of his detention. At the same time, the TCC had previously told journalists that the clergyman had allegedly agreed to serve of his own accord.
After returning home, Deacon Andriy Vernyi continued his ministry at the church.
As the SPJ previously reported, the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese announced the number of mobilized and fallen clergy.
