URGENT: True Orthodox Priest Oleksiy Lyuboshets Kidnapped and Forcibly Conscripted in Ukraine

On Thursday, September 12/25, 2025, one of our True Orthodox priests in Ukraine, Priest Oleksiy Lyuboshets, from the Cathedral of St. John of Kronstadt in Odessa, was kidnapped off the street. He was taken against his will and is being forced into the Ukrainian army.

This is an unlawful and cruel act. Father Oleksiy is 40 years old, with a wife and two young children. He was officially removed from military registration back in 2002. Men grabbed him, threw him in a car, and took him away. They have moved him from place to place to stop his family or anyone else from helping him. This is a return to the dark days of Soviet communism, where people just “disappeared.”

The Secretary of our Holy Synod, Bishop Victor, has sent an official letter to the American President asking for help to bring Father Oleksiy home.

We are publishing his letter in full here so you can see all the facts.

We ask everyone to pray for Priest Oleksiy and his family, and all readers to share this news so that people can be aware of the persecution of our priests.

For Our Readers in the United States

You are in a special position to help support Bishop Victor’s official appeal. We ask you to please contact your elected officials (your U.S. Representative and Senators). When you call or write to them, be clear and respectful, and tell them the following:

• Tell them a priest named Oleksiy Igorevich Lyuboshets has been kidnapped and forcibly conscripted in Odessa, Ukraine.
• Explain that his church is a registered American religious organization based in Worcester, MA.
• Ask them to support the appeal made by Bishop Victor and to urge the US government to help secure this priest’s safe return to his family.

With prayers for Priest Oleksiy and his family, on behalf of the Diocese of Western Europe.