In July 1766 Melkhisedek was arrested by the Polish administration, but was freed thanks to numerous petitions from relatives, the Bishop of Pereyaslav Hervasiy, and the Tsarist government. His activities made a significant impact on development of Koliivshchyna Haidamaka uprising. The Polish government accused him in preparation of the uprising and relations with Maksym Zalizniak, but has not been able to prove it. The fact that Melkhisedek blessed knives of haidamkas was acknowledged by Ukrainian philologist Panteleimon Kulish. The important role of Melkhisedek in Koliivshchyna mentioned in his works by Ukrainian historian Mykola Arkas. Following the end of uprising in 1768, on request of the Polish Crown Melkhisedek was appointed a hegumen of the Pereyaslav Saint Michael Monastery as he was banned to appear at the Right bank.