Moscow priest known for anti-war stance reportedly banned from priesthood
Archpriest Alexei Uminsky. Photo: Uminsky's FB page
On January 5, 2023, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) reportedly prohibited the service and removed the leadership position of Protopriest Alexei Uminsky, the rector of the Trinity Church in Khokhly (a district in Moscow), according to the TV channel "Rain". This action was taken following Uminsky's interview with journalist Alexei Venediktov, in which the priest openly expressed his anti-war stance.
The "Rain" asserts that the repression against Uminsky was initiated due to his interview with Alexei Venediktov. Instead of Uminsky, Protopriest Andrei Tkachev, known for advocating war, was appointed as the new rector of the Trinity Church.
The priest himself posted the following on Facebook: "Farewell, Tour de France". The Moscow diocese website already lists Tkachev as the rector of the Trinity Church.
Earlier, the UOJ analyzed Uminsky's interview with Venediktov and its reception within the ROC.
Read also
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.
DESS official says state should not govern the Church
A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.
Poltava court upholds mobilization of Protestant pastor
A court in the Poltava region ruled that a prior criminal conviction and religious beliefs do not exempt a person from military service.
Ostapenko: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra would not exist without Soviet-era reserve
The reserve director spoke about the Soviet museum’s role in saving the monastery, while stressing the need to rethink its history.