Provocation by Transgender Group at Moscow’s Sretensky Monastery

Sretensky Monastery in Moscow. Photo: advantour.com

MOSCOW — The Russian outlet Gazeta.ru reports that three young men, two of whom were dressed in women’s clothing, entered the grounds of the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow and proceeded to insult both clergy and worshippers. In video footage circulating online, one of the individuals - wearing a mini skirt and tights - can be seen walking through the monastery courtyard with two companions and initiating a conversation with a priest.

In most clips, the participants’ faces are obscured. In one video, a member of the group can be heard referring to the priest as part of a “satanic movement,” despite the individuals themselves identifying with the LGBTQ+ movement.

Security chief Ivan stated that the visitors behaved provocatively, filmed the encounter, mocked believers, and made offensive remarks to the clergy. “They stayed for about 15 minutes in total, recording their videos. We didn’t immediately realize they were transgender - these days, you can’t tell right away whether someone is a girl, a boy, or something else,” he said.

Following the publication of the videos online, the incident drew the attention of law enforcement. According to media reports, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB have launched an investigation. One possible charge under consideration is the offense of insulting religious feelings, which carries criminal penalties under Russian law.

The monastery has not ruled out revising its visitor policy in light of the incident.

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