Vladimir Legoyda's father murdered near Moscow

Suspect in the murder of Roman Legoyda. Photo: screenshot of the Tg-channel of the State Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation.

On December 29, 2023, in the Moscow region, Roman Legoyda, the father of Vladimir Legoyda, the head of the Synodal Department of the ROC for Relations with Society and the leader of Patriarch Kirill's press service, was killed, reports TASS.

His body was found in a ravine near the road with multiple stab and slashing wounds. The police quickly identified and apprehended the murderer. According to RTVI, the perpetrator turned out to be 25-year-old Adam Shcherbakov, a former convict and veteran of the conflict in Ukraine. He killed Roman Legoyda over money.

As reported by the publication, Shcherbakov had been convicted several times for robberies and had served time in a prison in Bryansk. There, he was recruited into the "Storm Z" assault squad to participate in combat operations (SMO) in Ukraine, but he deserted after a few months.

The UOJ editorial team expresses condolences to Vladimir Legoyda in connection with the tragic loss of his father.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.