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.

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