The Pskov Archbishop is going to anathematize the journalist of the newspaper "MK in Pskov and Velikiye Luki"

Archbishop Eusebius of Pskov and Velikiye Luki intends to anathematize the journalist of the newspaper "MK in Pskov and Velikiye Luki" Alexander Donetsky for the article "Though the saints endure!" , "the oppressive unrighteousness of the modern Church" and that Archbishop Eusebius "openly persecutes the priests of the Pskov diocese." Outraged by the publication, the clergy sent an appeal "Beware of slander!" to the local media, and the head of the diocese said that he was going to anathematize the journalist.

“I don’t understand how, with what sins and vicious deeds, the journalist Donetsksky accused the entire Pskov church and me personally, so I am preparing to anathematize him. With such statements, he embarrasses our entire society,” said Archbishop Yevsevy. "It is important to understand that a journalist is the same doctor, he must bring true good to people," he added.

On January 14, in an interview with Portal-Credo.ru, A. Donetsky commented on the situation. Answering the question how he feels about the message that the archbishop intends to excommunicate him from the Church, A. Donetsksky said: “Well, how can I relate to a person who is openly involved in politics and at the same time is a hierarch of the Orthodox Church - I I mean Eusebius. First, it seems to me, he needs to deal with himself. My point of view is that the Church should not interfere in political problems, that it is separated from the state. And the way he positioned himself on the eve of the elections does not paint Eusebius , nor the Pskov diocese, nor the Russian Orthodox Church as a whole."

According to the journalist, in the article "Tolerate the saints at least" he wanted to draw attention to the fact that "the people who now lead the Russian Orthodox Church do not correspond to the status that they officially have. The one they have been given from God by society, the Church and etc".

Regarding the appeal of Pskov clergy to the media, A. Donetsksky said: “I was especially struck by the article“ Caution, slander! ”, which was published on behalf of the Pskov diocese (ROC MP). I can sue them for slandering me. There is not a single one words of truth. They, of course, will not sue, so the only thing left for them is to act by methods designed for the layman, for the flock, so that some kind of resonance is obtained.

A. Donetskiy also said that he did not expect such a stormy reaction to his "rather soft article." In his opinion, this reaction testifies "to some kind of crisis that exists in the Pskov diocese. And which is initiated by the head of the Pskov diocese, Archbishop Eusebius. He either does not understand what reality he is in now, or he thinks he is the Pope, or something. The situation, on the one hand, is comical, and on the other hand, not very funny. Those priests who have been banned simply have to wait until the power is changed."

Sources

• The Church intends to anathematize the journalist "MK in Pskov and Velikiye Luki" // United Fatherland. 2004. December 27.
• OPINION: "Archbishop Eusebius either does not understand what reality he is in now, or he imagines himself to be the Pope of Rome," - columnist for the weekly "MK" in Pskov and Velikiye Luki Alexander DONETSKY // Portal-Credo.ru. 2005. January 14.