The Russian Orthodox Church continues to “cleanse its ranks”

Another priest who refused to read a prayer in support of Russian aggression in Ukraine was removed from ministry

The disciplinary commission under the Moscow diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church imposed a ban on priest Konstantin Kokora, a cleric of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Mitino, from serving, according to the diocese’s website. The ban will last for at least three years. It is indicated that the priest violated the 25th Apostolic Canon, namely, “perjury” is charged.

The Telegram channel “Christians Against War” claims that the priest’s “oath-breaking” was his refusal to read the “prayer for Holy Rus',” which speaks of Russia’s victory in the war with Ukraine, at the Divine Liturgy. The text of the prayer speaks of the “united people” of Rus', expresses words in support of the Russian military and the request “grant us victory by Your power.”

Priest Konstantin Kokora held the position of responsible for the activities of Sunday schools in the northwestern vicariate of Moscow, and also appeared on radio and television with religious talks.

At the beginning of this year, it became known that for refusing to read the prayer “for Holy Rus'” the Diocesan Court of the Moscow Diocese deprived Archpriest Alexei Uminsky of his ecclesiastical rank. Before that, he was also banned from ministry. In February 2023, Priest John Koval replaced the word “victory” with the word “peace” in his prayer, for which he was also banned from ministry.

According to Novaya Gazeta Europe*, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 20 clergy have faced persecution by the Russian Orthodox Church for their anti-war stance.

* Recognized in Russia as a “foreign agent” and an “undesirable” organization.