Moscow Eparchial Court “defrocks” Archpriest Alexiy Uminsky

Priest Alexiy Uminsky. Photo: Novaya Gazeta

On January 13, 2023, the third session of the Moscow Eparchial Court on the "Father Alexiy Uminsky case" took place, where a decision was made to defrock the priest, reports Novaya Gazeta.

Uminsky did not attend the session, just like the two previous ones. According to the rules of the ecclesiastical court, at the third session, a decision can be made in the absence of the accused, which was done.

"Under Article 45, Clause 3 of the Regulations on the Ecclesiastical Court of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate): to recognize that based on Rule 25 of the Holy Apostles, Father Alexiy Uminsky is to be defrocked for breaking the priestly Oath (perjury) – refusal to comply with the Patriarchal blessing to read the prayer for Holy Russia during the Divine Liturgy," Novaya Gazeta quoted the ruling.

This decision will come into effect after approval by Patriarch Kirill.

As earlier reported, a priest known for his anti-war stance was banned in Moscow.

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