ROC condemns Phanar actions to reinstate Uminsky in priesthood
Archpriest Vladislav Tsypin. Photo: Orthodoxy.Ru
The ROC stated that the actions of the Synod of the Constantinople Church to reinstate Alexiy Uminsky in his priestly rank are unlawful. Deputy Chairman of the Church Court of the Moscow City Diocese of the ROC, Archpriest Vladislav Tsypin, made this comment to TASS.
"Of course, such actions are not canonical. There are plenty of reasons for protests, but we currently have severed communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, so I don't think that every such act should prompt a separate statement from our side. It probably will, but for us, he remains a priest deprived of his rank," Tsypin said.
According to him, the situation with Uminsky is viewed by the Phanar "from a narrow political perspective", while the real reason for defrocking Uminsky lies in his "disobedience to ecclesiastical authority".
"There are canonical grounds for defrocking because during ordination, the candidate for priesthood takes an oath to obey ecclesiastical authority," the priest noted.
Recall that on January 5, 2024, Archpriest Alexiy Uminsky was banned from priesthood for refusing to perform the patriarchal blessing to read the prayer for Holy Russia (commonly referred to as the "prayer for victory") during the Divine Liturgy.
On February 8, the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church confirmed this decision of the court. On February 27, the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople reinstated Alexiy Uminsky in priesthood.
Read also
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
Hollywood Catholic actors remind of the spiritual meaning of Great Lent
Mark Wahlberg i Jonathan Roumie recorded a video message calling for prayer at the beginning of Great Lent.