Phanar takes former ROC Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev under its omophorion
Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev. Photo: LRT
Ex-protodeacon of the Russian Orthodox Church Andrei Kuraev has published on his Facebook page a letter from Patriarch Bartholomew regarding his reinstatement to the clerical rank and his acceptance into the clergy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Patriarch Bartholomew wrote that he releases Andrei Kuraev from punishment and reinstates him to the same rank he held before.
"Considering that only We, the shepherd of Constantinople, bear the responsibility and authority according to Divine and Holy Canons and the established practice of the Church 'to receive clergy from other churches, even if they have not received a letter of release from the bishop who ordained them' (cf. the interpretation of Theodore Balsamon on canons 17 and 18 of the Trullan Council and canon 10 of the Seventh Ecumenical Council [3]), graciously accepting your request, We include you among our holy clergy under our omophorion," the letter from the head of the Phanar reads.
As reported by the UOJ, former cleric of the Russian Orthodox Church protodeacon Andrei Kuraev previously wrote that he received an "electronic decree". From the cleric's post, it can be inferred that this decree pertains to his appeal to Patriarch Bartholomew.
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.