Russian Church defrocks the priest who recorded video with Wagner Group
Photo: Vitaly Beliaev. Source: Kazan Reporter
Priest Vitaly Beliaev has been defrocked by the Russian Orthodox Church, according to the Orthodoxy in Tatarstan website.
Patriarch Kirill of the ROC confirmed the defrocking of Beliaev. The church court's decision stated that Beliaev was removed from his clerical duties due to violations of canons 17, 25, and 27 of the Holy Apostles and canon 9 of the Second Council of Constantinople.
Beliaev came under the scrutiny of the Kazan Eparchy's church court in February 2024 after he recorded a video in Kharkiv Oblast against the backdrop of Wagner Group flags. In the video, the priest accused church authorities of trying to prevent him from "supporting the Russian military".
As previously reported by the UOJ, another priest was defrocked by the ROC for refusing to recite a prayer for victory.
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.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
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.