African clerics threatened with defrocking for moving to the Russian Church

Orthodox liturgy in Africa. Photo: blagovest-info.ru

African priests receive instructions to renounce in writing the possibility of moving to the Russian Orthodox Church under the threat of being deprived of their priesthood, according to Fb user Sergei Kiselev.

According to him, the corresponding letter was received, in particular, by the priest from Kenya Eliakim Kulali. It substantiates tough measures with the fact that "it is necessary to protect your flock."

“We urge our Priests who have signed this Oath to reconsider their decision and sign the letter which is being attached. That they will not have any such affiliation with this movement (to the jurisdiction of the Russian Church – Ed.) in any way. Doing so will endanger their Priesthood as such," a letter of Bishop Marcos of Kisumu and All Western Kenya says.

Commenting on the letter, Sergei Kiselev notes that the very fact of such a letter refutes the statements that it is predominantly banned and schismatic priests who are ostensibly moving to the Russian Church.

Earlier, the Exarch of Africa said that the transition of 102 priests with parishes to the ROC is just the beginning.

Read also