Group of transgenders stage provocation at Sretensky Monastery in Moscow

Transgenders at the Sretensky Monastery talking to a priest. Photo: a video screenshot

Transgenders at the Sretensky Monastery talking to a priest. Photo: a video screenshot

On the grounds of the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow, three young men – two of whom were dressed in women’s clothing – insulted believers and a priest, reports Gazeta.ru.

In a video that appeared online, one of the young men, dressed in a mini-skirt and stockings, is seen walking through the monastery courtyard with two companions and engaging in a conversation with a priest.

In most cases, the faces of those involved are hidden in the video. In another clip, one of the provocateurs can be heard calling the priest a participant in a “satanic movement” (while the participants themselves are identified as members of the LGBT community).

Security chief Ivan stated that the guards could not interfere because the monastery grounds are accessible to the public.

According to him, the visitors behaved provocatively, filmed the events, mocked the worshippers, and made offensive remarks toward the clergyman.

“They were here for about 15 minutes in total, during which they recorded their videos. At first, we didn’t realize they were transgender – sometimes it’s not immediately clear whether it’s a girl, a boy, or something else,” the security chief said.

After the videos spread online, law enforcement authorities took an interest in the incident. According to media reports, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB have launched an investigation. One possible legal classification of the participants’ actions is under the article for insulting religious feelings, which carries criminal liability.

The monastery does not rule out the possibility that, following this incident, the rules for visiting the premises may be revised.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that a transgender from the USA became the face of a media project of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for Western countries.

Upper Lavra court hearing postponed

The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.

UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center

A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.

Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups

Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.

Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say

A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.

Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia

A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.

Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra

Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.