ROC clergy barred from speaking online without bishop's approval
The Russian Orthodox Church has amended its ordination oath to include restrictions on clergy speaking to the media and posting online.
On October 22, 2026, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) approved a revised ordination oath prohibiting future clergy from speaking publicly online without ecclesiastical approval, the Moscow Patriarchate's website reports.
The amendment followed work by the Inter-Council Presence's Commission on Church Administration, Pastoral Care, and the Organization of Church Life on the topic "The Priest and the Parish on Social Media – Goals, Objectives, Methods, and Limits of Activity."
The following provision was added to the oath: "Not to speak publicly on behalf of the Church without the blessing of the ecclesiastical authorities; not to make statements in the media or online (including on social networks and other social media) that discredit the Orthodox Church or distort its teachings; and not to use the internet for personal gain."
The Synod also approved standardized ordination questionnaires for candidates to the priesthood and diaconate and ordered the development of a separate questionnaire for monastics.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the ROC had approved procedures for receiving members of Ukrainian schismatic religious groups.
