A priest who oversaw a memorial for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been suspended for three years by the head of the country’s Orthodox Church.
Dmitry Safronov held a memorial service by Navalny’s grave in Moscow on March 26 to mark 40 days since the politician’s death, an important ritual within Russian Orthodox tradition.
An order published Tuesday on the Moscow diocese website publicly demoted Safronov from his position as priest to that of a psalm-reader and stripped him of the right to give blessings or to wear a cassock for the next three years. He was also transferred to another church within the capital.
No reason was given for the decision, which was signed by Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church and a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Navalny died suddenly on Feb. 16 in the remote Arctic penal colony where he had been serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges widely seen as politically motivated. The cause of Navalny’s death remains unexplained, although the politician’s allies have blamed the Kremlin for his demise.
Alabama lawmakers OK bill blocking state incentives to companies that voluntarily recognize unions
REVEALED: Bartender, 33, 'who lured 19
Trump rips judge for warning he may have to SKIP Barron's high school graduation: Ex
Browns QB Deshaun Watson throwing full speed after shoulder surgery, timetable for return unknown
Family pay tribute to 'incredible mother and cherished daughter' who was found dead at luxury five
Justice Thomas returns to Supreme Court after 1
Proposed design for a train station in Nanjing is ridiculed by Chinese internet users
Treasurer denies South Carolina Senate accusation he risked cyberattack in missing $1.8B case
Jennifer Garner reunites with 13 Going On 30 co
Lottery, gambling bill heads to Alabama legislative conference committee for negotiations
Lana Del Rey Coachella performance lands organizers $28K FINE
Traveler issues severe warning to any 'morning people' who want to visit Argentina