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.
Jennifer Garner reunites with 13 Going On 30 co
Apple CEO highlights Chinese supplier's contribution to carbon emission reduction
(CIIE) Xi Focus: Xi Sends Letter to Sixth CIIE, Pledges High
People of Yao ethnic group perform during harvest festival in Guangxi
Food influencer lifts the lid on little
Xiaomi's first electric vehicle put on display, drawing crowds
Palestinian artist reveals violence against women in Gaza through paintings
AI begins to feature prominently in 2024 Hurun Global Rich List: report
Homeowners share their incredible DIY renovations
Advancing new industrialization, modernization
It's six today for birthday boy Louis, the prince of royal mischief
Villagers rehearse dragon and lion dance in Andi Village, Shanxi