The disciplinary commission of the Moscow diocese of the ROC has imposed a ban on the service of the cleric of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Mitino, Priest Konstantin Kokora, according to the diocese's website. The ban will last for at least three years. It is stated that the priest violated the 25th apostolic rule, specifically accused of 'perjury'.
The Telegram channel 'Christians Against War' claims that the priest's 'perjury' consisted of refusing to read the 'Prayer for Holy Rus'', which speaks of Russia's victory in the war with Ukraine, during the Divine Liturgy. The prayer text mentions the 'united people' of Rus', expresses support for Russian military, and asks 'grant us victory by Your power'.
Priest Konstantin Kokora held the position responsible for the activities of Sunday schools in the northwestern vicariate of Moscow, and also appeared on radio and television with religious talks.
Earlier this year, it became known that for refusing to read the 'Prayer for Holy Rus'', the Diocesan Court of the Moscow diocese deprived Archpriest Alexei Uminsky of his clerical rank. Prior to this, he was also banned from service. In February 2023, Priest Ioann Koval replaced the word 'victory' with 'peace' in the prayer, for which he was also banned from service.
According to 'Novaya Gazeta Europe'*, since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 20 clergymen have faced persecution from the ROC for their anti-war stance.
* Recognized in Russia as a 'foreign agent' and 'undesirable' organization.