ROC vs priest Alexander Shramko and Facebook

http://simplyjews.blogspot.com/

ROC priest Alexander Shramko hasn’t expected the bolt out the blue, I bet. He just wanted to document the epic arrival of Patriarch Kirill, the ROC chief, for a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in Minsk (Belarus). Well, he added a few sarcastic remarks about the manner of the Patriarch’s arrival, his inattention to the public gathered to meet him, his seemingly excessive security detail. He posted a few pictures on his Facebook page, like these two (and more):

On October 16, the priest received a decree on his release from the post of cleric of the St. Michael’s parish of Minsk. The document states that he is forbidden to serve, to wear the priestly cross, and to bless the believers. Such a decision is justified, in particular, by the publication of messages that “slander the Orthodox Church and sow hostility and hatred in the hearts of people.” The ban will be valid for a year, after which the Minsk Diocese will consider the resumption of ministry. “They said that after a year, if you repent, change your attitude … Probably, it means that I should stop writing, stop speaking,” said Shramko to Euroradio.

Decree attached:

The sensitivity of the most powerful religious institution of Russia (and beyond) is mindboggling, isn’t it? http://simplyjews.blogspot.com/