www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Church News Father Dmitry Safronov suspended by Patriarch Kirill

Christ is Risen!!

Father Dmitry Safronov, who served the Funeral Service for Alexei Navalny and observed the 40th day commemoration of Navalny's death, has been suspended from all priestly functions by Patriarch Kirill. An order published Tuesday on the Moscow Diocese website says Father Demitry was "demoted" to psalm-reader, stripped of his right to give blessings or wear a cassock for three years. He was also transferred to another church in the capital. No reason was given for this suspension, but the order was signed by Patriarch Kirill himself.

Father Dmitry had signed a public letter asking that Navalny's body be released to his family for burial prior to the funeral service.

Christ is Risen!!

In light of the Cyprianic interpretation of orders-that they are not personal as they are believed to be with the Augustinian view--does this "demotion" mean that Father Dmitry is no longer considered a priest and that he will never be again? In three years, everyone will have forgotten him. Does this mean he will not be able to support his family? On another note, clerics--even seminarians--are blessed to wear a cassock to mark that they are in the clerical state. What does this prohibition mean? Is he now a layman?

No fan of Navalny (he was better than Putin, but that's not saying much). But I think this is a little bit of an overreaction from "Patriarch" Kirill.
This is just an opinion, so, don't take it as gospel. I think this priest has more of a right to be called a priest than Kirill has to be called a Patriarch.
As for the theology, admittedly, I have an emotional reaction to this, so, probably not the best person to answer this. Hope someone who can sees this.

Is it really surprising? By doing this ministerial act of kindness in caring for the soul of this departed Russian Orthodox Christian (and caring for the family and friends) this priest has put himself in opposition to the Putin regime. Of COURSE this would necessitate a harsh penalty as response from KGB Kirill, puppet to the regime. No one can challenge his Master Vladimir Putin.

What a black mark on the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill has been. After all the persecution and suffering they experienced for Christ on behalf of the communists, to think they would become subservient to the same men just a few decades later is sickening. Lord grant conversion of heart to Patriarch Kirill and all his supporters.

The ancient Councils and their Canons are very clear that clerical orders are privileges, not inherent rights; and that these privileges can be suspended or revoked for many infractions.

The concept of "one Ordained, always Ordained" aka the "indelible charism" appears centuries later in the Latin West. I am unclear of how that is reconciled with the Canons.

Christ is Risen!!

The ancient Councils and their canons also provided for an appeal to the Bishop of Rome for dismissed clergy, both bishops and priests. Although it's no longer applicable because of the Great Schism, it did provide a review for arbitrary actions by bishops and synods.