Moscow priest who was removed from post defrocked for refusing to recite prayer for ‘Holy Rus’ victory

The Moscow Diocesan Court has defrocked Archpriest Alexey Uminsky, who was previously removed from his position at the Moscow Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Khokhly and banned from service. The church court reached the decision in a January 13 session, reports Novaya Gazeta.

Uminsky was defrocked for refusing to recite the prayer for “Holy Rus” during the divine liturgy. The prayer includes phrases such as: “Arise, O God, in aid of Your people and grant us victory through Your strength.”

The court’s decision has been sent to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill for approval.

Uminsky was not present at the court hearing or at two previous court sessions. When asked to comment on the court’s decision, Uminsky told Meduza, “My fundamental stance is to not give any comments.”