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Russian Priest Faces Excommunication After Anti-War Sermon
KARABANOVO, Russia (Reuters) – Father Ioann Burdin, once a revered priest in the village of Karabanovo, located 370 km (230 miles) northeast of Moscow, now finds himself labeled a heretic following his outspoken criticism of the war in Ukraine. Since the conflict erupted, he has faced significant backlash from the Russian Orthodox Church, which has aligned closely with the Kremlin’s narrative.
During a sermon in spring 2022, Burdin addressed his congregation, expressing his concerns over the violence. He highlighted the moral obligation of Christians, urging them to speak out against aggression, stating, “We cannot stand by when a brother kills a brother.” Burdin firmly placed the responsibility for the bloodshed of Ukrainian civilians on the shoulders of Russia’s leadership, its military personnel, and those who remain silent.
His statements led to a fine for “discrediting the Russian army” and resulted in a church court banning him from conducting services in June 2023. The court found him guilty of promoting “heretical” pacifism and allegedly eroding trust in Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, who supports the government’s actions.
In a recent interview in an undisclosed location, Burdin clarified that his intention was not to preach an anti-war message but to invoke Christian principles against murder. “It was a Christian sermon, not an anti-war one,” he asserted. He emphasized the moral implications of taking a life, drawing parallels to the biblical figure Cain, who killed his brother Abel.
The Russian Orthodox Church, under strong alignment with the Kremlin, has backed the war effort, instructing its priests since September 2022 to offer a specific prayer for victory during church services. Burdin is among numerous priests facing repercussions for their dissenting views on the conflict, as documented by Christians against War, a coalition of believers from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
In January, another notable cleric, Father Aleksiy Uminsky, faced expulsion from the clergy for refusing to recite the victory prayer, highlighting the increasing intolerance within the Church toward those who criticize the war.
Reactions to Father Burdin’s denunciation of the war within his parish have been mixed. Some congregants wished he would refrain from discussing politics and focus solely on spiritual guidance. For instance, one parishioner voiced frustration, suggesting that Burdin should prioritize his pastoral duties over political discourse. However, others, like a church worker named Alexander, continued to hold Burdin in high regard and expressed hopes for his reinstatement, acknowledging his positive influence within the community.
Burdin, who briefly sought refuge in Bulgaria contemplating a transfer to serve there, chose to return to Russia, feeling that his presence was essential amid the turmoil. Despite the official ban, he maintains his identity as a priest and servant of God, supported in part by a poignant remark from his daughter, who reminded him that faith and service to God cannot be confined by church restrictions.
“I am still the same Father Ioann to all my parishioners who know me,” he stated confidently. “I have not been defrocked; I am simply barred from serving.” His steadfast belief highlights the ongoing struggle within the Church as the war continues to impact both spiritual and community life in Russia.
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