September 05, 2023

They Took His Cross and Icons


They Took His Cross and Icons
A still image from Kurmoyarov’s video. www.youtube.com/@user-xo6kk7vz7i

A St. Petersburg court has sentenced Ioann Kurmoyarov, a former priest in the Russian Orthodox Church, to three years in prison for disseminating "fakes," or false information, about the Russian army.

Kurmoyarov’s criminal prosecution arose from a video titled "Who Will Be in Hell and Who Will Be in Heaven?" which he posted on his YouTube channel Virtualny Pravoslavniy Prichod (Virtual Orthodox Parish). In the video, he discussed Christian doctrine and asserted that Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine would not ascend to heaven but instead descend to hell. 

"In paradise, the ‘blessed are the peacemakers,’ ‘peacekeepers’ are found. Do you comprehend the problem? Those who initiated aggression will not find a place in paradise," he said.

Throughout his trial, Kurmoyarov maintained his innocence. In his closing statement, he emphasized his unwavering commitment to pacifism and his profound distress regarding the war. "I was particularly affected by the notion that Orthodox individuals were involved and suffering on both sides of the conflict," said the former priest.

Years ago, Kurmoyarov lived in Ukraine and served in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In 2017, he drew the attention of the Security Service of Ukraine for displaying a St. George ribbon, a pro-Russian symbol, on his social media. Subsequently, he relocated to Russia, became a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church, and became chair of the Theology Department at Novosibirsk Seminary. In 2020, he publicly criticized the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces in Kubinka, characterizing it as a "pagan temple." After that, the Novosibirsk Mitropolit temporarily prohibited Kurmoyarov from serving in the church, and the priest decided to leave the ROC.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kurmoyarov began denouncing the war publicly. On his channel, he released videos criticizing Russia’s aggression from a Christian doctrinal perspective. In June 2022, authorities detained him, confiscating his electronic devices, two icons, a wooden cross, and a cassock. The Human Rights Center Memorial subsequently designated Kurmoyarov as a political prisoner.

The case of the former Russian Orthodox Church priest is not an isolated incident. According to OVD.Info, nearly 700 individuals in Russia face penal persecution due to their anti-war stance, with most of them targeted under legislation addressing the "dissemination of fakes."

You Might Also Like

ROC: Pacifism is Heresy
  • June 15, 2023

ROC: Pacifism is Heresy

A Russian Orthodox priest called for peace. In response, the church said pacifism is "incompatible" with Orthodox teachings.
Another Political Prisoner
  • February 20, 2023

Another Political Prisoner

A court in Barnaul sentenced an independent Russian journalist for "fake news" about the Russian army.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955