Moscow Patriarchate Bans Priests from Speaking in Public without Advance Permission

Paul Goble

            Staunton, Oct. 22 – The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has added a new requirement in the oath its priests take. From now on, the new language specifies, Russian Orthodox priests won’t be allowed to speak in public without advance permission from their superiors.

            Specifically, the new language reads as follows: “Do not speak publicly on behalf of the Church without the blessing of the priesthood, to prevent statements discrediting the Orthodox Church or distorting its teachings when speaking in the media and when using the Internet space (including social networks and other social media” (patriarchia.ru/article/123480 and svoboda.org/a/rpts-zapretila-svyaschennikam-publichno-vystupatj-bez-blagosloveniya/33881824.html).

            This decision comes in the wake of public remarks by some Orthodox priests about church and government policies and represents the latest tightening of Mosocw Patriarchate control over the priesthood. It remains to be seen whether it will be applied retroactively and whether it will lead to mass expulsions or resignations.