False Priest Detained in St. Petersburg Church

On January 28, on Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street, officers of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya) detained a man in clerical attire. He was led out of the Church of St. Mary in handcuffs and placed in a service vehicle.

As reported by the church, the detainee is not a clergyman but was known to the parish. He repeatedly appeared in a cassock at various churches, including this one. At first, he was accepted, but later his behavior became alarming: the man consumed alcohol, particularly at Christmas, and there were suspicions of attempted thefts. After repeated warnings and new violations, the church turned to law enforcement.

The parish rector, Mikhail Ivanov, stated that the main task was the safety of parishioners.

«When it became known that the man was behaving in a way that, in a sense, threatens people»s safety, the staff correctly oriented themselves and called Rosgvardiya,« he said. »Unfortunately, this happens when clerical garments are used to commit unlawful acts.«

The pastor confirmed that complaints about the man came not only from the church but also from local stores where he behaved inappropriately.

«An outsider, as a rule, won»t figure out who it is, a masquerader or not. They«ll draw appropriate conclusions that will then be projected onto the entire church. This is especially sad,» added Mikhail Ivanov.