Defrocked ROCOR-MP priest received into the GOARCH's "Slavic Vicariate" -- per UOJ

[SavaBeljovic]

Per article: https://uoj.news/en/defending-faith/847 ... -vicariate

But the one part that is noteworthy is why this Fr. Alexander was defrocked by the ROCOR-MP:

“The reason that Stepanenko was defrocked has not been made public by ROCOR (it is unusual for a bishop or synod to disclose the priest’s alleged crimes unless there is a grave threat to the public). The UOJ asked the Slavic Vicariate what led to their decision to “receive” Stepanenko. Did they request the files on his suspension from ROCOR? Did they determine that the accusations against Stepanenko were unfounded? If so, what evidence did they acquire? 
The unnamed spokesman for the Slavic Vicariate told the UOJ in an email:

“Fr. Alexander is a native of Ukraine, from the war-torn Chernihiv region. He was suspended by ROCOR after publicly speaking out against the war in Ukraine, the ideology of the “Russian World,” and the blessing of military violence by clergy. His stance was one of moral conviction — and it was punished not for canonical infractions, but for telling the truth. 
As you surely know, ROCOR continues to commemorate Patriarch Kirill, under whose leadership clergy bless weapons of war. Fr. Alexander publicly condemned this practice. For this, he was subjected to psychological pressure, ecclesiastical harassment, and ultimately punitive action.””

Promoting heresy isn't enough to get defrocked by the modern ROCOR-MP, but condemning Putin's war is. As the recent situation with the former sister Vassa Larin revealed, the ROCOR-MP cares more about politics and supporting the Russian government than anything else.

[RocaRemnant]

Per article: https://uoj.news/en/defending-faith/847 ... -vicariate

But the one part that is noteworthy is why this Fr. Alexander was defrocked by the ROCOR-MP:

“The reason that Stepanenko was defrocked has not been made public by ROCOR (it is unusual for a bishop or synod to disclose the priest’s alleged crimes unless there is a grave threat to the public). The UOJ asked the Slavic Vicariate what led to their decision to “receive” Stepanenko. Did they request the files on his suspension from ROCOR? Did they determine that the accusations against Stepanenko were unfounded? If so, what evidence did they acquire? 
The unnamed spokesman for the Slavic Vicariate told the UOJ in an email:

“Fr. Alexander is a native of Ukraine, from the war-torn Chernihiv region. He was suspended by ROCOR after publicly speaking out against the war in Ukraine, the ideology of the “Russian World,” and the blessing of military violence by clergy. His stance was one of moral conviction — and it was punished not for canonical infractions, but for telling the truth. 
As you surely know, ROCOR continues to commemorate Patriarch Kirill, under whose leadership clergy bless weapons of war. Fr. Alexander publicly condemned this practice. For this, he was subjected to psychological pressure, ecclesiastical harassment, and ultimately punitive action.””

Promoting heresy isn't enough to get defrocked by the modern ROCOR-MP, but condemning Putin's war is. As the recent situation with the former sister Vassa Larin revealed, the ROCOR-MP cares more about politics and supporting the Russian government than anything else.

It’s a “if you’re not with me, you’re against me” mentality. I’m not surprised that this happened

[Barbara]

I for one do not feel a single drop of sympathy or pity for former Fr Stepanenko
I'm SURE he did other things TOO, like ALL these ones who are accepted into the Slavic Vicariate have done. Sleazy dealings with money or other infringements of the code of good priestly behavior
Remember that former priest in Florida whose newly formed parish was named for Fake-Matrona ? That summarizes their approach.

Nice to see you back here, Ioann/Almond !

[SavaBeljovic]

I for one do not feel a single drop of sympathy or pity for former Fr Stepanenko
I'm SURE he did other things TOO, like ALL these ones who are accepted into the Slavic Vicariate have done. Sleazy dealings with money or other infringements of the code of good priestly behavior
Remember that former priest in Florida whose newly formed parish was named for Fake-Matrona ? That summarizes their approach.

Nice to see you back here, Ioann/Almond !

I would disagree with this assessment: It is even noted by the UOJ (who are usually pro-MP) that it was unusual the ROCOR-MP never disclosed why he was defrocked, which is incredibly rare. We also know from the example of Vassa Larin that she preached heresy for years, publicly, and there were barely whispers about it from the ROCOR-MP. But as soon as she supported the OCU she was excommunicated.

Stepanenko being from Ukraine was more than likely upset about Putin's forces launching an indiscriminate and brutal war against the Ukrainian state which has affected its civilians to an extreme degree. He spoke out against this and was defrocked. Kirill has called this war a "Holy War" and said anyone who dies fighting for Putin's regime is automatically a Martyr, Ilarion Kapral of the ROCOR-MP basically repeated this same sentiment.

Not to defend the GOARCH by any means, but this does seem like something the ROCOR-MP would do in retaliation for speaking out against the MP and Putin's war.