Pastor-pedophile from Mariupol imprisoned for 13 years

November 14, Primorsky District Court of Mariupol convicted the pastor for seducing and raping minor girls, reports the press service of the Prosecutor's Office of Donetsk region.

In total, according to the investigation, the pastor raped and seduced 13 girls.

The case was heard in court for the second time. The previous sentence, according to which the offender was sentenced to 10 years in prison, was overturned on the Prosecutor's Office appeal because of the leniency of the penalties imposed.

"From 1996 to 2012 the 65-year-old pastor was a bishop of the church of Jesus Christ in the city of Mariupol. From 1999 to 2012 he seduced and forced to have sexual intercourse in natural and unnatural ways with minor and young girls who attended the church. For this, he promised the children absolution," reported the press service of the Prosecutor's Office.

For offenses under articles "the rape of a minor or of a young child", "forcible sexual assault by unnatural means, committed against a minor and a young child" and "seduction of minors" the accused was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

As reported by the UOJ, a Brazilian priest who was the subject of a film about pedophiles hanged himself in prison.

Read also

Prayers further offered for imprisoned UOJ journalists at Lavra's standing

People pray to the Lord to protect the "prisoners of conscience" from all sorrow, trouble, need, and illness.

Metropolitan Theodosiy's house arrest extended

The bishop participated in the hearing via videoconference, but opponents of the UOC were active near the courthouse.

Dumenko and Zoria discuss combating "Russian World" with Minister of Culture

Tochytskyi and representatives of the OCU discussed countering Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukraine's national identity.

Greek theologian: Religious situation in Ukraine divides Orthodoxy

According to the Greek theologian, "many Ukrainian Orthodox worshippers have been hesitant to leave the church under the Moscow Patriarchate and join the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, fearing a potential excommunication for being schismatics."  

OCU cleric blames TRC for forced mobilization and kidnapping of parishioners

It is reported that the mobilized person was helping with repair work in the church.

Greek theologian explains why Churches do not accuse ROC Primate of heresy

A professor from the University of Athens explained why no Orthodox Church had condemned Patriarch Kirill as heretic so far.