The Belarusian archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church, who criticized the dispersal of protests, died

The bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church, Artemy (Kishchenko), died at the age of 71, the official website of the church reported. In 2020, the hierarch, who then headed the Grodno Diocese of the Belarusian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate, became the only high-ranking representative of the church to speak out against the brutal suppression of protests against Alexander Lukashenko.

In a sermon in August 2020, Artemy stated that “lawlessness is being committed” in the country. “Our people have turned into animals and are tormenting their own brothers,” he said. Therefore, in this message we say: “Stop! You are not acting according to the Gospel! You raised your hand against Christ and you will not be forgiven! And your business will never stand!”

“This is the position of a believer! He is irreconcilable with evil. He does not adapt to the power of the wealthy. But he does as Christ commanded,” said Artemy. Despite this, the Church is reviving: and now a new generation has come, and it shows that it is viable. I am ashamed of them. That is why we cannot be silent and must speak.”

He called on teachers to repent for their involvement in falsifications and lies, saying that law enforcement officers who beat protesters are “the result of their upbringing.”

The Russian Orthodox Church then declared that the archbishop’s sermon reflected only his personal opinion. Artemy spoke several more times against the falsification of elections and the persecution of protesters. In January 2021, the Belarusian Commissioner for Religions and Nationalities issued a warning to the Belarusian Orthodox Church. Another six months later, the BOC Synod removed him from his position, as it was claimed, due to his health. The next day, the decision was approved in Moscow.

He himself then told Radio Liberty that he was removed on the instructions of the state. “We have turned into a stagnant church, persecuted and captured,” he said. He claimed that his health condition is normal, albeit with “age-related problems.” A week ago, it became known that he is seriously ill, believers were called to pray for his health, – the Belarusian service of Radio Liberty reports.