Russian Orthodox priest who left Russia: “I experienced a kind of civil death”

A Russian Orthodox priest who publicly opposed the Church leadership’s stance on the war in Ukraine has spoken to LRT.lt about his decision to leave Russia, describing his situation as a “civil death” after being barred from serving as a priest.

Konstantin Kokora, a clergyman, was prohibited from performing priestly duties after openly criticising the Russian Orthodox Church’s position on the war. For a year and a half, he continued working as an altar server but gradually realised he had no future in the country.

After the ban on his priestly duties, Kokora found himself in a situation he describes as “civil death” – he lost the ability to serve and his usual social circle. In an interview with LRT.lt, he discussed the reasons that forced him to move to France, how the war has changed the life of Russian parishes, and why he considers support for the war to be “anti-gospel”.

Kokora states that within the Russian Orthodox Church, there are also people who do not support what is happening. However, some can speak about it openly, while others cannot. He believes that parishioners have it somewhat easier than priests.

He explained that the decision to leave Russia was difficult and long in the making. He had never considered leaving the country until his situation became critical. After being barred from serving, he felt like a “white crow” and faced social isolation. His children were also affected, with school lessons promoting a narrative that justified the war.

“At some point, we realised that this was sheer madness. We were at a dead end. We needed to make a decision, not wait,” Kokora said. He and his wife prayed and tried to discern God’s will, but he ultimately saw no meaning in staying.

Regarding the involvement of Church life in the war, Kokora noted that it manifests differently in various places.