Russian Orthodox Church Suspends Priest Who Led Alexei Navalny's Memorial Service

Dmitry Safronov, who officiated at Alexei Navalny's memorial, is suspended for three years without a stated reason, amid broader church support for Putin's policies.

Dmitry Safronov is barred from clerical duties until 2027 after presiding over the funeral of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
The Russian Orthodox Church, a staunch ally of President Putin, has not disclosed the reasons for Safronov's suspension.
Safronov's punishment includes being demoted to a psalm-reader and transferred to another church in Moscow.
The suspension follows Safronov's refusal to recite a prayer for Russia’s victory in Ukraine and his advocacy for Navalny's body to be returned to his family.
Navalny died under mysterious circumstances in February while serving a politically charged sentence, intensifying scrutiny of the Kremlin.