ROC Calls to Reject Attempts to Create a New Orthodox Structure in Kazakhstan

The Russian Orthodox Church has spoken out against an initiative to establish an independent Orthodox organization in Kazakhstan, proposed by former hieromonk Yakov Vorontsov. In a statement from the Metropolitan District of the ROC’s Diocese in Kazakhstan, it was emphasized that such actions could lead to conflict and division within the population. This was reported by the news resource Gazeta.ru.

The Church recalled that Vorontsov was defrocked for serious violations of ecclesiastical canons. According to ancient tradition, such individuals are referred to as “rasstrigas” — those who have permanently lost the right to conduct services, perform sacraments, and wear clerical vestments.

The Metropolis stresses that statements made by former clergy on behalf of the Orthodox Church are unlawful, and Vorontsov’s actions are seen as manipulative. His attempts to present himself as a representative of the Church are regarded as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

The Russian Orthodox Church has called on Orthodox Christians and citizens of Kazakhstan to refrain from supporting this initiative, warning that it could provoke interreligious and interethnic tensions in the country.

Earlier, it was reported that Hieromonk Yakov Vorontsov, who was banned from ministry and is known for his criticism of the ROC and calls to create an independent Orthodox body, received an official response to his initiative from the Committee for Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.