A priest was stripped of all his positions for saying, “I’m ready to shake Navalny’s hand.” … I was reading this news and thinking: well, it would be one thing if the man worked at Gazprom or RT (Russia Today), but he serves in the Church. In Russia’s Ulyanovsk region, Father Georgy Sukhoboky was working as the press secretary of the diocese. Recently, he posted my photo on Facebook and wrote: “I used to criticize him, but today I’m ready to shake his hand.” The next day, he was fired. Sukhoboky published an audio recording of his conversation with the bishop: “Navalny, all this Navalny business… Why do you need this? You’re the diocese’s press secretary—why are you stirring up trouble? I was already asked about it today by the people who are supposed to ask. They said there should be no such press secretary.” There are two things I want to say: 1. I shake Father Sukhoboky’s hand in return and say to him: “Thank you.” 2. And to the hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, I want to remind them that in a certain Book there, which they obviously have not read (since all their time is spent talking to “the people who are supposed to ask”), it is written: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” So they don’t get lost in an unfamiliar text, here’s a hint: Matthew 5:10 Love and patience to everyone 😉