Kuraev now cleric of Lithuanian Exarchate of Ecumenical Patriarchate
He will continue his ministry as a protodeacon, in a missionary capacity.
Defrocked by the Russian Orthodox Church and reinstated by the head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev was admitted into the clergy of the Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Lithuania on July 23.
"Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev was subjected to punishments not for religious reasons, but for political ones, which is why Fr. Andrei was reinstated in his rank. He will continue his ministry as a cleric of the Lithuanian Exarchate as a protodeacon," stated the Lithuanian Exarchate website.
Kuraev will continue his service as a missionary: he will not be tied to serving in a single parish but will continue to preach the Gospel in various cities and countries.
As the UOJ reported, the ROC priest stated that Pat. Bartholomew cannot accept Andrei Kuraev.
