Metropolitan Leonid (Gorbachev) faces trial by ROC Supreme Church Court

Retired bishop Leonid (Gorbachev). Photo: Gorbachev's tg-channel

Retired bishop Leonid (Gorbachev). Photo: Gorbachev's tg-channel

Former African Exarch Metropolitan Leonid (Gorbachev), who was retired by the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), has been summoned to court for ecclesiastical offenses, as he reported in his Telegram channel.

He stated that he recently wrote about the violation of his rights and soon received a summons to the Supreme Church Court with the wording "for ecclesiastical offenses revealed during the transfer of affairs when released from the position of the rector of the Church of All Saints at Kulishki."

The hierarch referred to the summons as a "disgrace". He assured that he did not commit any violations.

"I will be 'judged' because one person decided so. For a long time now, one person has been deciding everything for us," complained Metropolitan Leonid.

Earlier, it was reported that in September 2023, the head of the ROC removed the Exarch of the ROC in Africa from the position of the rector of the church in Moscow, and in December, the Synod decided to retire him.

It will be reminded that according to Metropolitan Leonid, as the ROC gains influence in Ukraine, it will take over the eparchies of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.

"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"

Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.