Former clergyman sent to front line for misconduct 'atonement'

Daniil Sidorov, a former aide to the Metropolitan of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye, accused of harassing two women, went to the front line in Ukraine. The Metropolitan of Yekaterinburg, Yevgeny, reported that Sidorov, as a private in an airborne assault unit, will not be staying at the headquarters but on the battlefield, where he is to "atone" for his sins through sacrifice and service.

Daniil Sidorov will, of course, never be able to serve as a priest again, but this tragically ruined chapter of his life is not the last. He managed to convincingly and sincerely ask—and he received forgiveness from those he offended. Today he began another service—to the Motherland and its defence—quotes the Russian independent portal "Meduza."

Sidorov was accused of assaulting a 19-year-old woman whom he followed after a concert. According to the victim's account, the clergyman tried to touch her and then knocked her to the ground. He masturbated in front of her and pulled her hair. As a result, a criminal investigation was initiated, but the court decided not to arrest him, imposing only a ban on certain activities.

In Sidorov's case, a second incident of assault was also reported by a 38-year-old woman. According to investigators, Sidorov attacked the woman in July, attempting to touch her. On the day of the court hearing, the diocese announced that Sidorov was stripped of his right to serve as a clergyman and removed from the community.

For many months, Russian media have reported that the Kremlin is sending criminals to the front line. In this way, they can avoid serving long sentences. When they return to the country, they often commit similar crimes. The Russian authorities are making the decision to send criminals to fill gaps and maintain a large military presence.