News
More than 400 Orthodox clergymen, laypeople and Christians of other denominations have published an appeal to the Russian authorities demanding they release Alexei Navalny’s body to his family members.
The appeal was published on the website of the Peace to All project («Мир всем»), which is dedicated to helping anti-war clerics.
“We call on you to release Alexei Navalny's body to his family so that his mother, other family members and associates can say goodbye to him and give him a Christian burial. This is not only their wish and legal right, but also their duty to God and to the deceased.
Alexei Navalny was not only an opposition politician, but also a man of faith, an Orthodox Christian. We urge you to respect his memory. Do not overshadow the tragedy of his death by refusing such a simple and humane request. Remember that before God, all are equal.
Every human being deserves a human burial. Even Pontius Pilate, who decided to execute Christ for fear of disloyalty to the emperor — “if you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar” (John 19:12) — did not prevent the release of the Savior's body and its burial. Do not be more cruel than Pilate. Make the right decision.”