In an open letter addressed to Russian authorities, signed by over 400 priests and faithful Russians, they appeal for the release of Alexei Navalny’s body to his family, urging for the opportunity to bid him farewell and provide him with a Christian funeral.
The letter emphasizes the universal right of every individual to a dignified burial, drawing a comparison to Pontius Pilate’s decision to allow for the burial of Jesus despite his role in his crucifixion. The signatories implore the authorities not to act more rigidly than Pontius Pilate.
Leading the signatories is priest Andrey Korotskin, who faced repercussions for his opposition to the war and relocation to Germany, resulting in his defrocking by the Russian Orthodox Church leadership.
In a recent interview, Korotskin recalled Navalny’s surprising reference to Jesus and the Bible during his court proceedings in February 2020, where Navalny expressed his Christian faith and its guiding influence on his decisions.
Quoting the well-known verse from the Gospel, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” Navalny conveyed his belief in the pursuit of truth and justice, even in the face of systemic injustice in the country.
The letter underscores the shared aspiration among millions of Russians for truth and justice to prevail, expressing confidence in their eventual triumph.
Source: ANA-MPA, based on information from the BBC’s Russian service / Text translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
