Priest Iliya Kozlov, a cleric of the Saratov Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church who had previously been punished for theft and sexual misconduct, has once again been permitted to conduct church services.
This was reported by the outlet Christians Against War.

Local media note that in 2023 the priest was banned from ministry and sent to a church court for violating the rules of the Holy Apostles Nos. 25 and 72. These refer to the theft of wax and oil, as well as to fornication and perjury.

“Taking into account the repentance and the request for forgiveness set out in your petition of March 3, 2026, attested by your confessor (certificate of March 4, 2026), and considering your desire to offer active repentance by serving the Lord and your neighbors and by ministering to our soldiers in the zone of the Special Military Operation, by this decree the ban on priestly service imposed on you, Priest Iliya Kozlov, is lifted. You return to the clergy of the Saratov Eparchy as of March 4, 2026,” the decree of the ruling bishop states.