Priest Gleb Palkin, a controversial cleric accused of sectarianism, prompted his flock to clear personal debts after sharing a fundraising appeal on social networks. The report highlights the monastery leader’s post on the news portal ura.ru, which drew wide attention to his calls for financial assistance. On his VKontakte page, the abbot and founder of the Maisky monastery in Perm Region urged parishioners to help cover debts by sending funds to a phone number he supplied, framing the request within a broader project described as a charitable caravan for those in need and a temporary shelter for the night.
Beloved believers were addressed in a message that described ongoing construction work for this charity initiative. He spoke of roofing a caravan shelter, the creation of sun loungers so guests could stay comfortably, and the assembly of shelving to organize donated items. The plea emphasized urgency, insisting that the help was truly necessary, with the cleric admitting a personal financial burden and asking for assistance to keep the project afloat. The post was reported to reflect a strong sense of personal indebtedness, a factor that sparked various interpretations among observers and members of the clergy alike .
Palkin has previously found himself at the center of controversy over sectarian accusations levied by peers. During the pandemic, he conducted online services and solicited donations digitally, a practice that drew scrutiny from other church officials. Later statements from Abbot Bartholomew suggested that the services conducted at Palkin’s monastery were not recognized as part of the Russian Orthodox Church by some church authorities. By 2022, Metropolitan Methodius of Perm and Solikamsk prohibited Palkin from exercising priestly duties due to violations of church canons, a decision that added to the ongoing debate about his ecclesiastical status and methods .
Earlier, reports indicated an attempt to arrange a prayer ceremony conducted by a priest from Kostroma, prompted by concerns over the absence of hot water, an issue that intersected with the broader discussions about the monastery’s operations and resource management .