Former abbot Sergius, whose given name is Nikolai Romanov, reportedly appealed to the Russian president for clemency. The report appeared in URA.RU.
In 2021, security forces conducted a raid at the Sredneuralsky Monastery, which had been previously controlled by Sergius. He was detained and subsequently arrested on multiple charges, including incitement to suicide, as well as alleged violations related to the freedom of conscience and acts described as arbitrariness.
By November 2021, Romanov received a 3.5-year prison sentence. In January 2023, prosecutors sought a harsher punishment, requesting seven years in prison on charges of incitement to hatred.
In a letter addressed to the president, Sergius reportedly asked for mercy, outlining his religious vocation and milestones. He stated that he was tonsured into the ryasophora order in 1998, ordained as a priest in 2001, and later took monastic vows in 2001 and 2006, detailing his spiritual journey as context for his request.
Sergius, who faced excommunication from the church, highlighted his contributions, noting the construction of multiple churches and monasteries and ongoing efforts to assist the homeless and other socially vulnerable groups.
Earlier, the Moscow City Court reportedly softened a penalty related to charges of incitement to hatred and hostility against Romanov, who formerly held the title of hegumen.
The legal proceedings also involved a Belgorod resident, who faced charges of inciting hatred against Russian citizens.