Toronto Orthodox priest accepted Putin's medal and says it was about Canadian pastoral work
Father Vladimir Malchenko of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto received the Order of Friendship from Putin at the Kremlin on Nov. 4.
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A Toronto priest received a medal from Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Nov. 4, and says he has no regrets about accepting it.
Father Vladimir Malchenko, head priest at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, was presented with the Order of Friendship during Russia's National Unity Day. Video obtained by Global News shows Putin shaking Malchenko's hand and pinning the medal to his frock.
Malchenko said the award recognized his work in Canada. "I don't look at it as a political act," he said. "It's an act of recognition of our pastoral duties here in Canada." He said his church is "above politics" and does not support any wars.
Asked whether he raised the war in Ukraine with Putin, Malchenko said: "No, it really wasn't time for a conversation." He added: "We never talk about the war."
Putin said the award recognized Malchenko's help for Canadian parishioners to "maintain their connection with their historical homeland." In his remarks, Putin praised Russian troops as "bravely" fighting in Ukraine. Malchenko's speech lauded the "Fatherland."
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress called the acceptance "disgraceful." CEO Danylo Korbabicz said: "This is a textbook case of moral hypocrisy unbecoming of an individual who purports to promote Christian teaching."
The ceremony came two days after Russia bombed a school in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region that was being used as a humanitarian hub, killing more than 50 people. Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, including the abduction of Ukrainian children. Canada has sanctioned Putin and Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
