A mention of activity on social networks appeared in the protege oath of future clergytranslated

An important addition, including regarding the activity of clergy on social networks, was given to the oath of office at the ordination of presbyters and deacons.

The Commission of the Inter-Council Presence on Church Administration, Pastoral and Organization of Church Life, in the course of its work on the topic “The priest and the parish in social networks - goals, objectives, methods and boundaries of activity”, stated that some of the problems raised by this topic are not reflected in the protege oath. It was also noted that in the dioceses there is no uniformity in the text of the interrogation. In order to study the issue, texts used in dioceses were requested and 209 responses were received. Based on the results of the consideration, the Commission submitted to the Holy Synod its proposals to supplement the text of the henchmen’s oath, as well as to approve the text of the henchmen’s interrogation.

Having considered these proposals, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, at a meeting on October 22, 2026, decided to add the words to the text of the henchman’s oath: “Do not speak publicly on behalf of the Church without the blessing of the clergy, do not allow when speaking in the media and when using...