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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
Former officer of the border service of the Federal Security Service of Russia Illya Bogdanov has received priestly ordination in the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. He has also become a chaplain of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). Bogdanov announced this on his Instagram page, as reported by Glavkom.
Bogdanov’s priestly ordination took place 26 in October during a Divine Liturgy at the Preobrazhensk Cathedral in Kyiv. Metropolitan Oleksandr Drabinko of Pereiaslav and Vyshneve ordained the former military serviceman of the Russian special service as a priest. The ceremony occurred on the day of the memory of Saint Demetrius the Great Martyr of Thessalonica.
“From now on I am a priest of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and a chaplain of the Russian Volunteer Corps,” Bogdanov wrote.
The newly ordained priest thanked Metropolitan Oleksandr Drabinko for the trust and spiritual guidance. He also mentioned the leadership of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the commander of the RVC, his wife, friends, and everyone who supported him on the path to priesthood.
Bogdanov stated that he intends to devote himself to chaplaincy work and spiritual support for the corps’ soldiers.
“I have the strength, the desire, and the resolve to develop chaplaincy service. There is much work, trials, and surprises ahead. But I believe that the Lord, who led me to this path, will not abandon me in the future,” he noted.
Bogdanov also asked for prayers so that he may faithfully fulfill his calling and serve God, the church, and people.
From deacon to priest
Before his ordination to the priesthood, Bogdanov progressed gradually. In March 2026 of the year, he received the rank of deacon in the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The deacon ordination was also performed by Metropolitan Oleksandr Drabinko.
Then Bogdanov said that he had long felt a calling to spiritual service, although for a long time he believed his path was military. After being ordained a deacon, he returned to military duties, but stated that he would no longer participate in killing opponents.
“I served with the sword, now I will serve with the word,” he explained his decision. Bogdanov also expressed hope to continue his studies and eventually become a priest. Now this intention has been realized.
What is known about Illya Bogdanov
Illya Bogdanov is a former officer of the border service of the FSB of Russia, who in 2014 year switched sides to Ukraine. After the start of Russia’s aggression, he joined Ukrainian volunteer formations, and later became a participant in the Russian Volunteer Corps, which fights against Russian occupiers.
Bogdanov is also known for his involvement in information confrontation with the Russian authorities. Because of his switch to the Ukrainian side, Russian special services repeatedly tried to abduct or eliminate him.
In May 2023 year Illya Bogdanov figured in materials about the Russian Volunteer Corps operation in the Belgorod region. His photograph was published during coverage of the volunteers’ raid.
As a reminder, the Russian Volunteer Corps has repeatedly conducted raids into Russian territory. In May 2023 year its fighters, together with the Free Russia Legion, entered Belgorod oblast, stating the aim of creating a buffer zone to protect Ukrainian borderlands. In March 2024 year the RVC, together with the Free Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion, launched a new operation in Belgorod and Kursk regions. During these raids, the volunteers reported battles with Russian troops, capture of prisoners, and destruction of military equipment.
Glavkom reported on these events in materials: about the first raid on Belgorod region, the operation in Kursk and Belgorod regions, and the capture of Russian soldiers.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Ексофіцер ФСБ став священником ПЦУ". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: ZmiOne.
