The Moscow Times's video: Russian Worshippers Mourn Controversial Priest in Packed Funeral The Moscow Times

Russian Archpriest Dmitry Smirnov died at the age of 69 on Oct. 21 during his rehabilitation from the coronavirus. The high-ranking Russian Orthodox priest was known for his controversial remarks on a variety of topics, from stating that women have "weaker minds" than men to comparing abortions in Russia to the Holocaust. Before he became ill with the coronavirus, Smirnov had said that the Covid-19 pandemic had a positive impact on society. Over 1,000 people attended Smirnov's funeral service in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, many of whom were filmed pulling down their face masks to kiss his coffin. The Moscow Times is Russia’s leading independent English-language media outlet. From our Moscow newsroom, we provide readers across the world with breaking news, engaging stories and balanced journalism about the largest country on Earth. Find us at: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MoscowTimes/ https://twitter.com/moscowtimes https://www.instagram.com/themoscowtimes/