Risking jail and Church ire, Russian priests condemn Ukraine conflict

Father Georgy Edelshtein, an 89-year-old Russian Orthodox priest, speaks during an interview with AFP in his house in the hamlet of Novo-Bely Kamen on the banks of the River Volga in the Kostroma region on April 25, 2022.

Father Georgy Edelshtein is keen to debate those who disagree with his opposition to Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.

"I'd like to see one or two of my opponents sitting right here," the 89-year-old says, pointing to an empty armchair in his living room full of gilded icons.