Former cleric of the temple. Andrew the First-Called in Lyublino, Moscow
He prayed for peace, replacing the word "victory" with the word "peace" in the "Prayer for Holy Rus." Instead of "Arise, O God, to help Your people and grant us victory by Your power," he pronounced "Arise, O God, to help Your people and grant us peace by Your power." Upon learning of this, the rector of the church attempted various means to change his cleric's mind, but seeing his steadfastness, he allowed the case to proceed further. It was referred first to the vicar bishop, then to the disciplinary committee, and subsequently to the diocesan church court.
The church hierarchy viewed the priest's actions as a manifestation of "unauthorized behavior" (samochinie). On February 2, 2023, a decree signed by Patriarch Kirill was published on the website of the Diocese of Moscow, suspending Priest Ioann Koval from serving.
On May 11, 2023, a session of the Moscow Diocesan Court took place, which ruled to defrock Priest Ioann Koval. The decision was officially ratified by Patriarch Kirill on August 15, 2023.
Currently, he has been restored to his priestly rank by the Patriarch of Constantinople and continues his ministry in one of the parishes in Turkey.