Ukrainian archbishop sent to monastery after bar brawl
A Ukrainian Archbishop has been sent to a monastery for a month after being caught on CCTV getting involved in a fight at a bar.
Ukrainian news agencies report that Archbishop Mstyslav is seen on the footage happily dancing with various women at a venue in Ternopil before a brawl breaks out with other clergymen and patrons.
The men are all members of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) - the smallest of Ukraine's three orthodox churches.
A statement on their website says that, in light of the events, the archbishop is being sent away "for repentance".
Church leaders are reportedly also unhappy as the Archbishop's outing took place during a period of fasting to mark an Orthodox holy day - a time during which any festivities are banned.
The footage of the Archbishop has gathered over 300,000 views on YouTube since its broadcast and church leaders have apologised on behalf of those involved.
While Archbishop Mstyslav observes a month in the monastry, the other clergy involved have been suspended from pastoral duties.
The Church says it will also launch its own investigation into the incident.
By Dan Golding
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