Beasts in Cassocks: The Crimes of the Heads of the Russian Greek Catholic Orthodox Church in America/Chapter 31

by John Feoktist Dudikoff

CHAPTER XXXI.

The "People's Priest" an Arch-Provocateur

The "People's Priest," who had been recommended to me at the Consistory, turned out to be none other than the well-known Agent-Provocateur, Vladimir Richlov. I found him-at the given address. When I called on him, I found with him the priest. Vassili Ptashchuk, his psalm-reader. I told Richlov all about my trials and tribulations, and all about the money I had lent to Platon. Father Richlov replied that he knew ail about my affair. Judging by his words and demeanor, he was ready to take as much interest in me as a father or mother. He told me that he was a descendant of an honest, decent family of a well-known Cossak General. He stated that his father was still in military service, but that he, the son, had changed his army career for one with the Church because of a core conviction.

Father and Provocateur Vladimir Richlov.

Showing me Platon's and Alexander's visiting cards, Father Richlov told me that not only did these two Bishops admire and respect him, but that they also feared him, and were at this beck and call. "When I beckon they must turn," he said. "They'll turn right or left and if I call 'Halt!' they must stop." In addition to Platon's and Alexander's cards, Richlov showed me letters from a few Americans, in which he was addressed as "The Russian Bishop, Vladimir Richlov." Finally, he promised to pull a certain string and compel Platon and Alexander to return not only my $7,800.00, but also all the interest, and a refund of all expenses I had incurred.

A few days later, Father Richlov asked me to call on him and stated: "Dudikoff, you will get your money to a cent. Platon promised to do my bidding just as I told you he would. You will get your money, but on one condition—you must comply with his request." When I asked what they would like me to do, Father Richlov replied: "You see, Metropolitan Platon has been appointed All-Russian Patriarch, to take the place of Metropolitan Tikhon. A communication to this effect has been received from Ambassador Bakhmetyev. It is therefore necessary to exonerate Platon of all accusations made against him. Since your affairs with him has caused a sensation not in Russia and the Ukraine alone, but in America as well, it may prove an obstacle not only towards His Holiness' occupying the Holy Throne, but to his leaving America, and most of all, it will prevent him from repaying your money. It is up to you now to remove this obstacle."

I inquired how it was that I served as an obstacle to Platon's returning my money. To this Richlov replied: "Ambassador Bakhmetyev promised Platon to contribute a great amount of money to the Church Fund, but since he heard of your affair, he is waiting for the Holy Patriarch Platon to be cleansed of all the accusations you have brought against him." To my question as to what to do to remove the obstacle, Richlov's answer was: "Just one thing—you must copy this written confession and have it sworn to before a notary." Father Richlov then handed me a sheet of paper. I was struck dumb. When I recovered, I asked Richlov: "Why, does the Greek-Orthodox Church permit such written confessions?" Richlov replied: "Not only are written confession permissible in America, but at present they are required. If you don't sign this confession, you may bid farewell to your money as well as to all hope of my assistance."

 

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