@KingOfWhiteAmerica @BowsacNoodle Imho bans on running for public office are issued by the church to insulate itself from danger by a hostile government, and can be rescinded at will by the patriarch. Even if there is a "ban", minor clergy would just need a letter of permission, only major clergy (deacon and up) and monastics would be seriously restricted.

He is a novice, which I believe is monastic side, acolyte is clergy equivalent. Novices have no standing, and if they exibit a lack of humility it is a negative sign, so Im surprised hes not kicked out yet due to the videos. I dont think running for office shows hes ready for a monastery either. All that would happen is his abbot would ask him to stop, and if he doesnt, he would lose novice standing. He can resume novice standing once he corrects, it has no penalty for failure. Now.... if the Abbott wants him to run for public office.... then that Abbott might be in serious trouble, but Nathaniel would not be.

Also this is ROCOR, they are an odd anomaly and not really how a church should be run. They are under Moscow Patriarchate, but functionally are permitted to run independently. It is only taken seriously because its existence is considered temporary and so far they havent stepped on any toes.