The Vladimir Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church has published an appeal on its official website dedicated to the popularization of the works and persona of writer Venedikt Erofeev.
In the statement, published on behalf of Metropolitan Nikander, concern is expressed regarding the trend of glorifying and heroizing the author of the novel *Moscow — Petushki*. The diocese called on representatives of the media, culture, and education to refrain from romanticizing this writer and his key works, as, in their view, they carry a destructive and harmful charge for the individual and society.
From the Church's perspective, the book *Moscow — Petushki* deliberately distorts the positive image of the Russian person, reducing it to a primitive and wretched state, the main characteristic of which is constant alcohol intoxication.
Furthermore, Erofeev's work is characterized as deeply pessimistic and destructive, lacking any constructive foundation. The writer's texts are said to contain the promotion of vice, blasphemous depictions of God, and an absence of moral ideals.
According to the publication *Zebra TV*, the metropolitan's press service reported that believers from the Petushinsky District of Vladimir Oblast had appealed for the protection of their feelings. Parishioners expressed concern over the opening of an Erofeev museum in close proximity to the Church of St. Athanasius. Construction is already underway on the "Erofeev Trail," which invites visitors to explore an exhibition at the district art gallery.
Additionally, according to representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, local residents are troubled by the possibility that quotes from Venedikt Erofeev's works may be displayed at the museum, which, in their opinion, could negatively impact the upbringing of youth.
Venedikt Erofeev (1938–1990) was a Russian writer of the late Soviet underground, creator of the prose poem *Moscow — Petushki*. The plot centers on the journey of the protagonist Venichka by commuter train from Moscow to Petushki. The work combines the confessional monologue of a drinking intellectual, biblical and classical allusions, parody of Soviet officialdom, and elements of an "alcoholic encyclopedia." *Moscow — Petushki* established Erofeev as one of the central figures of unofficial Russian literature in the second half of the 20th century.