A bishop in Russia has advised women to avoid nagging their husbands during the coronavirus lockdown.

Bishop Panteleimon, who is head of the Russian Orthodox Church’s department for charity, was answering questions from viewers during a live YouTube broadcast when one woman asked him how to live in obedience to her husband.

The church official told the woman she should first “stop making comments” to her spouse to avoid creating tension during the Covid-19 lockdown.

He also advised the woman to punish herself if she does make comments by making a promise to God to make 10 bows in the evening, or to not eat chocolate or sit on the internet all day if she does make comments, the Moscow Times reports.

The bishop’s remarks come three years after Russia decided to partially decriminalise domestic violence.

Since 2017, anyone who is violent towards their spouse or child but only causes bruising or bleeding, not broken bones, can be punished by 15 days in jail or a fine of 30,000 rubles (£325) as long as it has not taken place more than once a year.

Offences previously carried a maximum jail sentence of two years.

Bishop Panteleimon later defended his comments, saying it was equally important for husbands not to make comments to their wives.

He said in a statement released through the Synodal Charity Department: “In the current alarming situation, it is very important to maintain peace in the family, with your loved ones.

“It’s better to refrain from comments, try to support each other, show love to your family and everyone who needs help.”

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He added: “It is equally important for the husband to refuse to give comments to his wife, to show love and care for her.

“If the husband or wife cannot restrain themselves and still make comments, they can incur an internal obligation – to give up what they like for a while.”

“Our remarks can provoke tension in the relationship. This is important to avoid.”