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The 100kg priest threatens to ride the distraught man "all the way to Jerusalem" in bid to drive out a demon, as laughing villagers look on.

A video of the strange rite shows Father Valeriy, from the Church of St Michael in the self-proclaimed state of Transnistria, in Eastern Europe, pulling on the poor man's ears until he cries for help and collapses.

The Moldovan Orthodox Church has launched a probe after the video emerged.

The cameraman is heard asking how far Father Valeriy will go, to which the fat priest replies: "To Jerusalem and to the sacred mountain of Aphone."

The supposedly possessed man breaks down in tears, complaining he can't go on, and then screams: "Good people please save me! I cannot take it anymore!

"If nothing else, let me carry the priest in my hands?"

But the priest insists his ride continues and vows to plod on to Jerusalem unless the devil shows itself.

A little girl walks up as the priest grabs the man's ears, before an adult pulls her back.

The man, unable to carry the bearded cleric any longer, collapses in hysterical laughter.

But rather than leave his victim to recover, Father Valeriy, who is flanked by other priests and priestesses, stands on the prone man's back – then treads on his head.

The viral video ends with Father Valeriy, who is famous for treating alcoholics, drug addicts and cancer victims, as well as the possessed, declaring the man free of the evil spirit.

The Moldovan Orthodox Church has denounced the ceremony, by saying Father Valeriy is doing it wrong.The church, which has close links to Russia, says a specially-trained priest is needed and has pledged to haul Father Valeriy before an ecclesiastical court.