Footage shows girls dressed as devils entering the altar in a UGCC church
Performance at the UGCC church in Petrykiv. Photo: screenshot from Kokhanovska’s Facebook page
A video from the UGCC Church of St. Elias in the village of Petrykiv near Ternopil has gone viral online. It shows a Christmas nativity play performed by youth, during which the altar is used as a backstage or storage area. Young actors, including those dressed as demons, freely enter and exit the altar, carrying props in and out. The video was posted on Facebook by human rights activist Viktoria Kokhanovska.
The video sparked a wave of negative reactions in the comments.
"What are girls doing in the altar? And dressed as devils no less... no good will come to this land," wrote Sofia Labunets.
"Lord, save and have mercy on us sinners. Where are these children’s parents? This is not a community center, it is the House of God. One must pray here – on their knees, begging God for peace in Ukraine – and you have desecrated the temple. Shameful. Whoever organized this disgrace will answer before God," commented Valentyna Kernychna.
"Parents!!! Why are you sending your children straight to hell while still alive? Lord, forgive them, for they have lost their reason," wrote Alla Kasiakova.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a UGCC church in Truskavets hosted a theatrical performance featuring “Putin” and a laser show.
Read also
DESS expert: Phanar Exarch asked bail for Chernyshov under pressure from SBU
A religious-studies commentator aligned with the OCU said the scandalous appearance of the Bishop of Comana – offering to stand surety for an official accused of large-scale corruption – was prompted by the SBU.
Persecuted UOC cathedral community holds worship in new premises
The persecuted UOC community in Volodymyr continues its liturgical life, gathering for prayer in a makeshift space.
Charismatic pastor urges “re-baptizing” UOC faithful to sever ties with RF
A Ukrainian Protestant pastor said he considers baptisms in the UOC invalid and called on Orthodox believers to undergo the rite again.
OCU “bishop”: UOC celebrates Christmas on January 7 to divide Ukrainians
Firley believes it is not those imposing the new calendar style who are dividing Ukrainian society, but those who have remained on the old one.
UOC church rector killed by shelling in Hryshyne village
In Donetsk Region, Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko – who had served for many years in a frontline village – was killed during shelling.
Cabinet extends religious communities’ use of state property to up to 50 years
The government has changed the rules for transferring religious sites, increasing contract terms and establishing priority for communities that have already been using the churches.