One of Greece's largest media outlets slams culinary show at Lavra

Culinary show at the Lavra. Photo: Screenshot from a video on the ΕΘΝΟΣ YouTube channel

On December 15, 2024, during a live broadcast, one of Greece's largest news outlets aired a segment about the culinary show held at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Journalist Thanasis Avgerinos informed the Greek audience that the main figure of the show was Maksym Ostapenko (it appears Avgerinos misspoke, as the host was Klopotenko – Ed.).

"According to him, he was inspired by monastic cuisine and decided to film in the sacred site. He also noted that he could not have carried out his plans if the monks of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church had not been previously expelled from the monastery," the journalist stated during the live broadcast.

He emphasized that "the decision to host a show in one of the most revered Orthodox monasteries has sparked a massive wave of outrage in society."

According to the Greek journalist, "criticism came both from ordinary citizens and politicians, who accused the organizers of disrespecting the religious feelings of believers."

Thanasis Avgerinos particularly highlighted that "the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is not just a cultural monument but a holy site for millions of Orthodox Christians."

"The scandal raises questions about the boundaries of what is acceptable and the respect for sacred sites in contemporary conditions," the journalist concluded.

As of now, the segment about the show at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, published on the ΕΘΝΟΣ YouTube channel, has been viewed 39,000 times.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UOC would appeal to law enforcement regarding the culinary show at the Lavra.

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