Chernihiv Reserve Director: Film screening in the cathedral to be continued

Cathedral in Chernihiv. Photo: Suspilne

Natalia Rebrova, Director of the National Architectural and Historical Reserve "Ancient Chernihiv", stated that despite believers’ outrage over a film screening in the Transfiguration Cathedral, secular events will continue to be held there. This followed the cathedral's transfer from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to the Ministry of Culture. She made these remarks in an interview with Pechera.info.

Commenting on the public reaction to these changes, Rebrova emphasized: “As for propaganda, we do not focus on it at all. Are we aware of their reaction? Yes, we are. But let us return to the significance of the cathedral: the cathedral is unique, one of two – there is Saint Sophia of Kyiv and there is the Transfiguration Cathedral.”

The director added that the cathedral should become a center not only of religious but also cultural and national life in Ukraine. Religious services, museum activities, and secular events are planned for the cathedral: “We are already demonstrating this.”

Regarding the film screening, Rebrova explained that the movie was about the cathedral and the Chernihiv Principality, which, in her view, justified turning the church into a theater for the occasion.

“All the events held here are carefully planned. We do not want to cross boundaries but aim to maintain the high standards that the Transfiguration Cathedral obliges us to uphold. I believe we are succeeding. The reaction of society – whether in Chernihiv, Kyiv, or Ukraine as a whole – has been positive. These are highly educated, noble people with a profound and genuine Ukrainian position, which greatly encourages us,” she added.

Speaking about secular events, Rebrova discussed the film screening held in the cathedral: “This space is not only for religious rituals but also for cultural initiatives, such as film screenings. The cathedral should be for everyone – both believers and the secular public.”

As the UOJ previously reported, a film screening was held in the Chernihiv cathedral that had been taken from the UOC.

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