“Don’t be fanatical”: OCU cleric says it's okay to eat sausage during Lent

OCU cleric Oleksii Filiuk. Photo: Filiuk’s TikTok

The OCU (Orthodox Church of Ukraine) missionary priest posted a video on TikTok calling on Christians to approach Great Lent “without fanaticism”. When asked off-camera whether it was acceptable to eat sausage during Lent, Filiuk responded affirmatively.

“Lent is not a diet. And don’t turn it into some sort of fanaticism. So, my dears, if you want to eat – go ahead and eat. Just don’t eat each other alive. Be happy. Eat when you feel like it, dress how you like, love life, be like children – natural, simple.

During Lent, the main thing is not to devour each other. If you’re healthy – fast. If not – don’t tempt yourself,” Filiuk said.

The video has garnered tens of thousands of views, with commenters expressing mixed opinions.

Polina Staniloga wrote that Filiuk is “the most honest and humane priest.” Another user, user26667247648588, agreed: “Finally, priests who are doing it right. They make you want to go to church.”

Meanwhile, HF KYZER expressed confusion about the very meaning of Lent:

“Well, if everything is allowed, then what’s the point of Lent? Lent is, above all, a sacrifice. We stop eating meat and dairy, stop drinking alcohol, and stop gossiping – that’s what Lent is about,” he commented.

As previously reported, another OCU cleric, Dmytro Dudchenko, shared a recipe for hake during Great Lent and emphasized that “every person has the right to set their own rules for fasting, and fish is a great way to get through this spring season.”

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