"Panimatka": media explains how to properly address priest and matushka
A flag at the temple. Photo: OCU
The Ukrainian publication "Gazeta.ua" has called on Ukrainian believers to abandon traditional forms of address to priests and their wives. According to the authors, the words "batiushka" and "matushka" are Russianisms, and their use by Ukrainians is unacceptable.
Instead, one should use the forms of address "pop" and "popadya," or "panotche" and "panimatka" (in Ukrainian – "panotets" and "panimatka").
"Unfortunately, due to atheistic propaganda in the USSR, the word 'pop' acquired negative connotations and is no longer used when addressing a priest. Instead, it would be correct to say 'father,' 'panotche,' 'otche,'" the journalists advised.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Dumenko declared kissing a priest's hand a "slavish Russian tradition".
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