"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".

Read also

Novynskyi: Monk’s murder stems from hatred fueled against UOC

UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi said the murder of Monk Varsonofiy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra was a manifestation of hatred, lawlessness and persecution of the Church.

Serbian Church in US denies reports of involvement in honoring Zelensky

The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Church commented on reports alleging that Bishop Irinej would take part in presenting an award to the Ukrainian president.

OCU cleric calls UOC an “enemy” and urges unity with Greek Catholics

An OCU cleric said the presence of the UOC in Ukraine amounts to the “presence of the enemy” and called for unification with Greek Catholics.

DESS finds Zaporizhzhia Eparchy affiliated with ROC

Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics identified three signs of ties between the administration of the UOC’s Zaporizhzhia Eparchy and the ROC through the Kyiv Metropolia.

UOC choir director and catechist school in Dnipro opens enrollment

The theological school at the St. Tikhvin Convent in Dnipro has opened enrollment in three specialties.

Serbian president visits Transfiguration Monastery in Kozji Dol

Aleksandar Vučić visited the Orthodox monastery in Kozji Dol and discussed the situation of Serbs in the south of the country.