OCU church raider calls critics of church concerts "ignorant hypocrites"

An evening celebrating wedding traditions at the seized cathedral in Cherkasy. Photo: OCU cathedral's Facebook page

OCU cleric Volodymyr Pedko/Ridnyi, who “serves” at the cathedral in Cherkasy and actively participated in its forcible seizure, called believers and clergy who oppose secular concerts and dancing in churches “ignorant” and “hypocrites.”

In a social media post, Ridnyi said the debate over using Orthodox churches as entertainment venues had outraged him and exposed the “pit of ignorance” into which the Orthodox Church had fallen. He specifically noted that many representatives of Epifaniy's organization were also guilty of this ignorance.

“What I hate most in people is hypocrisy and double standards... All these critics and self-appointed defenders of truth understand about as much about the Church of Christ and prayer as I do about artificial intelligence and astronautics.”

Ridnyi also responded to a post by fellow OCU cleric Feodosiy Chupryna, who condemned concerts, dancing, and costumed performances in churches. Chupryna argued that, especially during these difficult times, a church should remain exclusively a place of repentance and prayer rather than become a theater or concert hall.

Commenting on his colleague's post, Ridnyi accused him of Phariseeism, arguing that by the same logic, “pagan” Nativity plays and Christmas caroling should also be banned from churches.

Ridnyi's remarks sparked outrage among users commenting on his post. They pointed out to the chaplain that the forcible seizure of churches and the actions of OCU supporters were themselves prime examples of hypocrisy.

“A raider, a thug, a robber is going to lecture us about double standards...” wrote Nataliia Pochtova.

Another commenter observed: “Looking at what's happening, we can see that God ranks somewhere around tenth place in the OCU, behind promoting Ukrainian identity, reviving traditions, and fostering patriotic spirit.”

“It's very strange to read this from an OCU priest! Some priests joined the OCU during the full-scale war not out of patriotic convictions... but to avoid mobilization. On top of that, they expanded their territory by taking over other people's churches. How is that not hypocrisy and double standards?!” wrote Yurii Solonko.

The controversy within the OCU was sparked by repeated instances of entertainment events and secular performances featuring musical instruments being held in churches previously taken from Ukrainian Orthodox Church communities.

As previously reported by the UOJ, OCU representatives explained why folklore events should be held in churches rather than community cultural centers.

Read also