UOC Hierarch Condemns Polyakova's Blasphemous Video Clip
The vicar of the Odessa diocese called on believers not to remain silent in the face of sacrilege and to openly witness their faith.
The vicar of the Odessa Diocese of the UOC, Archbishop Victor of Artsyz, criticized the new blasphemous music video by Ukrainian singer Olga Polyakova, which uses the image of the Crucifixion and Christian symbolism. He published an appeal to Christians on this matter on his Facebook page.
According to the bishop, the use of the crown of thorns, the image of the Cross, and Gospel symbols in an entertainment context is a deliberate provocation and a form of sacrilege designed to create public resonance.
«The crown of thorns, the image of the Crucifixion, and Gospel symbolism are not merely aesthetics and elements of stage props. These are sacred objects for millions of Christians. When such images are used in an entertainment context, especially with obvious sexualization, I perceive this as deep disrespect for the faith of millions of people», – emphasized Archbishop Victor.
At the same time, the hierarch noted that even greater concern is caused not by the artist's action itself, but by the indifference of many people who call themselves Christians. According to him, modern society increasingly perceives faith as an element of tradition or cultural attribute, rather than as a living relationship between man and God.
The Archbishop drew attention to the fact that many are ready to defend political views, national memory, or cultural values, but rarely show the same determination when Christ, the Cross, and Christian sacred objects become objects of mockery.
«Why, when Christ, the Cross, or Gospel symbols become objects of mockery, do many prefer to remain silent? Is it not because for many, Christianity has ceased to be life and has become merely tradition?» – he questioned.
The hierarch recalled the words of Sacred Scripture: «Be not deceived; God is not mocked» (Gal. 6:7), emphasizing that indifference to the desecration of sacred objects is also a moral choice of man.
Archbishop Victor called upon believers to witness their faith not through aggression and hatred, but through prayer, word, and personal Christian position.
«Today each of us must honestly answer the question: are we capable of defending our sacred objects? Not through aggression and hatred, but through word, prayer, personal position, and open confession of Christ», – emphasized the archpastor.
Earlier, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that Olya Polyakova's new music video caused wide public resonance. Many social media users called the use of the image of the Crucifixion in entertainment content blasphemy and sacrilege.
