Song and Dance Ensemble performs in Lavra's Refectory Church
Performance by the Kalyna Ensemble in the Lavra's Refectory Church. Photo: Instagram "Kalyna"
On December 15, 2024, the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra hosted a folkloric-academic concert titled Christmas – New Style. This was reported by the State Agency of Ukraine for Arts and Artistic Education on its Facebook page. Participants in the concert included the Ukrainian Academic Folkloric-Ethnographic Song and Dance Ensemble "Kalyna" and the "Blahovist" Ensemble.
According to the agency, the project was directed by Nazarii Tarasenko, one of the choir directors of the Transfiguration Cathedral of the OCU in Kyiv. The performers "presented the folkloric heritage of our people in original arrangements by contemporary composers and classics of Ukrainian music."
The Facebook post received negative comments from Ukrainians.
"Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Aren’t there enough stages for dancing, that you now prance in a church like goats?" wrote Ostap Barsukov.
"They say... Christmas... new calendar... new style... Dancing instead of prayer? This 'style' was known to John the Baptist 2,000 years ago," commented Leonid Liapych.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a culinary show had been held in the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.