Network shows "Saint Nicholas" of the AFU firing missiles from a helicopter
A pilot of the 12th brigade of the AFU Army Aviation Brigade. Photo: screenshot of the brigade's Facebook page video.
The 12th Brigade of the Army Aviation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shared a video on Facebook in which their pilot, dressed in priestly attire with a miter on his head, fires rockets from a helicopter. A cross, used in the AFU's symbolism, is embroidered on the attire.
The military published this video on the day of Saint Nicholas, which is celebrated on December 6 according to the Julian calendar.
"Saint Nicholas congratulates on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On this day, Saint Nicholas will bring special gifts to the invaders, and the birds of the army aviation will help him with that," the description of the video says.
In the footage, the pilot dressed as Saint Nicholas drives a sled loaded with aviation rockets through a field and then loads them into the firing compartment.
Later, "Saint Nicholas" puts on a mask with fangs, boards the aircraft, and ascends into the air, after which he launches the rockets.
Previously, a video surfaced on the internet showing a clergyman of the OCU instructing a girl in the diaconal ministry in a church.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.