OCU cathedral in Lutsk decorated with frescoes of businessmen
Fresco of a businessman in the OCU Cathedral in Lutsk. Photo: misto.media
The upper church of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Lutsk now features images of well-known Volyn businessmen, reports Misto.media. Among them are construction businessmen Viktor Chernukha and Leontiy Ivanyshyn, as well as the owner of the Viliya agricultural enterprise, Yevhen Dudka, and others. The OCU also intended to depict Ihor Palytsia, though his image is not yet included.
Cathedral iconographer, “deacon” Yuriy Hetmanchuk, explained that the first images were created six months ago, but some of them received mixed reactions, leading to modifications.
“Currently, work has stopped due to the uproar. We had to redo some images in response to the feedback,” Hetmanchuk said.
The list of patrons to be depicted was provided by Volyn Diocese head, Mykhailo Zinkevych, and included 12 people.
Following public criticism, the OCU is now considering replacing the businessmen’s images with figures from culture and the arts. The iconographer assured that the portraits are placed in areas that do not interfere with the main Christian composition of the church.
Zinkevych previously announced that the cathedral would depict scenes from Volyn’s history and culture, adding that this innovation would be unique to local architecture.
As reported by the UOJ, the Lutsk Cathedral of the OCU previously refused to conduct funeral rites for a soldier because he was “not a Hero”.
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.