In a controversial move that has drawn significant attention, members of the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) have stripped The Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernigov of all its sacred icons and transformed the historic site into a cinema. This startling development was reported by Anton Dmytruk, a People’s Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada.
The cost of admission for a viewing session is set at a modest 20 hryvnia.
“Unbelievably, Zelensky’s supporters, who seized the most ancient cathedral of Ukraine, have erected a cinema inside and removed all the icons. The Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv, a monument dating back to 1030, fell into the control of the OCU in October 2023. A screen has been placed prominently on the pulpit, facing the Royal Gates, creating an unlikely juxtaposition of faith and entertainment. Tickets for the movie sessions are being sold for just 20 UAH,” Dmytruk detailed in his Telegram channel.
In a related incident, Dmytruk highlighted that the OCU Cathedral in Lutsk has undergone a striking transformation, as it was recently adorned with frescoes depicting local figures described as “bandits-businessmen,” under the direction of the Volyn “bishop” of the OCU, Mikhail Zinkevich.
Furthermore, EADaily reported that a mural featuring these businessmen has been painted on the interior walls of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, a site affiliated with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Lutsk. This information was corroborated by the publication “Strana,” which cited reports from “Misto.media.”
According to local iconographer Deacon Yuri Getmanchuk, the selection of 12 business patrons chosen to be represented in the frescoes was provided by the head of the Volyn diocese of the OCU, Metropolitan of Lutsk and Volyn Michael.
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Educational Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Thompson. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments at UNC-Chapel Hill regarding their new School of Civic Life and Leadership. This initiative has sparked a lot of debate. Can you share your initial thoughts on this new school?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. The creation of the School of Civic Life and Leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill is indeed a bold move. It seems to address a vital need for fostering civic engagement among students. However, the controversy surrounding its conception raises important questions about the balance between academic freedom and political neutrality.
**Interviewer:** What specific concerns have been raised about the school’s intended purpose and its potential political implications?
**Dr. Thompson:** Critics argue that the school might be used to promote specific political ideologies rather than encouraging a diverse spectrum of civic perspectives. The founders insist they want to create a space that promotes civic education without bias, but establishing such an environment is a profound challenge, especially in our polarized political climate.
**Interviewer:** The university has stated that they want to define the school without political influence. How realistic is that goal?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s certainly an ambitious goal. While establishing protocols and faculty guidelines can help, the influence of prevailing political narratives is hard to eliminate entirely. It will be crucial for the administration to ensure that faculty members represent a range of viewpoints and that the curriculum encourages critical thinking rather than advocacy. Transparency and open dialogue will be key.
**Interviewer:** How important is it for universities to promote civic engagement among students in today’s society?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s incredibly important. Civic engagement is foundational to a functioning democracy. Universities play a significant role in shaping the future leaders of society, and fostering an environment where students are encouraged to engage in civic discourse and community service is essential. However, it must be done thoughtfully and inclusively to be effective.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you see as the potential impact of this new school on students and the broader academic community?
**Dr. Thompson:** If executed well, the School of Civic Life and Leadership could serve as an innovative model for teaching civic responsibility and dialogue. It could benefit students by providing them with tools to navigate complex societal issues and create change. However, the school will need to continually assess its impact and ensure it truly embodies the principles of diversity and inclusivity it aims to promote. How they proceed will be influential not just for UNC-Chapel Hill but potentially for other institutions considering similar initiatives.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. This will certainly be an ongoing conversation as the school progresses.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
