DISINFO: Ukrainian satanists filmed a culinary show in chuch during the fast
SUMMARY
Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko, who works for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s spouse, filmed a culinary show at the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during the Nativity Fast, when Christians are supposed to practice abstinence. This is no longer just disrespect or Satanism, this sinks below any imaginable standard of decency. Ukrainians are absolutely outraged in comments by what Zelenskyy is doing now. People will rise up sooner or later. This situation cannot continue like this for much longer.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, accusing the Ukrainians of Satanism. Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about Ukraine and the the West's moral decay.
Ukraine is a secular country where the church is separated from the state. The Lavra is now a museum which is used for both religious and secular events. Staging a culinary show during the Fast was not a sign of sacrilege or disrespect.
Renowned Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko filmed a culinary TV show at the refectory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, not at the Refectory Church, in order to promote Ukrainian culinary heritage. The Director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra museum Maksim Ostapenko clearly stated that it was the refectory rather than the church proper. Although the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is one of the most significant religious, cultural, and historical landmarks in Ukraine and the Eastern Orthodox world, there was nothing blasphemous or Satanist in filming the show at the refectory because it was a place where the monks themselves, who served at the Lavra, once gathered for meals.
In his show, Klopotenko talked about ancient dishes that were once served on Christmas Eve in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian tradition, there should be twelve Lenten dishes. Some authentic recipes were lost and, in Klopotenko’s opinion, replaced with Russian ones. He found some authentic recipes in the Lavra archives, while he brought others from his trips to various corners of Ukraine. The show was titled, "Cooking 12 Lost Ukrainian Dishes! Why Did We Forget About Them?"
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