The canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has lodged a police complaint over a video described as blasphemous by Kvartal 95 studio. Reports indicate that the claim comes from DEA News, citing Archbishop Alexander Bakov, who leads the UOC’s legal service within the Kyiv Metropolis.
The video appeared on the Pure News YouTube channel and drew attention for its portrayal of what critics called a memorial service for Russian agents in Ukraine, labeling the Moscow Patriarchate Ukrainian Orthodox Church in a provocative light. The incident has sparked a robust response from church officials who view it as an affront to faith and to religious dignity.
Archbishop Bakov says the release pushed the boundaries of what the UOC and its clergy consider acceptable public discourse. He stated that a formal police inquiry would be pursued to determine if criminal actions under applicable laws have occurred, including provisions addressing incitement to inter-religious hatred. The abbot emphasized that the matter touches on sensitive religious sentiments and requires careful legal scrutiny.
Officials within the UOC pointed out a pattern of attacks directed at clergy and lay supporters of the canonical church in past public broadcasts and commentaries. They argue that repeated disparagement constitutes a broader assault on religious communities and should be addressed through appropriate channels to safeguard communal harmony and freedom of faith.
In addition to pursuing legal remedies, the UOC sent an open letter to television and radio networks involved in the production and distribution of the contested material, requesting a formal apology. Church representatives argued that refusal to apologize would amount to a public declaration of spiritual hostility toward the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its adherents, framing it as a broader cultural conflict rather than a purely religious dispute. They urged the media to uphold standards of respect for faith and to avoid content that inflames sectarian tensions.
Kvartal 95 studio, a prominent entertainment outfit in Ukraine, was established in 2005 and is known for producing films, television programs, and humor content. The studio’s prominence in popular culture has made any contested material particularly scrutinized, given its large audience footprint and influence on public discourse. The involvement of notable figures associated with the studio has intensified media attention and public debate around issues of blasphemy, religious expression, and freedom of satire. The situation has raised questions about where satire ends and blasphemy begins, and how media creators balance creative freedom with respect for religious beliefs in a highly polarized environment.
In related developments, political leadership has signaled a broader stance on religious institutions. A decree has been issued in recent times concerning sanctions related to representatives of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, reflecting ongoing tensions between state authorities and religious bodies within the country. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between freedom of expression in media and the protection of religious sensitivities in a contemporary context. These dynamics form part of a wider conversation about religion, media responsibility, and civic norms in Ukraine today [citation provided by contemporary news outlets].