The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has revoked an award given to a homosexual Ukrainian fight medic and soldier who celebrated his navy fight service for selling a “sinful ideology” and denying the existence of God.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate confirmed in a press release this week that it has revoked the church award given to Viktor Pylypenko, honoring his sacrifice and love for Ukraine on February 8.
“We thank the warrior Victor Pilipenko (in addition to all our defenders for the protection of our freedom and territorial integrity) for his navy service, however we don’t share his sinful type and LGBT agitation,” the assertion mentioned.
“We inform you that because of the open propaganda of sinful ideology and denial of the existence of God, take into account the church award of Victor Pilipenko dated 2/8/2024 as order No. 27468 — canceled.”
Pylypenko served within the battle to repel the Russian invasion that started about two years in the past. The church mentioned that Pylypenko was offered for the award “by his fellow troopers from the fight unit of the heroic 72nd Black Zaporizhia Brigade”. Pylypenko based a charity known as LGBT+ Navy, which advocates and helps LGBT troopers and veterans.
“Soldier Victor Pilipenko acquired thanks from the church, completely as a defender of Ukraine, not as an LGBT activist,” the assertion emphasised. “Patriarch Filaret didn’t personally award the medal to Pilipenko and didn’t learn about his sinful tendencies.”
Though the UOC has historic ties to the Russian Orthodox Church, it severed its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate in 2022 in opposition to the Russian invasion.
Pylypenko responded to the attraction in a Fb submit.
“Sadly, the Perception trial concerning Mr. Filaret's homophobic statements passed off at a time when our unit was going by means of probably the most troublesome phases of the combating in Donetsk, the place I might have been killed, and Patriarch Filaret would in all probability not have discovered that he had mentioned such irrational issues about me and folks like me issues,” he wrote.
“At the moment, many members of our group had been killed, wounded, captured, combating throughout the entrance in varied models.”
Pylypenko informed Politico that regardless of the de-recognition of his award, lots of his fellow troopers defended him within the ordeal.
“With tears in my eyes, I received a wave of solidarity – as a result of I used to be already exhausted from years of fixed assaults by varied right-wing radicals and clerics – day after day, once you hear this, regardless of how sturdy you’re, it cuts you. down,” Pylypenko mentioned.
“And abruptly I noticed a lot of good folks whom I respect, troopers who supported and guarded me – it was indescribably joyful.”
Nicole VanDyke is a reporter for The Christian Put up.
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