Ukrainian Orthodox Priest Clarifies Stance on Valentine's Day Celebrations.

Priest Oleksiy Filyuk's Comments on Valentine's Day

According to TSN.ua: Oleksiy Filyuk, a priest of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), has addressed the celebration of Valentine's Day, noting that this holiday is not found on the Orthodox liturgical calendar. However, he emphasized that the Church does not stand in the way of its observance. The holiday, marked on February 14th, elicits varied reactions among the faithful, but church representatives do not impose a ban on its celebration. This perspective comes as many Eastern Orthodox communities globally navigate the popularity of secular holidays.

Father Oleksiy Filyuk remarked that a practicing Christian should express love not only on February 14th but on every other day of the year. He stressed the paramount importance of love, stating:

'A practicing Christian must love on February 11th, and the 12th, and the 14th, and on any other day—all year round, 24 hours a day, throughout one's entire life.' Oleksiy Filyuk

The Church's Openness to Celebration

Oleksiy Filyuk also underscored that the Church does not prevent people from marking this day. He noted:

'By all means! If you want to celebrate—no one is forbidding you.' Oleksiy Filyuk

The remarks by Oleksiy Filyuk emphasize the openness of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to contemporary social traditions, such as observing Valentine's Day. This may indicate the Church's gradual evolution toward greater tolerance of cultural customs emerging in society. By stressing the importance of love every day, the priest encourages the faithful to actively express their feelings, irrespective of calendar dates.