Network shows "Saint Nicholas" of the AFU firing missiles from a helicopter

A pilot of the 12th brigade of the AFU Army Aviation Brigade. Photo: screenshot of the brigade's Facebook page video.

The 12th Brigade of the Army Aviation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shared a video on Facebook in which their pilot, dressed in priestly attire with a miter on his head, fires rockets from a helicopter. A cross, used in the AFU's symbolism, is embroidered on the attire.

The military published this video on the day of Saint Nicholas, which is celebrated on December 6 according to the Julian calendar.

"Saint Nicholas congratulates on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On this day, Saint Nicholas will bring special gifts to the invaders, and the birds of the army aviation will help him with that," the description of the video says.

In the footage, the pilot dressed as Saint Nicholas drives a sled loaded with aviation rockets through a field and then loads them into the firing compartment.

Later, "Saint Nicholas" puts on a mask with fangs, boards the aircraft, and ascends into the air, after which he launches the rockets.

Previously, a video surfaced on the internet showing a clergyman of the OCU instructing a girl in the diaconal ministry in a church.

Read also

TRC comments on situation with detention of Metropolitan Longin’s children

The agency reported that after the necessary documents were provided, the man was given the opportunity to formalize a deferral.

Media: Metropolitan Longin’s children released from the TRC

The release was made possible only thanks to the courageous and steadfast position of the metropolitan and the reaction of the entire Orthodox community.

DESS says how many UOC churches have "transferred" to OCU since war started

As of early 2024, there were 10,919 UOC religious organizations in Ukraine, 10,586 of which are religious communities.

Metropolitan Longin to Zelensky: Release my son from TRC

Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of Bancheny addressed an appeal to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Prayers further offered for imprisoned UOJ journalists at Lavra's standing

People pray to the Lord to protect the "prisoners of conscience" from all sorrow, trouble, need, and illness.

Metropolitan Theodosiy's house arrest extended

The bishop participated in the hearing via videoconference, but opponents of the UOC were active near the courthouse.