Eurovision under fire from religious figures
Eurovision 2017 organisers are under fire from religious figures in the Ukraine and Russia for their choice of Saint Sophia Cathedral as the venue of the song competition’s Opening Ceremony in the first week of May.
The contest, which is broadcast in Australia by SBS, is held on May 9, 11 and 13.
The 17th century St. Sophia Cathedral Complex is one of the landmarks of the capital Kiev, a magnificent UNESCO heritage-listed museum showcasing Ukrainian art, history and heritage.
Saint Sophia Cathedral
It hosts the largest ensemble of 11th-century mosaics and fresco paintings in the world as well as fragments of 17-18th-century murals.
Large screens will be erected in the area for fans to follow the action as the competing artists and delegations from 40 countries are welcomed by the host city’s top officials and dignitaries. After that, they are taken to the Euroclub for the Opening Party.
The cathedral is no longer used for religious ceremonies, except on August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day when different religious groups meet to pray for the country.
Nevertheless, local religious leaders have voiced their protest. Of concern was that the complex includes a huge burial ground, which includes remains of the country’s founder Mstislav, royalty and prominent citizens.
“This should not be done… it would be blasphemy,” said Vasily Anisimov, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchy.
Andrei Kurayev of the Russian Orthodox Church lamented that “Now, on the tombstone of (Mstislav), there will be dances.”
But Eurovision is determined to go ahead with using the Cathedral, for its central location, picturesque factor and logistics.
It has not been the song competition’s first political furore involving the Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Russia was angered that Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala’s winning song 1944 was about the deportation of Crimean Tartars by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in 1944 and which some saw as a metaphor Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Jamala, who won the 2017 event for the Ukraine with a record 534 points, has also irked Russian authorities for her high profile statements as one of Russia and Ukraine’s biggest LGBT rights activists.
The singer has this month released a futuristic-themed music video for 1944, shot at a deserted military base on top of a mountain. It features masterful choreography from Anatoliy Sachivko.
Other venues are also announced for the globally televised event.
The Red Carpet Ceremony is at the St. Sophia area. This is where artists, delegates and world media will meet each other before going to the Opening Ceremony at the St. Sophia Cathedral Complex.
The Euroclub, where artists, delegates, officials and media mingle in the evenings, is at the CEK Parkovy exhibition centre.
The location of the Eurovision Village, where the public is allowed in for free for parties, DJ sets and live acts, will be revealed in February.
The City of Kyiv is also planning many other side events in the city to accompany the Eurovision shows and main side events.
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