Priest Torches Pride Masses — Parish Backs Him

A Ukrainian Catholic priest publicly denounced “Pride Masses” and called believers to pray for chastity and real marriage between one man and one woman.

Story Highlights

Fr. Andriy Kelt urged Catholics to reject “Pride Masses” and uphold Church teaching on marriage.
St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church confirmed Fr. Kelt’s ministry role and public presence.
Catechism-based arguments cite grave sin and the danger of scandal as the core concern.
U.S. parishes promoting Pride-themed liturgies show a growing split inside Catholic life.

Priest’s Homily Condemns Pride-Themed Liturgies

On June 22, Father Andriy Kelt urged Catholics to stand firm against “Pride Masses” and to pray for the return of chastity and true marriage. Public posts summarizing his message say he stressed the Church’s teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, and called Catholics to witness that truth in public life. A separate public post echoed the same theme, noting he pressed believers to proclaim this teaching even when culture pushes the opposite view.

Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church introduced Father Kelt to parishioners and confirmed his service there, giving public context to his ministry and his remarks. These posts show a priest speaking from a recognized parish platform to defend core doctrine on the family. While a full transcript or video of the June 22 homily was not available, the consistent summaries align with his other public statements, which present a steady message about marriage and chastity.

Catechism Basis: Chastity, Marriage, and Scandal

Church teaching cited by defenders of Father Kelt’s stance holds that homosexual acts are gravely sinful and that presenting sin as virtue risks causing scandal, which leads others into error or sin. That is why critics of “Pride Masses” warn that pairing the Holy Mass with Pride branding confuses the faithful about right and wrong. The core argument is simple: the Church welcomes every person, but it cannot bless or celebrate actions it teaches are sinful.

Supporters note that the Catechism defines marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman ordered toward the good of spouses and children. They argue any liturgy that treats Pride as a theme signals approval of acts the Church says are wrong. A same-sex-attracted Catholic convert has publicly defended this view and opposed “Pride Masses,” showing this is not only a clerical concern but also a lay witness rooted in doctrine and love of truth.

Growing Split: U.S. Parishes Host Pride Events

Several American parishes and ministries advertise Pride-themed worship and outreach, including a Washington, D.C. parish that lists a Pride Mass as part of its LGBTQ ministry, and a New Jersey parish that promotes an LGBTQ ministry with public materials. A New York City parish has featured a Stonewall Pride Mass focused on inclusion and hope, drawing media attention and debate among Catholics about what the Church actually teaches and allows.

This activity highlights a widening gap between official doctrine and certain local practices. Advocates for Pride-themed liturgies say they aim to welcome people who feel pushed out. Critics say that is the wrong tool because it blurs moral lines and misleads the flock. Father Kelt’s call for prayer and clarity lands in the middle of that divide, urging truth with charity and warning against bad signals inside sacred worship.

Pushback From Activist Groups Highlights Culture Clash

Activist groups that identify as Catholic often frame traditional teaching as “hateful,” pointing to broader messages about equal dignity from Pope Francis to argue for Pride participation. Posts from one prominent advocacy group used this language in response to traditional voices like Father Kelt’s, signaling a communication fight that is not going away. This rhetorical pressure aims to recast doctrine as discrimination, even when speakers quote the Catechism directly.

Ukrainian civic authorities have at times restricted Pride events, citing safety concerns, which further complicates perceptions of Church and state roles in the region. That backdrop raises the stakes for clergy who preach on moral issues. For American conservatives, the lesson is clear: when culture tries to convert worship into a billboard for ideology, pastors must protect the altar. Father Kelt’s message urges believers to pray, to speak the truth in love, and to defend the meaning of marriage without fear.