Baptism of Alina Grosu’s Son Sparks Controversy
Singer Alina Grosu’s newborn son was baptized in a ceremony that has stirred public debate in Ukraine. Iryna Bilyk, a Ukrainian People’s Artist, served as the child’s godmother. The rite took place at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi and was conducted by Metropolitan Meletii, who is currently under sanctions imposed by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (RNBO). Journalist Sonia Koshkina publicly criticized the decision, drawing attention to the implications of involving a sanctioned religious figure.
It is worth noting that Iryna Bilyk has been a close friend of the Grosu family for over 25 years. Alina Grosu’s parents, Mykhailo and Hanna, are well-known entrepreneurs in Chernivtsi. Alina Grosu became a mother for the first time in April 2025, and she and her partner gave their son a double name. The identity of the child’s father has not been publicly disclosed.
The Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi
The Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi can accommodate up to 4,000 parishioners. On February 16, 2025, the cathedral was transferred to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). Later, on January 21, 2026, the Commercial Court of Chernivtsi Oblast ordered the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to hand over the cathedral, along with a hotel, a boiler house, and two toilet facilities, to the OCU.
“Clearly, the child is not to blame. But this raises a question for the adults. What must be going through the minds of adult Ukrainians who, in the fifth year of a full-scale invasion, choose to have their child baptized not just by any Moscow-affiliated priest, but by one of the main proponents of the ‘Russian world’? Iryna Bilyk, is your grasp of reality really that off?”
— Sonia Koshkina
The event has triggered widespread discussion across Ukrainian society, particularly given the ongoing war with Russia and the controversial role of the Moscow-linked church in Ukraine. Koshkina’s criticism highlights the importance of carefully selecting religious leaders at a time when national identity and patriotism are paramount. The choice of Metropolitan Meletii to perform the baptism has become a flashpoint for deeper societal tensions that call for open dialogue.
The recent baptism of Alina Grosu's son has not only sparked public debate but also raises questions about the choices made by influential figures in the current socio-political climate. The involvement of Iryna Bilyk, a long-time family friend, adds another layer to this story, as it highlights the complexities surrounding the church's role in contemporary Ukraine. For further insights into this controversial event and its implications, read more about the details of the baptism ceremony.