Can a Christian attend theaters, concerts, movies, and other cultural or entertainment events? #

Theaters, public performances, and other forms of entertainment have long been integral parts of social life. The Christian Church has coexisted with these phenomena for centuries and has documented its experiences in the canons of Ecumenical and Local Councils. These canons are explained by well-known Orthodox canonists such as Zonaras, Valsamon, and Aristenes. If we carefully examine these canons and their interpretations, we will see that spectacles were divided into two categories: permissible and impermissible, moral and immoral.

For example, Valsamon, in his commentary on the 24th canon of the Sixth Ecumenical Council, discusses horse races, popular both in pagan times and during Christian emperors’ reigns. Some were forbidden for both clergy and laity to attend, while others were allowed for laity and even clergy. The canons “did not prohibit all spectacles and contests, but those that are dangerous and shameful.”

Zonaras shares the same view. In his commentary on the 129th canon of the Council of Carthage, he writes:

“Among performers are those who serve on stage, some of whom, typically performing their craft before the emperor, are regarded as honorable in the law, while others, who play in marketplaces and public gatherings, are deemed dishonorable.”

Modern people do not always understand the distinction between ancient theater—which was never inherently prohibited by the Church—and public buffoonery or comedic spectacles. The Church requested that theatrical performances not coincide with Christian fast days or holy days. However, it categorically forbade pagan elements in performances, as well as “everything unnecessary that distracts the soul, weakens and unsettles its disposition, and provokes wild bursts of laughter, such as comedic performances” (Zonaras on the 51st canon of the Sixth Ecumenical Council). This means that the Church did not forbid spectacles per se but specifically those that were immoral, comedic, or incited gambling.

Similarly, today, it is inappropriate for Christians to watch films, performances, or listen to songs that inflame passions or glorify base emotions. On the other hand, there can be films and theatrical productions with Christian themes or based on classic works that uphold traditional moral values.

— Priest Evgeny Gureev