Usyk: I attend the UOC and will continue to do so
Oleksandr Usyk. Photo: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk discussed his religious affiliation and views on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in an interview with NV edition.
When asked if his religious views had changed and whether he had left the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, Usyk replied: “I am asked this by people who have never been to a morning service in their lives. How can I respond to someone who doesn’t know a single prayer or has never been to a liturgy?”
Usyk also emphasized: “I am an Orthodox Christian, that's it. I attend the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. We have no documented Moscow Patriarchate. Let them show where the Moscow Patriarchate is documented.” He added: “I believe in God. I go to this Church for salvation and will continue to do so.”
Responding to a question about the role of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church during the difficult times of war, Usyk noted: “You will know me not by words but by fruits. What you see doesn’t mean that’s all there is. And what you don’t see doesn’t mean it isn’t there. We also don’t see the wind, and I can’t see each of your love here; you can’t show it to me on my hand. However, I feel the prayer of monks praying for me in the ring.”
Usyk underscored that he will continue to follow his religious convictions despite criticism.
As reported by the UOJ, heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk previously shared who guides him in his faith.
Read also
Attempted Arson at Hagia Sophia Quickly Contained, Suspect in Custody
Incident follows evening prayer service; authorities say suspect has history of mental illness.
Surrogates More Likely to Suffer from Mental Illness
Nearly half of surrogate mothers face risk of new-onset mental health issues, according to a recent study.
Nearly 2,000 Pilgrims Participate in Procession to Pochaiv Lavra
“We walked openly, prayed together, and were amazed that 1,800 of us came together," one pilgrim said.
Patriarch Bartholomew Seeks to Create a 'Common Sacred Worldview'
Patriarch Bartholomew clarified that the goal is not a unified global religion but a “global alliance of conscience” opposed to a “reductive materialist worldview."
Schismatic Anglican Bishop Schisms from Schismatic Anglican Sect
The split reflects Giffin’s resistance to a potential APA merger with the Anglican Catholic Church—another small, schismatic Anglican body.
Macedonian and Ukrainian Bishops Concelebrate for the First Time
The newly-autocephalous Macedonian Church refused to recognize the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine.