UOC Primate blesses a seminarian for «Arnold-Classic» competition in the USA (VIDEO)

On 21 February Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine His Beatitude Onuphry blessed weight-lifter Nikolay Tkachuk to participate in competitions held in America. According to the UOJ correspondent, Nikolay is a World Champion in weight-lifting among juniors. He is also a fourth-year student of Kiev Theological School .

«I have been attached to Orthodox faith since 2008, said Nikolay Tkachuk to the UOJ correspondent. – That's why blessing is very important to me: only this gives me strength.»

Nikolay is an acolyte of Kiev-based temple in the honour of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God.

The seminarian sportsman was invited to the competition to the USA, called «Arnold-Classic», by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The trip will take place with support of the UOC Primate Foundation.


Read also

OCU parishioners in Kosmach sue each other over December 25 service

An OCU parish in Ivano-Frankivsk Region held no services either on December 25 or on January 7.

Analyst likens Bankova’s case against UOC to Stalin-era repression

Bondarenko said the way the authorities justify pressure on the Church may amount to the rhetoric of the totalitarian era.

Christmas caroling and festive concerts held across UOC eparchies

During the January celebration of the Nativity of Christ, UOC communities across the country sing carols, hold concerts, and organize charitable initiatives.

Primate: God’s law is written in every human heart

During a sermon in Boryspil, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the meaning of Christmas and the need to live according to God’s commandments.

Media: Transgender-identified inmates sexually assault women in US prisons

Female inmates, who have been interviewed extensively as part of the research on the impact of gender ideology in custodial settings, describe the facility as “a haven for sexual predators who pretend to be transgender.”

Guardian: Bible sales in Britain hit new highs in 2025

Specialists are noting growing interest in Christian texts amid social change and a rethinking of faith’s role in contemporary society.