Alexander Usik tells KDAiS students about his faith calling

Meeting of students of the Kiev Theological Academy and Seminary with the absolute world boxing champion Alexander Usik

On March 9, 2019, in the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, a meeting of students of the Kiev Theological Academy and Seminary with the absolute world boxing champion Alexander Usik was held. It is reported by the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

After a joint prayer, the head of Kiev Theological Schools Bishop Sylvester of Belgorod addressed the Ukrainian athlete. Vladyka thanked the boxer for the visit and expressed the hope that interaction would be fruitful for all the attendees.

At the request of students, Alexander Usik shared the history of his vocation to faith, and his becoming both a Christian and an athlete.

Answering numerous questions of KDAiS students, the boxer spoke about the temptations he encounters in his professional life and how he tries to cope with them, explained when it is impossible and when it is necessary to use physical force outside the ring, shared his thoughts on parenting (the boxer has three children) and other problems.

The athlete revealed a secret to the audience – he would like to study at the seminary, and wondered whether it is necessary to take the entrance exams.

At the end of the meeting, His Grace Sylvester thanked the champion for the meaningful communication and presented the publications of the Kiev Theological Academy with students’ publications.

At the end of the meeting the athlete took a picture with everyone.

As the UOJ reported, earlier the renowned Ukrainian boxer and UOC parishioner Alexander Usik called the terms under which he could go to the OCU: the athlete said he would join it provided the monks of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra did it.

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