Expert comments on persecution of Lomachenko for his UOC affiliation
Vasyl Lomachenko. Photo: Screenshot from YouTube channel Top Rank
Sports expert Andriy Zuyev has spoken in defense of Ukrainian boxer Vasyl Lomachenko, who is facing criticism in Ukrainian media for his association with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). In an interview with Champion, Zuyev emphasized that the persecution of Lomachenko for his religious beliefs is inappropriate, as religious preferences are a personal matter and should not impact his professional accomplishments.
“Why are we targeting a man who has been a boxer since childhood? And it seems that Orthodoxy is a family tradition for them. Shouldn’t society focus on more pressing issues?” Zuyev stated.
He also noted that despite the criticism, the UOC remains popular among Ukrainians, with many people still attending its churches, baptizing their children, getting married, and holding funeral services there, including those for individuals who have died in the war.
“Yet people are attacking Vasya the boxer. Ukrainians are quick to judge and condemn. But when it comes to curing our ‘deep-seated corruption,’ we’re not that quick” the expert added.
Zuyev called for greater tolerance and understanding regarding Lomachenko's religious beliefs, stating that this should not be a matter for public condemnation.
Previously, Vasyl Lomachenko spoke in an interview with the UOJ about his spiritual journey, reflecting on whether one image of God can harm another and sharing his vision for the future of the UOC.
Read also
DESS congratulates Ukrainians on Passover
DESS has published an address in which it compared the biblical Exodus with the modern path of the people toward freedom and peace.
Amsterdam: Zelensky attacks UOC because he doesn't tolerate idependent thought
An international human rights defender stated that the Kyiv authorities are pursuing the goal of turning religion into a government department.
In Jerusalem, Jewish believers banned from visiting Western Wall during Passover
Israeli police announced restrictions for Jewish holidays.
OCU: Filaret did not want UOC-KP to exist after his death
The OCU insists that Filaret wanted the Kyiv Patriarchate to cease to exist after his death.
UOC primate blesses vehicles for evacuating the wounded from the front
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry performed the rite of blessing for nine vehicles purchased with donations from faithful in Ukraine and the Czech Republic.
Lawyer warns of planned seizure of UOC Ascension Church in Kyiv
The head of the religious community of the Holy Ascension Church in Demiivka has been unlawfully replaced, according to a lawyer.