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
UCCRO complains to DESS about shortage of state registrars for communities
UCCRO members discussed with DESS ways to improve cooperation between the authorities and religious organizations.
Marynivka Protection Monastery monks extinguish fire in neighboring village
The brotherhood of the Protection Monastery used its own fire truck to save an outbuilding attached to a home in the village of Severynivka from the flames.
Met. Theodosiy: Patriarch Bartholomew’s decision led to persecution of UOC
The UOC hierarch said the Ecumenical Patriarch ignored the will of Ukraine’s Orthodox faithful when creating the OCU.
Biletsky: There has never been a Russian soldier in Sviatohirsk
The Azov commander said there have never been Russian troops in Sviatohirsk and that, overall, “everything is fine” in the city.
Met. Theodosiy: I believe slain Sviatohirsk monk joined ranks of martyrs
Metropolitan Theodosiy said that being a UOC priest or monk in Ukraine is now life-threatening.
In Dashkivtsi, OCU cleric and police cut locks and seize UOC church
OCU supporters seized a UOC church in the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy using falsified documents.