Vasyl Lomachenko explains the difference between UOC and OCU
Vasyl Lomachenko. Photo: Sarah Stier/Staff/Getty Images Sport
Ukrainian boxer Vasyl Lomachenko responded to a follower's question on his Instagram page, explaining the difference between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).
The follower mentioned being a Baptist but expressed a desire to convert to Orthodoxy, asking Lomachenko for advice on which Church would be better for baptism.
"God is Love! Based on this, you should look toward those Fathers who preach love, not hatred! Those Fathers who build churches, not seize and take them away from their legitimate owners! Those Fathers who speak of humility and love for one’s neighbor, not those who beat and insult people! Those Fathers who give glory first and foremost to our Lord, and not to people, the country, or the state!" wrote Vasyl.
The Ukrainian athlete wished God’s help to his follower in making the right choice.
As previously reported by the UOJ, an expert commented on the backlash Lomachenko faced for supporting the UOC.
Read also
U.S. House of Representatives passes ban on sex-change surgeries for minors
The lower house of Congress supported an initiative limiting medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences for the health of minors.
Armenian Church to appeal to international bodies over government pressure
The decision was made by the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin against the backdrop of criminal cases, pressure on the clergy, and the state's attempts to interfere in church life.
Pashinyan's supporters attempt to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia
The confrontation around the Armenian Apostolic Church intensified after rebellious hierarchs called for the Catholicos's resignation and attempted to exert forceful pressure in Etchmiadzin.
Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure
In Bukovyna, the faithful of the St. Nicholas community in the village of Maliatyntsi celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia for the first time after the church seizure.
European authorities downplay scale of Christian persecution, report says
Human rights defenders reported an increase in attacks on believers in the EU and pointed out that official statistics do not reflect the real level of anti-Christian hostility.
Mukachevo Eparchy bishops congratulate orphaned children on St Nicholas Day
Metropolitan Theodore and Bishop Hilarion visited the “New Family” children’s shelter in Uzhhorod.