On Usyk’s “betrayal”

Oleksandr Usyk and Volodymyr Pedko, Epifaniy Dumenko and the Abbot of Vatopedi. UOJ collage

Many were quick to accuse Usyk of being friends with church raiders, as Pedko is infamous for multiple violent “transfers” of churches in the Cherkasy region. Now, he was among twenty servicemen invited by Usyk at his own expense to attend his fight in Saudi Arabia.

Obviously, the best person to comment on this incident is the athlete himself. However, it is entirely possible that Usyk simply did not know who he was photographed with. In this situation, it is crucial to focus not on Usyk but on the actions of representatives of the OCU, who have long and actively employed the tactic of “entering through the back door.”

This tactic aims to create an illusion of their “canonicity” and “respectability.” To achieve their goals, it is often enough for them to appear in the company of respected individuals, take a couple of photos, and thus foster the perception that they are “one of us.” It is a way of associating themselves with the image of the genuine, so they, too, are accepted as authentic.

We have seen similar examples before. One need only recall the visit of OCU head Epifaniy Dumenko to the Abbot of Vatopedi in Kyiv or the appearance of OCU clerics in photographs with elders from Mount Athos. Such images are weaponized to reinforce a false image and deceive those unfamiliar with the true nature of these individuals.

Orthodox Christians must be aware of this tactic and avoid being misled. Representatives of the OCU attempt to hide their true nature behind the authority of respected individuals or the Church itself. However, no matter how hard they try to disguise themselves, a hastily donned sheep’s clothing cannot hide the wolf’s ears protruding underneath.

Instead of condemnation and hasty conclusions, let us exercise restraint and sober discernment, especially during the Nativity Fast. And let us remember: respected individuals are often unaware that they are being used as pawns in someone else’s games.

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