Usyk: I pray that God will not allow me to take 30 pieces of silver

Oleksandr Usyk. Photo: Usyk's Telegram channel

On June 10, 2026, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk served as the keynote speaker at the America's Adversaries: The Russia Reality summit in Washington, where he shared that it was faith that kept him from temptations during the most difficult periods.

When asked if there were times when his faith was tested, the boxer stated that these were moments when he was offered to "change countries or lose a fight." In such moments, Usyk confessed, he turned to God in prayer.

"You immediately turn to God: 'Please, don't let me take thirty pieces of silver. Let me continue working.' The Lord will never abandon us in life. Even the hairs on our heads are numbered," the boxer said.

Usyk emphasized that he considers himself first and foremost a Christian, father, and husband, not a politician, and that he reads the Gospel every day.

According to him, he set up a mini-church in the bomb shelter of his home.

"I prayed there as I pray at home every day. I felt tremendous strength when my friends' children and my children came and asked what I was doing. I answered: 'Praying.' They asked: 'Can we do this together with you?' I was incredibly happy because the Lord hears children closer – they are not yet corrupted," Oleksandr Usyk said.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Usyk, he attends UOC services and will continue to do so.

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