Boxer Lomachenko criticizes Dumenko's remarks on calendar reform

Vasyl Lomachenko. Photo: Telegram channel of Vasyl Lomachenko

Boxing champion Vasyl Lomachenko published a post on Facebook criticizing statements made by the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Epifaniy Dumenko, regarding the allegedly flawless implementation of the calendar reform.

Lomachenko described Dumenko’s comments as "a vivid example of calling black white." He disagreed with the assertion that the reform did not divide society, writing: "A perfect reform that didn’t divide society? It did divide, and it continues to divide!"

Addressing the transition to the new calendar, Lomachenko responded to claims that "only a few are left celebrating by the old calendar" by stating: "No, it’s not just a few of us; we are millions!"

He paid particular attention to Dumenko’s remarks about a peaceful transition process: "I have always stated, and I continue to state, that we want this process to proceed peacefully and calmly, without confrontation, because we cannot afford to open another religious front within Ukraine." In response, Lomachenko wrote: "Yet you opened it, and not peacefully or calmly, but with force and arrogance – beating elderly people and women, and then seizing our churches!"

Lomachenko continued by quoting the interviewer’s words from the discussion: "But sometimes priests of the 'Moscow Church' physically prevent communities from reclaiming their own." He retorted: "The priests of the Moscow Church are in Russia; here we have priests of the Ukrainian Church who do not physically obstruct but protect their churches, which they built with their communities! It’s like coming into someone’s home and telling them they are living incorrectly and forcibly taking away their house!"

Regarding claims about freedom of religion, Lomachenko wrote: "High levels of religious freedom? No, there is severe persecution of people who do not want to join the OCU. True believers see what is happening and understand where the real Apostolic Church is!"

He also disagreed with the statement that "a few people are against the transition, while the majority support it," asserting: "It’s quite the opposite; the majority of people oppose transitioning to a church that preaches violence and hatred!"

In concluding his post, Lomachenko commented on the mention of "unpleasant incidents": "These unpleasant incidents sometimes happen? No, they happen in most cases, if not all!"

He ended his address with the wish: "Peace to all."

As the UOJ previously reported, the head of the OCU stated that the calendar reform makes Ukrainians better and more perfect.

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