WBA, WBC, IBF and IBO heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk, who is a supporter of the Moscow Patriarchate, wished Ukrainians a Merry Christmas on January 7. The boxer posted a video on his official Instagram page in which he wished them a Merry Christmas, noting that he celebrates it on this very day.
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“Christ is born! Let us glorify him! Happy holiday, dear friends. Spiritual strength to all, love and happiness,” Usyk said.
The famous boxer's greeting caused widespread discussion on social networks, because by the decision of the Bishops' Council of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, chaired by His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epiphany, on May 24, 2023, the transition to the New Julian calendar from September 1, 2023 was approved, and the official date of the celebration of Christmas became December 25.
Despite the change in the calendar, some religious communities continue to celebrate Christmas on January 7. In particular, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, like the Russian Orthodox Church, continues to celebrate Christmas in January.
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“There is no one to explain to Usyk that celebrating Christmas on December 25 is not just a celebration according to the modern calendar (we have long celebrated on January 1 in the Russian Federation), but also finally a break from Muscovy, which will never switch to the “hostile” date. We should have switched 35 years ago, but everyone understands why this did not happen. And, in fact, the task of such opinion leaders is to be the first to correct these mistakes and explain this to the citizens of Ukraine, most of whom are not able to think critically!”, the user wrote.
Another added that “only Little Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7th.”
According to another Internet user, “religion is an intimate matter. I congratulated my loved ones and that's it. But no, we need to get into a fight in public.”
Other users wrote that “he brings glory to Ukraine and does not deserve insults.”
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Reaction on the Internet to the congratulations of a famous boxer
Usyk himself later responded to the barrage of criticism. In response, the boxer recorded a video message in which he explained his position and called for mutual respect:
“Dear friends, I understand that some people are not celebrating today, but everyone has their own opinion. I know that in the comments they will write that they are not celebrating today. But some Ukrainians are celebrating today. Let's respect each other and treat each other with love. We are all different, we have different characters, different parents, we were born in different cities. However, we all live in Ukraine and we are Ukrainians,” Usyk said.
He again concluded his address with a Christmas greeting: “The light has shone, Christ has been born – we glorify Him. And we congratulate you all on the holiday.”
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“FACTS” told why Christmas is celebrated on December 25, as well as about the rituals of the holiday.