Source close to Metropolitan Onufriy explains how Usyk's saber gesture may help lift anathema of Ivan Mazepa

After Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, he raised the saber of Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazepa in the ring. This gesture drew attention to the historical figure of Mazepa and the issue of lifting the anathema the Russian Orthodox Church imposed on him.

OBOZ.UA tells you everything you need to know about the problem. Ivan Mazepa was a prominent military and political figure in Ukraine, as well as Hetman of the Zaporozhian Army, who held this position in 1687-1709. He is considered one of the key figures in Ukrainian history, although he has been surrounded by controversy for centuries.

The saber that Usyk demonstrated belonged to Mazepa. It dates back to the 17th century and has a unique decoration: the blade is engraved with an inscription, "I put all my hope in you, Mother of God, protect me under your cover!" as well as images of the Virgin Mary, angels, and candles. The saber is kept in the Chernihiv Historical Museum of VV. Tarnovsky.

Mazepa (before he became hetman) presented this saber to Cossack captain Savych for his good service. His descendants sold it to Vasyl Tarnovskyi, a collector of Ukrainian antiquities.

Why Mazepa was excommunicated

Mazepa initially supported the Tsardom of Moscow in the Great Northern War against the Swedish Empire. However, in 1708, he sided with King Charles XII of Sweden in an effort to gain independence for Ukraine. This move angered Tsar Peter I, who ordered the destruction of the hetman's capital, Baturyn.

The Russian Orthodox Church anathematized Mazepa, accusing him of "treason." Since then, the anathema has been proclaimed in the churches of the Russian Empire on the first Sunday of Lent every year.

Despite Ukraine's repeated appeals, both the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate have not yet officially revoked this decision.

Ecumenical Patriarchate and its view

In September 2018, after the granting of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the Ecumenical Patriarchate stated that it had never recognized the canonicity of Mazepa's anathema. The hetman died in the city of Bendery (Moldova), where he was confessed and buried by priests of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Earlier, in 1918, a memorial service for Mazepa was held at St. Sophia Cathedral, and in 2023, a similar service was held at the Kyiv Cave Monastery for the first time.

Usyk's role in the historical debate

The saber of Mazepa, shown by Usyk after his victory, became a symbol of the struggle for Ukrainian freedom. The boxer's team said that this is how he decided to remind the people of the hetman's fight against the Russian invaders.

Usyk's gesture may have not only symbolic but also practical significance. According to a Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) source close to Metropolitan Onufriy, Usyk, who is credited with having a close relationship with the primate, can help to bring the issue of lifting the anathema from the hetman back to the spotlight.

Is it possible to lift the anathema?

The lifting of the anathema could be an important step toward rethinking the historical figure of Mazepa as a fighter for Ukraine's independence. However, the church has not yet made such decisions, although it is not formally subordinate to Moscow.

The display of the saber on the international stage during one of the most important sporting events could be the impetus for further discussions.

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