Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Uses His Christian Orthodox Faith To Refuse Vaccination
The world is pushing the COVID-19 vaccine to help eradicate the pandemic. Some of such many countries are the USA, Australia, Fiji, and many others. They are embarking on compulsory vaccination.
It has been very challenging for people who believe in religion —especially those in Christianity.
Tennis star, Novak Djokovic is no different from those complaining about the by force vaccination. He has had his share of discrimination for refusing to be vaccinated which he finds to be a hard situation for him.
The main reason is because of his Orthodox beliefs as a Christian. He has explained himself to the people of Australia, Serbia, and fans all around the world that he is not raising any alarm of anti-vaccination.
Novak Djokovic Is Willing To Lose Rankings And Titles
According to him, he is willing to lose major tennis tournaments and even major titles because of his strong faith and beliefs in God.
In his entire life, Djokovic’s faith has played a major role in his decision-making. He doesn’t care if he will flop in the tennis ranking. That doesn’t mean anything to him. And he is in no way going to compromise his faith as an orthodox Christian.
Missing the French Open in May and other tournaments “is the price that I am willing to pay,” he told the BBC in an interview this week, adding he would miss Wimbledon and sacrifice his top-ranking if need be. “The principles of decision-making on my body are more important than any title or anything else.”
Djokovic’s Strong Orthodox Faith Over Vaccination
According to the Greek City Times, Djokovic grew up in Serbia, his home country as a Christian amid violence in Serbia’s war between Bosnia and Herzegovina some years back.
He has a family that has a strong religious belief. His wife has been very active in church activities. This couple together has helped their country financially and helped the church grow as well.
He has been given one of the highest awards in April 2011, by the Serbian Orthodox Church. This award is called the Order of Saint Sava.
In an interview, Novak Djokovic said it is the most important title in his life. Meaning irrespective of the numerous titles he has won in the tennis world, he finds the “Order of Saint Sava” the most important title of his life.
It is therefore clear to the world that, this man is very religious and serious about his Christian faith.
Djokovic once tested positive for COVID-19. This hugely affected his movement and plans towards the tournament in Australia. He was then forced to leave Australia. His grand plan of hitting a record for his 21st Grand Slam win at the Australian ended.
According to Reuters —Australia’s immigration minister canceled Djokovic’s visa and called the player a threat to public health and order. This made his rival, Rafael Nadal take a lead ahead of Djokovic —by winning the title. So it has been Nadal – 21 and Djokovic 20.
Djokovic explained his situation when having an interview with BBC:
“What people probably don’t know is that I was not deported from Australia on the basis that I was not vaccinated, or I broke any rules or that I made an error in my visa declaration,” “The reason why I was deported from Australia was because the minister for immigration used his discretional right to cancel my visa based on his perception that I might create some anti-vax sentiment in the country or in the city, which I completely disagree with.”
Everyone has the right to choose, to act, or say whatever they feel is appropriate for them,” he added that he believes in “the freedom to choose what you put into your body.
“And, for me, that is essential.”
Sources say he is in the process of consulting his legal team about suing Australia for $4.4 million. This said amount includes the $2.75 million prize he was expected to win.
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