How did he come to Orthodoxy and decide to become a priest?
He grew up in a religious family where belief ran deep, even if church attendance wasn’t constant. His mother wished for a nearby temple and helped begin the construction of the Sarov Seraphim Church in the city of Tver. Over time, the liturgical life drew him in, and as a child he found the worship and rhythms of church life fascinating.
He gradually became involved in church activities, helping at the altar. He studied at the Varnitsa Orthodox boarding school and later attended St. Tikhon University. The process of discerning a priestly vocation gradually matured inside him.
At first, he wanted to be a priest, but he kept some distance because priesthood entails more than service. It means responsibility, dedication, dependence on people, and obedience. These factors sometimes frightened him. Still, a deep inner pull kept calling him toward priestly life.
After much inner reflection, he did not rush the decision, though the longing persisted in his heart.
Why choose village ministry?
Not long after graduation, he met Bishop Veniamin of Rybinsk and Uglich (now the Bishop of Rybinsk and Romanovo-Borisoglebsk) and began assisting him in various tasks while teaching theological disciplines at the Theological Department. The moment arrived when the bishop invited him to be ordained. He was waiting for the blessing, not sure of the exact day, but the bishop eventually announced that he would receive deaconal ordination the next day.
He served as a deacon for a year. Then Vladyka Benjamin asked if he was open to priestly service. He expressed a desire but feared, needing a push. The bishop understood his hesitations and ordained him to the priesthood. He then served in several churches before moving to Pereslavl, and now serves at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in the village of Gorodishche.
Has anyone reacted negatively to his decision?
In his family, belief is universal. His wife’s family and his own are believers, and his father was a priest as well. So, there was no negative reaction to his decision.
Is there a distinction between clergy and laypeople in his view?
He identifies more with Orthodox Christians than with labeling himself a clergyman. Leadership is expected of the elder in a parish, but the essence of Christianity is service. Whoever wants to be first should become a servant.
Thus, unity within the parish and community matters. He regards himself simply as a priest with his own personality, sometimes grave, sometimes lighthearted, sometimes somber. A priest is a person with diverse traits and experiences.
Is priesthood a profession or something more?
He describes priesthood as a ministry, akin to a doctor’s ministry. There is a schedule, but it often runs late. In epidemic times, doctors extend their reach to care for patients; similarly, a priest’s duties can spill beyond formal hours. It is not just a job; it is a life of learning to truly serve, to truly pray, and to genuinely empathize with people.
How does a priest balance work with daily life?
The rhythm varies. Some saints have a dense cycle of services; at other times, the schedule loosens. Beyond liturgical duties, the priest provides spiritual counsel, healing, and pastoral care. Confession, guidance, and communion require ongoing attention. The work of preparing the temple and maintaining liturgical life also demands time and involvement.
How is a priest’s salary determined?
Conditions vary. In a village church, the priest often lives “from the altar,” supported by donations. In contrast, city priests may receive a regular salary. Village parishes usually lack staff and substantial donations, so financial support relies on the generosity of parishioners and the broader community.
Some parishes receive assistance from congregants who donate money for construction or family support. The exact earnings of a priest can differ widely; for example, the speaker noted a past monthly salary of 18,000 rubles, while village priests may not draw a fixed salary at all. Public narratives sometimes misrepresent priestly life, highlighting extravagance that rarely reflects reality in regional communities.
Can priests have families?
Orthodoxy recognizes two paths: monastic celibacy and married clergy. Both are valued. Monastic life is one route, but family priests are essential too. The Apostle Peter was married, and early bishops often had families. A priest who has a family brings practical experience that can benefit a parish, where the church community functions much like a family.
He has four children. Parishioners commonly contribute wherever they can, whether financially or through acts of service, including food or other needs. In some villages, the community may provide varied support for the family, especially in times of special demands like baptisms or funerals.
Where do donations go?
Parish funds cover many needs: lamps, candles, incense, coal, oil, heating, and upkeep of liturgical items. Village churches often rely on volunteers for music, though paid work is possible when services require it. Repairs to dilapidated icons and the purchase of flowers are regular expenses. Parishioners may offer flowers, and sometimes they do not. Holidays often call for extra support, including food for the congregation or direct financial help when needed.
During ongoing needs like a pandemic, donations cover consumables such as spectacles, napkins, and antiseptics. While Moscow may see these items as minor, village temples face tangible costs.
A note on wealth and leadership
There have been stories about wealthy cars owned by clergy. He believes that generosity should come from the heart and life circumstances. Pope Francis made headlines for unconventional choices, but the priesthood does not require luxury. A reliable vehicle is practical, especially for long travel between distant communities, but a flashy car is unnecessary. Some priests are supported by grateful parishioners who gift a vehicle, though this is not common.
On confession and difficult moments
Regarding confession, the priest protects the confidentiality of the penitent. As a shepherd, he offers guidance, support, and pastoral care, never revealing names or details. Confession is a spiritual act with a transformative purpose, not merely a psychological tactic. If a confession reveals intent to harm, the priest will urge repentance and safeguard the person while seeking to prevent harm. If faced with danger, the priest remains steadfast in his pastoral role.
Have there been moments when he considered leaving the priesthood?
There were challenging times and moments of fatigue, especially when people do not open up or when results seem slow. Yet, when the liturgy is served and the Eucharist received, a renewed strength arises—support for ministry and daily life alike.