The press service of the Murmansk diocese reported a historic achievement for the Church’s academic and scientific roles in modern Russia. The rector of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located in Apatity in the Murmansk region, has been elected an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). This milestone marks the first instance of a serving clergyman entering the ranks of full academicians in contemporary Russia. The announcement was conveyed by TASS.
The diocese clarified that Sergei Krivovichev, who leads the Kola Science Center and holds dual roles as a Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, a professor, and a priest, was elected as an Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences during the general meeting of the RAS members. This election highlights the integration of rigorous scientific inquiry with spiritual leadership within the region’s academic landscape.
The press service emphasized that the scientific community across the Russian Federation recognized Krivovichev’s extensive contributions to mineralogy and crystal chemistry, as well as his work on advancing the polarization of scientific knowledge and his long-standing pedagogical dedication. His research program encompasses the structural and chemical analysis of minerals, crystal structures, and the dynamic processes that govern mineral formation and transformation under varying environmental conditions. Such work has broad implications for materials science, geology, and foundational chemistry, and it reinforces the value of interdisciplinary collaboration between science and religious scholarship. (TASS)
Beyond his role as a researcher, Krivovichev serves as a professor at the Department of Crystallography within the Institute of Earth Sciences at St. Petersburg University. He is also the leading editor of the European Mineralogy Journal and holds the presidency of the Russian Mineralogical Society. His influence extends to religious education as a clergyman within the Murmansk diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, illustrating a rare synergy between scientific leadership and pastoral responsibilities. The multifaceted nature of his work demonstrates how high-level science can coexist with and enrich spiritual life in modern society. (TASS)
Historical notes also reference Evgeny Aleksandrov, a former Chairman of the Russian Academy of Sciences Commission Against Pseudo-Science, and the broader context of science policy in Russia, including discussions around intellectual property and innovation. The coverage touches on debates surrounding patents and the review system, underscoring the ongoing dialogue between science, technology policy, and governance in contemporary Russia. (TASS)