A Storm in the Church, or Why Does a Moscow Parish Have Its Own Hockey Team?translated

Today, Orthodox parishes are not only about liturgical life but often about beneficial recreation. And this recreation is usually quite traditional – choirs, painting, crafts, workshops. But how should one approach a situation where a parish is deeply into hockey? About such a unique experience, the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate spoke with Father Gregory Shinov, a priest at the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Raevsky, where for nine years a children's hockey club called "Storm" has existed.

Father Gregory Shinov

Priest at the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Raevsky

– Father Gregory, do you think religion and sports, faith and sports, go together?

– In my opinion, of course, they do. Sports for us are primarily an instrument of upbringing for the boys, both physical and spiritual. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' has repeatedly emphasized that sports activities shape, especially among the younger generation, character traits of willpower and has called on everyone to engage in physical activity. Our country has many Orthodox athletes of world-class level, and they undoubtedly serve as an example for our boys. Our hockey club "Storm" is a hobby sport, not a high-achieving sport. Thanks to...

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' has repeatedly emphasized that sports activities shape, especially among the younger generation, character traits of willpower and has called on everyone to engage in physical activity. Our country has many Orthodox athletes of world-class level, and they undoubtedly serve as an example for our boys. Our hockey club "Storm" is a hobby sport, not a high-achieving sport. Thanks to...