“The life of the soul begins when it is filled with love, that is, with God”translated

We present to our readers an interview with the cleric of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon in the city of Kirov, Priest Roman Konev. Father Roman spoke about his path to faith and sacred service, about various areas of missionary activity in the parish, about catechist activity in Sunday schools and interaction with secular educational institutions, and also shared his vision of cooperation in spiritual and psychological assistance to people. “In my childhood, the image of Christ was especially attractive to me” - Father Roman, tell us about your path to faith and the Church? When did you realize that you are a believer? Who or what contributed to the strengthening of faith - meetings with people, books, incidents of God's providence in childhood and youth? “I don’t know how I became a believer, I don’t remember being different, and it’s actually kind of a mystery to me.” I don't have an answer to this question. I remember being a child in kindergarten and first grade. The family in which I grew up was never religious.

Dad was baptized when I was already a deacon, together with my daughter on the same day. However, as a child, I remember that I often turned to God in prayer and even on my knees. I asked for some simple things that are important for...