Academy Students Embark on Missionary Trip to Bezhetsk Diocese

Third-year undergraduate students of the Moscow Theological Academy—Pavel Kravets, Kirill Kuznetsov, Alexey Ladygin, Vladislav Zhukov, and Alexey Grigorovich—traveled to the Bezhetsk Diocese of the Tver Metropolis for their missionary practice. The trip took place from March 16 to March 21, 2025.

Before embarking on their journey, the students sought God’s blessing for the upcoming trip and fruitful work by participating in a prayer service for travelers, led by Hieromonk Innokenty (Melikhov), head of the Missionary Department of the Moscow Theological Academy (MThA). Following the prayer, a discussion was held about common questions often posed to missionary students, and Hieromonk Innokenty shared practical advice that could prove useful during their mission. 

During the trip, the MThA students visited schools, nursing homes, kindergartens in the Bezhetsk Diocese, and a correctional facility in the town of Bezhetsk.

The students of the theological school gained invaluable experience in independently conducting lessons in schools, interacting with the diocese’s clergy, parishioners, teachers, and elderly residents of nursing homes. Topics discussed included the ministry of priests in urban and rural settings, moral and spiritual education of the people, and preaching the Gospel to schoolchildren and preschoolers. 

The students were met with great curiosity and asked about their reasons for choosing such a life path, daily life within the walls of the Moscow Theological Academy, the duties they undertake, and the role of the Church and faith in God in today’s rapidly changing world.

In Bezhetsk, the students met with Archbishop Kalistrat of Bezhetsk and Udomelsk. During the conversation, the students shared their impressions of the missionary practice. In turn, Archbishop Kalistrat showed keen interest in the academic work of the MThA students and offered valuable advice on their research. Following the meeting, Archbishop thanked them for their efforts and presented them with memorable gifts.

      The students of the Moscow Theological Academy express their gratitude to Archbishop Kalistrat of Bezhetsk and Udomelsk for the opportunity to undertake their practice in the Bezhetsk Diocese, as well as to everyone who actively participated and provided assistance: Priest Ioann Tsyurkalo, head of the Missionary Department; Archpriest Anatoly Simora, dean of the Vesyegonsk district; Archpriest Sergey Masaltsev; Archpriest Yaroslav Shvedov, dean of the Bezhetsk district; Priest Nikolay Tagan; Hieromonk Dorofey (Mokhov); Hieromonk Arseny (Salov); Priest Mikhail Ivanov, dean of the Krasnokholmsk district; and Priest Andrey Shvetsov.

MThA Press Office