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A Beacon of Hope amidst the Vocations Crisis
Fr. Kamilus Seran, SVD
(Coordinator for Communications)
This year, since the beginning of Lent (2026), the Archdiocese of Moscow has issued an appeal for the faithful, clergy, and religious to unite in prayer for vocations to consecrated life among young people. This communal supplication is of particular significance in light of the prevailing vocations crisis, as the shortage of priests and missionaries is acutely felt in various dioceses across the Russian Federation. Although Catholics constitute a minority (approximately 0.5% of the total population), numerous parishes—revived in the post-Soviet era—are now experiencing renewed growth across the vast expanse of Russia. This reality necessitates a corresponding increase in pastoral workers who are prepared to serve faithfully in communities that are frequently separated by considerable distances.
The joyous profession of perpetual vows was held on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth, an SVD parish in St. Petersburg. The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Nicolai Dubinin, OFMConv., the current Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow. The liturgy was attended by priests, religious, and lay faithful from various parishes and communities in St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia.
By professing perpetual vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, Brother Artiom consecrated his life to God definitively. This profession marks his formal and irrevocable entry into religious life, a total dedication to the Society of the Divine Word, and a commitment to missionary service within the local Church.
In his homily, Bishop Nicolai underscored the significance of the event, emphasizing that consecrated life is a gift and a vocation that originates from God Himself.
The Bishop stated:
“The vows are not a privilege, nor are they a guarantee; they represent an alternative and a definitive commitment. Yet the fruits that the Lord promises are immeasurably greater and more beautiful; they surpass the difficulties and hardships that you have undoubtedly encountered during your initial years of formation and will continue to meet along the way.
The Lord has chosen you, granted you a vocation, and bestowed upon you the spiritual family of your institute, your congregation, and your Church. May you always value this gift and recognize it as perhaps the most significant support in every moment of life, wherever you may be on your life’s and consecrated journey.
The open Heart of Jesus, the source and treasury of inexhaustible love, serves as an example for all of us, and especially on this day of your perpetual profession, it is an instruction for you. May your heart, like the Heart of Jesus, remain open to God and to others. In this openness lies the secret of faithfulness, and likewise the secret of love.
Live your religious life, within your community, in your service, and in your missionary work, so that it may be evident that you are growing stronger day by day on the path to God, who has loved you, and growing stronger in love for the Church—a love expressed through love for people and for one another. Do not seek praise, do not anticipate successes, but give of yourself: take the first step, offer the first smile, extend the first hand. You will see that this path of sacrificial love bears abundant fruit and brings joy that ultimately leads to eternal joy.”
Brother Artiom, a native of Angarsk in eastern Siberia, had never imagined in his childhood that he would one day become a Divine Word Missionary and adopt “Thomas” as his religious name. Many individuals—family, friends, and particularly his confreres in the congregation—have played a significant role in his spiritual journey and formation since February 14, 2019. Consequently, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all for their prayers, support, and good wishes, while also requesting continued prayers for his future missionary service.
Brother Artiom remarked:
“Dear ones! I thank you all for your prayerful support, your good wishes, and for sharing in this experience with me. I love my congregation; it is my family, my spirituality, my brothers, and my fathers. I did not walk this path alone; the Triune God has guided me, as have the many people who have surrounded me since childhood, cared for me, and raised me. I would like to single out the principal figures, but I fear I might omit someone, so I will refrain. Every person I have met has contributed their part. Even those who come to me for counsel—it is still I who learn. Thank you, my friends. The celebration itself is not the main point; the essential task is to continue forward, preserving these three vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. In this, I also need your assistance—pray, for we are greatly in need. Do not forget us!”
Brother Artiom continues to reside and serve in the St. Petersburg community while awaiting his first missionary assignment. May God bless his future apostolic work and the community in which he will embark upon this next chapter of his spiritual journey.
