A unique personality. A former martial arts expert and member of the Ukrainian security forces, his father Seraphim was born and raised in Sao-Cartel, graduated from the Swiss International University in Lausanne with a Master's Degree in International Relations and a degree in Conflictology. He lived in Ukraine, running a sports school in Kiev until 2006 when he dedicated his life to Christ, serving in a small village in his home country. He is also known as a linguist who is working to preserve the Aramaic language and is one of only two priests in the world who celebrate the Divine Liturgy in this language.
During Pope Francis' visit to Sacramento in 2016, Father Seraphim and his choir received international acclaim when they greeted the bishop of Rome with hymns in Aramaic. Among the many performances around the world, the concert at the Vatican, which was attended by diplomatic representatives from 63 countries, was a highlight.
