I started my studies at the BMTS in 2021 because…  I felt it was time. Year after year I had been putting off God’s call within me, until all of a sudden I sensed peace within myself, I knew I was ready.

I come daily into contact with many non-Christians. Therefore, I felt the need to broaden my theological knowledge so I could become a better defender of Christ when communicating with non-Christians and have wiser answers to their questions.

Coming to the seminary was a long process for me. I can say that it was a clear call from God.

For several years I had been thinking about going to university, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and where.

I came to study in order to gain more knowledge that I needed for my daily work as a pastor.

I came to study because I have felt God's call to work in His Kingdom all my life.

What I would like to say about myself is that I am a person of action. I like to see things done, not to fall into discussions about the various obstacles in the way.

My parents weren't Christians but my father had an interest in church architecture and organ music. Due to this interest, when I was 3 years old, we went to Tartu St. Peter's Church.

I grew up in a family where, for my parents, Christianity was part of culture. We had an icon in the corner of my father's childhood home in Setomaa. The baptism of children and confirmation were expected.

I am American, born in Brooklyn NY, and my family heritage is from Puerto Rico. I was raised in a Christian home.

I come from a little congregation in Lviv, Ukraine, where I have been serving for the past 5 years in an interdenominational Christian youth organization «Youth to Jesus».