HE FOUND PEACE IN ORTHODOXY AND THE SCENT OF INCENSE: Famous American football player was baptized in a Serbian church in Nashville! (PHOTO)

Famous football player Desmond Armstrong and his family were baptized in the Church of St. Petka in Nashville, where another 15 Americans are currently undergoing a period of catechesis for entry.

Desmond Armstrong entered world sports history as the first African American to play in the FIFA World Cup for the USA national team, specifically in Italy in 1990. The sturdy defender wore the national jersey 81 times in the period from 1987 to 1994. And today…

Today, he finds his greatest peace in the scent of incense and Orthodox chanting in the Serbian Church of St. Petka in Nashville, where he recently received the holy sacrament of baptism with his wife and youngest daughter.

Powerful spiritual rebirth

He became a full member of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Eparchy of New Gracanica-Midwestern America under the omophorion of Metropolitan Longin. The famous football player is part of a quiet but powerful spiritual rebirth spoken of for Kurir by priest Bojan Banović, parish priest of the Church of St. Petka in Nashville.

-Currently, fifteen Americans are going through a period of catechesis and spiritual preparation for entry into the Orthodox faith and holy baptism – points out Father Bojan, who has served in this parish since September 2022.

Desmond, his wife and daughter received Orthodoxy
The Church of St. Petka was founded in 2003. Services were initially held in a Greek church, until the current temple was purchased in 2013.

-In March, I baptized the Armstrong family. Desmond, his wife, and their youngest daughter became full members of our church. They have not yet taken a patron saint’s day (slava), but they are slowly growing in the faith and getting to know the beauty of the Orthodox tradition.

During the past year, four Americans were baptized in the parish. Although the community is not large, it is known for its harmony and warmth.

-This church has had good foundations from the beginning. It is made up of our people who came to America after the war years, but who preserved their faith, hospitality, and open hearts. They welcome everyone with love. Our community functions like one big family – the parish priest says proudly.

The American South, known as the “Bible Belt,” is inhabited mostly by pious and conservative people, for whom Orthodoxy often becomes a refuge from the accelerated and superficial modern way of life.

-In a time when true values are being increasingly suppressed, many people seek a return to the source. They begin to research the history of the Christian church and through that they arrive at Orthodoxy, because they recognize its continuity and authenticity. It is interesting that social networks play a big role in this – podcasts, lectures, and short videos about Orthodoxy – Father Bojan explains.

In the church, besides Serbs, Russians, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, and other Orthodox peoples also gather. Services are held in English, Church Slavonic, and Serbian, while the parish priest preaches in both Serbian and English. A special beauty is given to the service by the church choir, led by a Greek man from Australia whose wife is originally from Belgrade.

-To many Americans, it is unusual at first when they see icons for the first time and experience an Orthodox service. But very quickly they say that they have found peace and that the thirst of their soul has been quenched. They often say that they feel at home. The deepest impression is left on them by the liturgy, our chanting, and the scent of incense. Some even say they have the feeling as if they are in heaven. They are attracted by the depth of prayer, inner peace, and the sense of unbroken continuity with the early church.

Period of serious spiritual preparation

The path of converting to Orthodoxy is neither fast nor simple.

-From the moment they express a desire to become Orthodox Christians, a period of serious spiritual preparation begins, which usually lasts at least a year. During that time, prayers for the catechumens are read over them, they regularly participate in services, attend religious education classes, and through personal conversations gradually get to know the faith, liturgical life, and spiritual meaning of belonging to the church. It is a path of gradual maturation, during which they do not only learn the teachings of Orthodoxy but slowly begin to live it.

The Serbs from the parish play a key role in accepting new believers.

-It is very important that the people who come feel the love, warmth, and cordiality of a home. To see a community in which they can find their place. Without the open hearts of our people, many foreigners would not be able to feel that space where their soul meets God. Orthodoxy is experienced most deeply with the heart and soul – Father Bojan emphasizes.