Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniil Kolesnikov.
Hi Daniil, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born into a priest’s family and was raised from childhood within the Orthodox Church tradition. I always had before me the example of my father, a clergyman, and over time I came to the decision to follow in his footsteps and dedicate my life to serving the Church and the people of God.
I entered a theological seminary and, after completing my studies, was ordained to the priesthood. Later, I continued my theological education and earned a master’s degree from the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. Until 2023, my priestly ministry was carried out in Russia.
In 2023, by God’s will, my priestly ministry continued in the United States. In recent years, more people here have been coming to the Orthodox faith — both among Russian-speaking immigrants and among local residents. As a result, there has been a need for pastoral care and spiritual guidance.
It is important to me to bring the word of God into society and to help people find sound life direction, remain faithful to traditional values, love for others, family life, and personal responsibility for one’s life and those around them. I believe that a person living in the modern world should not become merely a consumer, but should feel a sense of belonging to society and seek to bring good to others.
When an Orthodox community began to form in Austin, I was entrusted, with the blessing of church authority, to lead the parish dedicated to Saint Blessed Ksenia of St. Petersburg. Since that time, my ministry here has continued as we seek to care for people, develop parish life, and bear Orthodox witness in the city of Austin.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Certainly, the road has not always been smooth. Moving to the United States became a serious challenge for our family. The decision itself was not easy, especially since it coincided with the time when my wife was expecting a child. The entire process of relocation and adjustment was physically and emotionally demanding for her.
We also faced cultural and language barriers. I am still learning English, and our children — our older son Mark and our daughter Elizabeth — had to adapt to a new language and a different educational system when they began attending school here. This adjustment was not simple for them either.
At the same time, I am deeply grateful for the support of the Orthodox community that formed here in Austin. People helped us in many practical and everyday ways, and through their support, with God’s help, the challenges we encountered along the way were overcome. This period involved real difficulties, but it also became a time of growth, strengthened faith, and shared support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My ministry as a priest is focused primarily on pastoral care for people, as well as on missionary and social service. I serve the liturgical services, preach the Gospel, and strive to be present with people during different moments of their lives — both joyful and difficult. It is important to me that the Church be a living spiritual home where a person can find prayer, support, and understanding.
A distinctive feature of our parish is that it has formed as a Russian-speaking Orthodox community. There are many Russian-speaking people living in Austin and the surrounding area, including elderly individuals and others who were raised within the Orthodox tradition and, after moving to the United States, did not have the opportunity for a long time to participate in worship in their native language.
We conduct services in both Russian and English. At the same time, we strive to remain open to English-speaking Americans as well. Services in English help them become acquainted with the Orthodox faith and also allow them to encounter the rich spiritual and cultural tradition of Russian Orthodoxy, which is one of the most ancient and profound traditions in the history of the Church.
Social service is also an important part of parish life. We visit elderly people, including those in nursing homes, offering them spiritual support and simple human presence. Looking ahead, we see the further development of social ministry as an essential part of our church life and a practical expression of Christian love.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
In the Orthodox tradition, luck is not really a category of faith or spiritual life. Instead, we speak about God’s providence and trust in God. What happens in a person’s life is not seen as a matter of good or bad luck, but as part of the path that God allows or blesses.
Of course, life includes both difficult and joyful moments, but for me the key issue is not luck, but faithfulness to one’s calling, personal responsibility, and the willingness to accept circumstances as they are. I try to walk my path with prayer and trust in God, understanding that everything unfolds in a way that serves spiritual growth and faithful service.
Pricing:
- In our parish, there are no fixed prices for worship services or church rites. The life of the community is supported through voluntary contributions from parishioners. Of course, in order for the church and parish life to function, material support is necessary. However, each person gives solely according to their ability and personal discretion, guided by their own willingness. This is always a personal choice. At the same time, church ministry is offered to everyone and is not made conditional upon donations. We are grateful for any support and value, above all, a person’s participation in the life of the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stksenia.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stksenia
Image Credits
Blessed Ksenia Parish
