Maksym Sechyn
Maksym Sechyn is from Melitopol, a city now under enemy occupation. He is preparing for the priesthood in the Donetsk Exarchate. Maksym came to know the Church in a positive way thanks to Father Petro Krenytskyi, whose example in working with people and in zealous ministry left a deep mark: “Better to burn out than to rust,” he used to say.
Maksym’s path to his vocation began with attending church and going on camps, where he came to know himself and the world around him. He liked being in the Church, and later Father Petro suggested that he enter the seminary.
Maksym says that life at the seminary has been a good experience for him. He likes to be in a community that he considers good company. At the same time, formation requires effort: he believes that the example of priests is important for the development of discipline, prayer, and the ability to respect the dignity of others.
“The fact that my home is under occupation weighs heavily on me. But I know that near Melitopol, in the areas not under occupation, there are our faithful who also need me — as a priest and as someone who can lead them to God. And so it is the people, and communication with them, that encourage me to keep moving towards my goal.
I wish to open the Word of God to people, because the Bible contains answers for the growth of spiritual life, life in community, and family life. It teaches us to choose the right priorities and so much more. I long to strengthen myself and show others that in God’s Word one can see one’s own story — in falls and in risings, and in general, how the Lord communicates with us. At the same time, I wish to help people understand that every human life is unique, and each person must discover their own path to salvation.”
Maksym Sechyn, 5th‑year seminarian