This is Maxim Pastuhov.

He’s a Russian Orthodox priest…and also a champion powerlifter.

When he’s not tending to his flock in Belgorod Oblast, Russia, the 41-year-old is down the gym getting busy with dumbells and barbells.

Despite only having started weight training seven years ago, he’s already gained the title of Master of Sport – a prestigious title across Russia and former Soviet countries.


‘Weightlifting is a sport and is just my way of life,’ Maxim say.s

‘It compliments my main work as a priest and my congregation supports that. It doesn’t interfere with my service at all as I use my free time for training.’

Eight years ago, Maxim set up a sports club called Orthodox Saint Iosaf Belgorodskiy Sportive Club, which helps support local boys and men to train.



Maxim says that his congregation support his fitness ventures partly because htey understand how important his youthwork is.

He became a deacon back in 2009 before qualifying as a priest the following year. He’s been training in martial arts for 15 years and has succeeded in becoming a black belt in Bushido (a type of Japanese martial arts and virtues) – gaining a 1st Dan status.

These days, Maxim weight trains for two hours a day and also trains at the sports club three days a week.

‘The youngest of our members is 12 and the oldest is 23,’ he says.

‘Despite the fact that military service is compulsory for all 18-year-olds in Russia, a lot of them return to the club after completing that.’

The club’s aim isn’t just about producing muscle men, however.

Maxim again: ‘The target of our club is for not only for physical education, but also spiritual and moral.

‘We try to promote a healthy lifestyle.’

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