02:34Russia: Orthodox priest with the voice of an angel wins talent contest
Winner of Russian TV show 'The Voice', Orthodox priest Hieromonk Photius, gave an exclusive interview in Moscow, Thursday.
When the fourth season of the show began in September, the public was initially shocked by the singing priest's participation in the contest. His mentor in the show, Russian singer Grigori Leps, was also confused as she not quite sure how to work with such an unusual participant.
Nevertheless, Hieromonk Photius’ performances proved that he had a talent for singing in different languages and styles. After reaching the final stage of the competition, the priest was crowned winner after blowing away judges with his three songs, two of which were in Russian and one in Italian.
He said during the interview that he has been "singing for a long time" and that he "wanted to show myself to the most general public, despite that I am in sacred dignity and a monk already." He added that he knew "for sure that the whole monastery is behind me" and therefore "everybody watch and everybody vote for me, even my confessor."
02:34Winner of Russian TV show 'The Voice', Orthodox priest Hieromonk Photius, gave an exclusive interview in Moscow, Thursday.
When the fourth season of the show began in September, the public was initially shocked by the singing priest's participation in the contest. His mentor in the show, Russian singer Grigori Leps, was also confused as she not quite sure how to work with such an unusual participant.
Nevertheless, Hieromonk Photius’ performances proved that he had a talent for singing in different languages and styles. After reaching the final stage of the competition, the priest was crowned winner after blowing away judges with his three songs, two of which were in Russian and one in Italian.
He said during the interview that he has been "singing for a long time" and that he "wanted to show myself to the most general public, despite that I am in sacred dignity and a monk already." He added that he knew "for sure that the whole monastery is behind me" and therefore "everybody watch and everybody vote for me, even my confessor."