Andrey Arshavin and the orphans of S.O.S.’ Children's Village (Image from Arshavin.eu)
Arshavin awarded by Orthodox Church
Published 17 June, 2009, 16:02
Edited 28 October, 2009, 02:35
Andrey Arshavin has received the mark of Saint Tatyana from the Russian Orthodox Church on Wednesday. The honor is awarded to those who take an active part in the life of the younger generation.
“Arshavin is a mentor to youth. Even now he has gone to play in England, he has not forgotten about his fosterlings – orphans of the ‘S.O.S.’ Children's Village in the city of Pushkin. He began to help them a few years ago and continues to do so to this day,” Gleb Grozovsky, the priest of Arshavin’s former club Zenit Saint Petersburg, said to Sovetsky Sport newspaper.
The clergyman added that the athlete is a great role model as he doesn’t smoke or drink and takes an active stance on social issues.
The ceremony took place at Fyodorovsky Cathedral in Pushkin, not far from Saint Petersburg. The Arsenal striker received the award from the Bishop Markell of Peterhoff.
Andrey, who arrived together with his wife Yulia, played football with kids of the ‘S.O.S.’ Children's Village after the ceremony, despite the rainy weather.
“Andrey loves to spend time with children, so when he was offered to become a FIFA ambassador, he did not hesitate for a moment. He was pleased to come to Pushkin and play football with the kids. Even today's nasty weather couldn’t discourage him. Am I afraid for his health when he’s on the field? The main thing is that Andrey likes it. If children are ready to play in the rain, then Andrey is also ready,” Yulia Arshavina said.
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