Russian Orthodox priest converts to Islam - Vladimir’s remarkable story of faith

Russian Orthodox priest converts to Islam - Vladimir’s remarkable story of faith

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September, 20 2025

(Web Desk): A remarkable story has emerged from Russia as Orthodox Church priest Vladimir Ugryumov embraced Islam after serving as a Christian priest for 15 years.

His journey began when a Christian girl living near him converted to Islam. Curious about her decision, Reverend Vladimir started studying Islam to understand why people leave Christianity.

Through his research, he discovered many similarities between Christianity and Islam. He found that Muslims also love and respect Jesus Christ and his mother Mary (peace be upon them). Muslims believe in Jesus’ miracles, his miraculous birth from Mary, and that he was raised to the heavens and will return to earth.

Reverend Vladimir was struck by the fact that Mary is described in the Qur’an as the greatest woman in the world, with a whole chapter named after her. He also found that Islam honors many prophets from the Bible, including Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Noah and John the Baptist, along with Jesus and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

The most powerful factor that drew him closer to Islam was the simplicity of monotheism. Unlike the complex Christian doctrine of the Trinity, Islam’s message of One God felt pure and clear to him. Muslims believe in one God, the same God worshipped by Jesus, who in the Gospel of John (20:17) said: “My God and your God.”

Reverend Vladimir admitted he always felt deep inside that God is One, and that Jesus was the Prophet and Messenger of God, not God Himself. His belief was strengthened when he heard the call to prayer for the first time in Turkey.

He recalled: “I felt a special feeling when I heard the Adhan, as if my soul was being drawn into the mosque. At that time, I continued my duties as a priest, but today I have chosen Islam. I now go to the mosque and I have decided to walk to Mecca.”

The conversion of Vladimir Ugryumov shows how the clarity of Islam’s message of One God continues to inspire people worldwide. His story is not just about leaving one religion for another, but about a personal search for truth. From studying scriptures to hearing the call to prayer, every step brought him closer to Islam. His decision to walk to Mecca reflects the depth of his faith and the sincerity of his new journey.