Ex-World Cup Footballer Joins Orthodox Faith

Photo: serbiantimes.info

NASHVILLE — Former U.S. national team defender Desmond Armstrong, the first African American to play in a FIFA World Cup for the United States, was recently baptized together with his wife and youngest daughter at the Church of St. Petka, marking a major moment in a growing wave of conversions within the Serbian Orthodox parish in Nashville.

Armstrong, who earned 81 caps for the United States between 1987 and 1994 and competed in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, has now entered the Orthodox Church after a period of catechesis. Parish priest Fr. Bojan Banović described the baptism as part of a broader spiritual movement in the community.

The parish, part of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of New Gračanica–Midwestern America under Metr. Longin, has also been preparing other catechumens for entry into the Church. “In March, I baptized the Armstrong family. Desmond, his wife, and their youngest daughter became full members of our church," Fr. Bojan explained. "Currently, fifteen Americans are going through a period of catechesis and spiritual preparation for entry into the Orthodox faith and holy baptism." Fr. Bojan added that the parish has baptized several converts over the past year as interest in Orthodoxy grows.

He emphasized the structured nature of conversion, explaining that, “From the moment they express a desire to become Orthodox Christians, a period of serious spiritual preparation begins, which usually lasts at least a year.” The parish, which conducts services in English, Serbian, and Church Slavonic, has become a multicultural center where converts and longtime Orthodox faithful worship together.

Armstrong is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Previously, the UOJ reported that 127 people were baptized in a mass Orthodox ceremony in Africa.

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