George Zavershinskiy
Physicist : Nuclear Scientist : Priest : Author
Nuclear Physicist-Turned-Priest Pens Explosive Novel
Of How A Secret Soviet Weapons Expert Finds God
“With an absorbing premise and interesting speculation, 'Atomic Shepherd' is a book about the relationships between science and spirituality, and how disaster not only touches the outward shell of a person but also the inner man...
“His attention to detail and dogged insistence on an accurate portrayal of the Chernobyl catastrophe shapes his words with fascinating reality, supported by some surprisingly lovely descriptive passages. Conceptually interesting, with a fascinating hypothesis, 'Atomic Shepherd' will appeal to those with a bent towards philosophy and theology.”
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— BookViral
Can a man turn away from a career as a talented nuclear physicist for the USSR to become a priest and theologian?
Author George Zavershinskiy is living proof that the answer is “yes.”
Based on a real-life story, his newest and 20th book, Atomic Shepherd, a novel, tells us how a gifted nuclear scientist and secret Soviet weapons expert can abandon that life and turn over a new life as a priest, giving birth to a new era of faith and hope.
Atomic Shepherd, shortlisted for the Dostoyevskiy Literary Award, is a compelling narrative blend of philosophy, science, and theology. Zavershinskiy, who worked at a Siberian nuclear power plant, was forever changed by the Chernobyl disaster. In his book, his protagonist, after the nuclear reactor meltdown, questions not only his efforts of science at playing God, but also his complicity in its eventual downfall.
As a result, the character discusses religious doctrine, faith, and a belief in God. His journey forces him to examine his own mortality, morality, and purpose. From one disaster, many new beginnings are launched.
Zavershinkiy, in the blog, is available
to discuss the following and more:
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What it was like to be a nuclear scientist for the USSR.
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Why and how he left science to pursue theology and the priesthood.
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The way of the “atomic shepherd,” balancing science, faith, and philosophy.
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The fallout from Chernobyl, and predictions for future disasters.
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The potential for a society that embraces faith.
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What it’s like to go from former Communist Russia to Ireland, then Scotland, and now Spain.
Zavershinskiy says,
“My hope is that my story not only entertains the reader, but it informs, enlightens, and inspires him or her to explore life more deeply. Only through having the courage to question, can we begin to find answers that ring true to us.”
More About The Book
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Amid Cold War tensions, a gifted nuclear physicist - poised to become the future father of new weapons - shockingly gains religious faith. Seeking to confess this revelation, he enters the priesthood, finding purpose but facing myriad trials.
His startling 1970s conversion from secret Soviet weapon scientist to devout priest elicits incomprehension and suspicion on all sides. Colleagues shun him as studies now intermix seminary training with Siberia's nuclear work. His transfer to a lowly role with barred access quashes the prestige of high-stakes research. Friends and family largely abandon the zealous convert, except for his steadfast wife and parents.
Ostracized yet undaunted, Father Alexander persists in his ecclesiastical calling even unto Chernobyl's radioactive inferno, ministering to desperate liquidators staring mortality in the face. There, on the fourth block, he was given a nickname - 'Atomic Shepherd'. Upon returning to Moscow, few of them will reach old age.
The 'Atomic Shepherd' is the last to leave among his spiritual friends - he still has time to complete his confession.
Media Contact: Brian Feinblum 914-462-2038
brianfeinblum@gmail.com
