Through the prayers of the holy Apostle Bartholomew

Through the prayers of the holy Apostle Bartholomew Through the prayers of the holy Apostle Bartholomew print version January 15, 2019 17:12 On December 28, 1998, at a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, chaired by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II , a decision was made to revive the Baku diocese . At the same time, within the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Dagestan and the Chechen Republic, the Baku and Caspian dioceses were established. The ruling bishop of this diocese was determined to become the prior of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin in Baku, the dean of the Orthodox churches of Azerbaijan, Archimandrite Alexander (Ischein) . On January 14, 1999, his episcopal consecration took place in the Moscow Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhovo . Today, 20 years later, Archbishop Alexander recalls what has been done during this time, and tells how the ministry in Azerbaijan differs. Intevry published in the first issue of the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate in 2019. - Your Eminence, what tasks did you set for yourself at the time of your appointment as the ruling bishop and what did you manage to accomplish? What accomplishments can you highlight? “As a ruling bishop, my first priority was to keep people in the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church, not to allow parishes to close. And then the time was difficult both politically and economically ... In some regions, there was an armed confrontation, and, unfortunately, against this background, many Orthodox believers left the region. This led to the closure of certain parishes. Therefore, the main result is that we managed to defend all our parishes. Not a single Orthodox church, either on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan or on the territory of the Republic of Dagestan or the Chechen Republic, was closed! Moreover, new parishes were opened: the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers in Baku (in Azerbaijan), the temple in honor of the holy Reverend Seraphim of Sarov in Sumgait and the parish in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in Lankaran. As for Dagestan, a number of new parishes were opened there: in honor of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Izberbash, a chapel in the mountain settlement of Akhty, parishes in settlements of Tarumovka, Talovka, Kochubey, Terekli-Mekteb, Buynaksk and in the village of Bryansk. It was possible to revive Kizlyar Krestovozdvizhensky convent, which was closed in 1918. The most significant for me was the revival of the veneration of the memory of the holy Apostle Bartholomew, who suffered in the city of Albanopol - the current Baku. According to church tradition, the holy Apostle Bartholomew suffered a martyr's demise at the foot of the Maiden's Tower: he was first crucified, and then the skin was still torn off and alive, and his head was cut off so that he could stop preaching the Word of God. Until 1937, an amazingly beautiful chapel in honor of the holy disciple of Christ stood at the site of his martyr's demise. In the years of godlessness, the authorities tried to erase the memory of his exploits and martyr's demise. They demolished the chapel, the place was covered with earth, and then everything was asphalted. But still, believers secretly, at night, came to the foot of the Maiden's Tower and read there akathist to the holy Apostle Bartholomew. It was possible to find a copy of the akaphist, written by Archpriest Sergei Gorodtsov, later Metropolitan of Novosibirsk and Barnaul Bartholomew, and printed with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon . After my appeal to the Government of the Republic, we received permission to celebrate the service at the place of the martyr's death of the apostle. By that time, archaeological work was carried out, as a result of which the preserved foundation of the chapel was found, as well as ancient buildings around the Maiden Tower itself. Every year on June 24, on the day of memory of the holy Apostle Bartholomew, with a large confluence of worshipers, we perform a prayer service with an akathist song to the heavenly patron of Baku. In 2003, part of the relics of the holy Apostle Bartholomew were brought to the city. This shrine resides in the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers. Re-published the Life of the Holy Apostle and Akathist. In 2001, Patriarch Alexy II visited Azerbaijan, who, together with Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kirill of Kaliningrad (now His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia), consecrated the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers after the restoration. Patriarch Alexy visited Baku twice - in 2009 and 2010. There were many problems, but we not only managed to open parishes, but also to build and restore churches. Among them - the cathedral church of the holy great Prince Alexander Nevsky in Ganja, the Assumption Cathedral in Makhachkala, the cathedral in honor of St. George the Victorious in Kizlyar. It is also important that not only parishes were opened, churches were built, but also the fact that we filled them with people. - To what extent do local authorities help the diocese headed by you? - I must say that the diocesan administration has established good relations with both the leadership of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the leadership of the Republic of Dagestan. I occasionally meet with the heads of these republics, discuss problems in the life of the Orthodox Church and the Orthodox population of these regions. In 2011, in order to reorganize church life, the Republic of Dagestan was separated from the Baku diocese and entered the newly formed Makhachkala and Vladikavkaz diocese. The Baku diocese was renamed Baku and Azerbaijan. Thanks to these interchurch processes, I had the opportunity to more closely contact the Azerbaijani authorities at various levels and promptly resolve important issues of diocesan life. In Azerbaijan, relations on the “state-religion” line are at a very high level, as His Holiness Patriarch Kirill noted in his report at the Council of Bishops in 2017. Regardless of their religious or national identity, Azerbaijani citizens enjoy the same rights and freedoms. The state responds to appeals of religious communities and provides full support for their activities. For example, with the support of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, the State Oil Company has built for us the building of the Orthodox Religious and Cultural Center of the Baku Diocese. Thank God, in Azerbaijan I find understanding from the leadership of the country and support of my activities as the ruling bishop. - Historically, Azerbaijan is in the zone of canonical responsibility of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, Orthodoxy in the country is a minority religion. Can the Russian Church be called the Church of the Diaspora with reference to Azerbaijan? Or are there any representatives of the local population among your parishioners? - Most of the citizens of Azerbaijan are Muslims, and only 2% are Orthodox Christians. Yet to say that we preach only among the diaspora is inappropriate. Diaspora is a special phenomenon in the lives of certain multinational states, where members of minorities live a secluded life and are guided in this life primarily by their internal laws, which sometimes contradict the laws of the state. The Orthodox population of Azerbaijan is concentrated mainly in large cities, in some rural settlements. But we have neither national quarters, nor streets, much less courtyards, where only representatives of the same nationality or religion live. There is such a notion “Baku court yard”, where people of different nationalities of different religions live. They live, respecting each other, one common life. The deceased nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev has remarkable words: “Multinationality is our wealth.” And indeed, our parishioners work and participate in all spheres of state life: in the Milli Majlis (Parliament of the Republic), in the Government of the country, in the Presidential Administration, in security agencies. They work in the education system, in the economic sphere. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to name the children of the Orthodox Church as a diaspora. Our flock lives a full, full life, like all citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I can not fail to note that our flock is multinational. Yes, we represent the diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. But among the clergy and among the parishioners of our diocese there are representatives of different nationalities and nations: Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Greeks, Georgians, Lezghins, Azeris, Jews, Udins, and representatives of other nationalities. - In Azerbaijan today, the efforts of the state to promote the Russian language are very noticeable. How, in your opinion, among the Azerbaijani population is growing interest not only in the Russian language, but also in the culture and history of Russia? What actions does your diocese take in this direction? - I would like to note with pleasure that the leadership of the Republic of Azerbaijan supports the spread of the Russian language. We publish newspapers in Russian, we have TV shows. In the country, not a single school, where teaching was conducted in Russian, was closed. Moreover, the number of such schools is increasing, in many Azerbaijani schools, at the request of the population, the Russian-speaking sector is opening. Many universities teach in Russian. A branch of Moscow State University has been opened in Baku, which is popular among young people. There are bilingual periodicals in which the text is printed in two languages ​​at once: Azerbaijani and Russian. In addition, various events are held in the country dedicated to the promotion of the Russian language. Many people in special programs go to Russia to study. There is a Russian Drama Theater, where performances are held in Russian. We have the warmest relations with the leadership of the theater, and at Christmas we arrange for children a charity Christmas performance by the troupe of this theater. I would like to especially note the successful activity of the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in Azerbaijan - the Russian Information and Cultural Center - in the promotion and dissemination of the Russian language and literature, Russian culture. Such annual events as the Republican Olympiad in the Russian language and literature, as well as Pushkiniana, a competition among students for the knowledge of A.S. Pushkin. These and many other events are held by the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in Azerbaijan. - Are there in Azerbaijan schools some kind of ORCiSE course? Can a priest or a parish representative come to school to acquaint the younger generation with Orthodoxy? Naturally, this is a cultural aspect, not an attempt at proselytism. - Unfortunately, there is no subject similar to the Russian course “Basics of Orthodox Culture” in Azerbaijani schools. Moreover, religious figures, not only Christian, but also Muslim, do not participate in school education. We often talk about this, as well as the need to introduce the appropriate course as a cultural object, which allows the younger generation to master basic knowledge of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. While the proposals of religious leaders remain under consideration. Nevertheless, there is interest in religion in society, it’s just that this issue is being solved in Azerbaijan on a different plane. Firstly, we have established the International Center for Multiculturalism, which analyzes the current situation in the field of interreligious and inter-ethnic dialogues. At higher educational institutions opened the department of multiculturalism. As part of the educational process, students of higher educational institutions come to our churches to learn about the life of the Russian Orthodox Church, its activities, and Christian culture. Recently, in the temples guided tours for students of secondary schools. The teachers agree with us in advance on the possibility of visiting, after which we conduct excursions, tell about our life and answer the questions of the students. - How is extra-religious service - educational, social and cultural - activity in the temples of the diocese? Are there any projects of a general diocesan scale? - Of course, the life of the parishes of the Baku diocese is not limited only to the walls of the temples and one liturgical activity. At each parish, a certain work of social, educational and cultural orientation is carried out. All parishes help low-income people. At each temple, charity canteens are organized, in which, along with the staff, people in need receive food. In addition, we bring hot meals bedridden home. Monthly we give out food packages to lonely elderly and sick people. The social services of the parishes of the Baku Diocese provide all possible assistance in obtaining lost documents, employment, treatment, and providing legal assistance to people in difficult life situations. Sometimes parishes take on themselves and issues related to the funeral of single parishioners. Great help in the work of social services is provided by volunteers. As for educational projects, then at every church there are children's Sunday schools, where children study the Law of God and church singing. At the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God in Baku, on the basis of a children's Sunday school for more than ten years, there exists the theater “Youths and Daughters”. With the help of this theater, Christmas and Easter shows are organized for the children of our city. A remarkable team exists at the Sunday School of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Baku. Sunday schools, libraries and an Orthodox video club are also open for adults. At the diocesan level, for the coordination of parish activities, the following departments have been created: the Department of Social Assistance and Charity, the Department for Relations with Veterans, the Department for Prison Ministry, youth and other departments. I consider working with veterans very important. We are grateful to the people who brought their lives to the altar of the Fatherland and protected us from the terrible plague of misanthropy. We always try to help them, to give signs of attention. Within the walls of the Orthodox Religious and Cultural Center of the Baku Diocese, festive events are held dedicated to Victory Day and the International Day of Older Persons. The organization of Russian compatriots - the Russian community of Azerbaijan and the ROSNA "Commonwealth" - actively assist us in holding these events. For the past three years, the “Immortal Regiment” campaign has been held in Azerbaijan, organized by the Baku Diocese and the non-governmental organization “Zemlyachestvo of the Cossacks of Azerbaijan”. The Baku Diocese has developed constructive relations with the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in Azerbaijan - the Russian Information and Cultural Center, with which a number of joint projects are being conducted. Among them it is necessary to mention the children's creativity contest “Earth and Heavenly”, a children's literary contest dedicated to the celebration of the Day of Slavic Literature; charity Easter Bazaar, celebration of the Day of family, love and loyalty. All interested children and adults, regardless of religious or national affiliation, take part in these events. For three years, there is a joint project of the Baku Diocese with the Foundation "Knowledge" under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to train the Russian-speaking population of the state-Azerbaijani-language. Many Russian-speaking citizens of Azerbaijan are faced with the problem of not knowing the language, and of course, all official, business documentation and correspondence are kept on it. The Diocese provides the necessary premises, and the Foundation is engaged in the selection of teaching staff. It is worth noting that the courses are held free of charge for all comers. After graduating from the course, students take exams and receive a certificate signed by the head of the foundation and me as the bishop of the Baku diocese. One of the important diocesan projects of the Baku diocese is a festive Christmas concert. This was initiated by the national leader Heydar Aliyev, who in the 1990s proposed to more actively celebrate our holidays. Then, despite all the difficulties, including economic ones, it was decided to hold a Christmas concert. The concert has become traditional, and representatives of the Government of Azerbaijan, diplomats, public and cultural figures of the country come to it every year. Most importantly, this concert has become a launching pad for many young talents of our country. Currently, the Baku Diocese together with the Caucasian Muslims Office is preparing a joint project aimed at preventing the manifestation of pseudo-religious extremist views in places of detention. An international conference is planned with the participation of the Synodal Department of the Russian Orthodox Church in Prison Service , representatives of the penitentiary service, the Muslim Board of the Caucasus, clergy of the Baku diocese, etc. - Modern Azerbaijan sees itself as a country between the East and the West, a kind of borderline between cultures. Does the Russian Orthodox Church take this trend into account? - Indeed, as I have already said, Azerbaijan has become a special country between the East and the West, between representatives of different cultures. Various cultural events are held in the capital of Azerbaijan with the participation of different countries. As an example, such contests as “Heat” and “Eurovision” can be cited. The first European Olympic Games were also held in Baku. Every two years we have a humanitarian forum in which politicians, businessmen, representatives of different cultures take part. The chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations , Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, also spoke at this forum. As archbishop of Baku and Azerbaijan, I also take part in it. If we talk about the Russian Orthodox Church, it pays special attention to what we call the “Baku process”. The “Baku process” was launched 10 years ago, in 2008, when a conference of culture ministers of the Council of Europe member states was held in Baku. The Baku Process is an initiative covering various platforms and projects aimed at promoting mutual respect and mutual understanding of peoples and cultures, and dialogue between them. In a situation of growing ethnic, racial, confessional and cultural contradictions, the spread of extremism, the “Baku process” represents Azerbaijan with its multicultural resources and historically established traditions of religious tolerance and good neighborliness as a model of global significance, a bridge of understanding between different cultures. The Head of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, twice visited our city, took part in the World Summit of Religious Leaders in 2010. The Baku Diocese is an organic part of the Azerbaijani society, and therefore the Russian Orthodox Church has no problems here on the border of relations between different cultures and different civilizations. - In Azerbaijan, the vast majority of the population are Muslims. Is the Orthodox Church facing cases of negative attitudes? How are relations with Islamic spiritual leaders? Are there any joint projects? - As I have already said, representatives of more than 100 nationalities live in Azerbaijan. But this does not create problems, but on the contrary, is the wealth of the country. All relate with respect to each other, to the inner world of a person, to his beliefs. This is the main core of life, and therefore there is no difficulty in the relationship between representatives of different religious traditions. And leaders of religious communities give an example of good relationships with each other. Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikh-ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pasha-zade has been acquainted with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill for many years. Together with Patriarch Kirill, he is the co-chairman of the Interreligious Council of the CIS countries. They occasionally meet, discuss the problems of religious life in the post-Soviet space. Meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Muslims of the Caucasus, we discuss the issues that exist in religious life, in relations with state structures, issues of social and cultural life of our country. We also occasionally meet with the head of the Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in Baku, Bishop Vladimir Fekete, and with the leaders of the Jewish communities, Milih Evdaev and Alexander Sharovsky. The main thing in our life is to preserve the purity of our faith and the firmness of our convictions, to maintain good relations with everyone in order to preserve peace and mutual understanding in the land of Azerbaijan. - Does your diocese build new churches, and is there a need for this? “Since the number of the Orthodox population in the country does not practically change, we cannot talk about the active construction of churches.” In Soviet times, there were four active temples in Azerbaijan. During this time we have opened four more parishes, three of which have their own temples. Another parish is developing a new temple project. Our priests go to places where the Russian-speaking population lives compactly, which needs spiritual nourishment. The most important thing for us is to preserve our temples, restore them, support the spiritual life in them at the proper level. Divine services are held daily in the temples of the Baku Diocese, city temples are open throughout the day, clergymen are on duty at these temples. - Does the desire to get an Orthodox theological education, to link your life with the Church, grow among young residents of Azerbaijan? Do you have enough staff? - Our youth are interested in Orthodox theology and in general the content of Christian dogma. At our churches, as already mentioned, there are Sunday schools, where children are taught the basics of Orthodox dogma. If students choose the path of church knowledge for themselves, then they enter religious schools in Russia or other countries. Some of them have already received spiritual education, some of them have already been ordained to holy orders, others are still receiving spiritual education. Unfortunately, those who study full-time are not always returned to us. Thank God that there is a general interest in church disciplines among young people. Personnel, of course, not enough. For example, for a long time we could not solve the problem of the Alexander Nevsky Church in Ganja. In Soviet times, there was always one priest there, in the post-Soviet period, sometimes there was no one at all, we had to send priests from Baku. And now we have managed to establish a normal liturgical life there. There are two priests in the state, a deacon, daily services are held. At Easter and at Christmas two Divine Liturgies are celebrated. As for spiritual experience, our clergy is not only young people. For example, the senior priest of the cathedral, Archpriest Leonid Miltykh, has been carrying out pastoral service in Baku for more than three decades, just as the diocesan confessor, Archpriest George Kip. There are clerics who have been working for 10 and 20 years. Our clergy is solid, and everyone works with great responsibility. - Is youth work carried out in your diocese, and which areas of this activity are considered priority? - For the entire Orthodox Church, work with young people is the most important. First of all, I would like to acquaint young people with our shrines. Sometimes we manage to prepare pilgrimage trips around the Golden Ring, to the holy places of Russia. Several times it was possible to organize secular youth camps, where we also visited young people. Unfortunately, this activity is sporadic, mainly due to material reasons. Sometimes it is possible to organize sports events. But there is one feature. There was an idea to create sports teams for religious affiliation. But we understood that this could later lead to confrontations of another kind. In order for the youth to understand each other, it is necessary that both Christians, Muslims and Jews should be on the same team. Then it will be easier for young people to find mutual understanding. Our task is for the new generations to pass on our spiritual values, our faith, our spiritual experience, to teach them to follow Christ and live the gospel commandments.