Finding the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov miracle worker Brooklyn - Church.org

Finding the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov miracle worker  Orthodox life On August 1, the Holy Church celebrates the acquisition of the relics of our venerable and God-bearing father Seraphim, the miracle worker of Sarov. In 1903, the acquisition of the relics and the glorification of St. Seraphim of Sarov, took place 70 years after his death. Рака с мощами преподобного Серафима Саровского чудотворца Cancer with the relics of the prep. Serafima Sarovsky Just on the birthday of the saint on July 19 (August 1 on the new century), his relics were discovered with great triumph and placed in a cooked cancer. Father Seraphim said: “What a great joy will be! In the midst of the summer Easter will be sung, my joy! ”And it was like this: On the evening of July 30, 1991, at the Holy Gates of the Seraphim-Diveevo monastery, they met a procession with St. relics of prep. Seraphim At night, three Liturgies served, and the people who prayed in the temple, repeating after the sisters, sang the Easter Poems: “Easter is Red, Easter is Easter! Easter is every kind of food, Easter will come to us! With each other's joy we hug! Oh Easter! ” The long-awaited event was accompanied by many wonderful healings of the sick, in large numbers arrived in Sarov. Revered very widely during his lifetime, St. Seraphim becomes one of the most beloved saints of the Orthodox Russian people, as well as St. Sergius of Radonezh. The spiritual path of St. Seraphim is marked by the great modesty inherent in Russian saints. Since childhood, chosen by God, the devotee of Sarov without hesitation and doubt rises from strength to strength in his quest for spiritual perfection. Eight years of obedience works and eight years of church service in the rank of hierodeacon and hieromonk, desert breeding and pillar-making, the shutter and the silence replace each other and are crowned with old age. The exploits far surpassing the natural human possibilities (for example, prayer on a stone for a thousand days and nights) harmoniously and simply enter into the life of the saint. The mystery of living prayerful fellowship determines the spiritual heritage of St. Seraphim, but he left the Church one more wealth - brief, but excellent instructions, written in part by himself, and in part by those that heard them. St. Seraphim of Sarov St. Seraphim of Sarov Shortly before the glorification of the saint, the “ Conversation of St. Seraphim of Sarovsky about the purpose of the Christian life ” was found and published in 1903, which took place at the end of November 1831, a little over a year before his death. This conversation was the ascetic’s most precious contribution to the treasury of Russian patristic teaching. In addition to the doctrine of the essence of the Christian life, it contains a new explanation of many of the most important passages of Holy Scripture. “Fasting, prayer, vigilance and all other Christian matters,” the Rev. taught, “however good in themselves, but not in doing it alone, is the goal of our Christian life, although they serve as the means to achieve it. The true goal of our Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God . ” “The purpose of our life,” said the monk, “is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God . The main remedy for the acquisition of the Holy Spirit is prayer . Every virtue, for Christ’s sake, is for the good of the Holy Spirit, but prayer is the most. ” Once, being in the Spirit of God, the monk saw the whole Russian land, and it was filled and as if covered with the incense of the prayers of believers praying to the Lord. In the descriptions of the life and deeds of Saint Seraphim there are many testimonies of the grace-giving gift of insight, which he used to excite people of repentance of sins and moral correction. “The Lord revealed to me,” he said, “that there will be a time when the bishops of the Russian Land and other clergymen will avoid preserving Orthodoxy in all its purity, and for that the wrath of God will strike them. For three days I stood, asked the Lord to have mercy on them, and asked better to deprive me, poor Seraphim, of the Kingdom of Heaven, rather than punish them. But the Lord did not bow to the request of the wretched Seraphim and said that he would not have mercy on them, for they would teach the teachings and commandments of men, but their hearts would be far from Me. ” Presenting the grace-giving gifts and the power of God to the people, the Monk Seraphim instructed those who came to him how to walk the narrow path of salvation. He commanded obedience to his spiritual children and was faithful to him until the end of his life. обретение мощей Преподобного Серафима Саровского чудотворца Finding the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov the Miracle-worker After spending his whole life in exploits that were beyond the reach of ordinary people, he advised him to go along the patristic "royal (middle) way" and not take upon himself overly difficult acts: "he should not take any higher measure of feats; but to try so that our friend — our flesh — is faithful and capable of creating virtues. ” The monk considered prayer to be the most important feat and means to the acquisition of the Holy Spirit. "Every virtue, for the sake of doing Christ, gives the blessings of the Holy Spirit, but ... prayer brings the Spirit of God more than anything, and it is more convenient for everyone to correct." Rev. Seraphim advised to stand in the temple with eyes closed, then look at an image or a burning candle, and, expressing this idea, offered a perfect comparison of human life with a wax candle. If they complained to the holy elder about the impossibility of fulfilling the rule of prayer, then he advised to pray constantly: both during work, and walking somewhere, and even in bed. And if anyone has time, the Rev. said, let him add other religiously useful prayers and canons, akathists, psalms, the Gospel and the Apostle. He advised the saint to study the order of the Divine service and keep it in memory. Rev. Seraphim considered it unnecessary to have long prayer rules and his rule of Diveevo community gave an easy rule. Our Lady forbade Fr. Seraphim obliging novices to read long akathists, so as not to impose unnecessary burdens on the weak. But at the same time, the saint strictly reminded that the prayer should not be formal: “Those monks who do not connect external prayer with internal prayer are not monks, but black heads!” The Seraphimovo rule became famous for those lay people who, due to life circumstances, cannot read the usual morning and evening prayers: in the morning, before dinner and in the evening three times read “Our Father”, three times - “The Virgin of the Virgin, rejoice,” once “I Believe”; doing the necessary work, from morning to dinner, create the Jesus Prayer: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me sinner” or simply “Lord, have mercy”, and from lunch to evening - “Holy Mother of God, save me sinful” or “Lord, Have mercy on me a sinner, Jesus Christ, the Mother of God. ” St. Seraphim of Sarov “Take care of yourself in prayers,” the ascetic advised, “that is, gather the mind and connect it with the soul. First day, two and more, do this prayer with one mind, separately, listening to each particular word. Then, when the Lord warms your heart with the warmth of His grace and unites it in you into one spirit: then the prayer will flow in you constantly and always will be with you, enjoying and nourishing you ... ”The monk said that, fulfilling this rule with humility, you can to attain Christian perfection in worldly life. “It is necessary to equip the soul with the Word of God. In total, more should be practiced in reading the New Testament and the Psalter. From this there is enlightenment in the mind, which is changed by the change of the Divine, ”the holy ascetic of Sarovskii instructed, himself constantly reading the entire New Testament during the week. Every Sunday and every feast of the Holy Communion, without sacrament, joining the Holy Mysteries, Reverend Seraphim asked how often to proceed with Communion, replied: "The more often, the better." To the priest of the Diveyevo community, Vasily Sadowski, he said: “The grace given to us by Communion is so great that no matter how unworthy and no matter how sinful a person is, but only in a humble tokmo consciousness of his sinfulness he started from the head to the feet of the sores covered with sores, and the grace of Christ will be cleansed, will brighten more and more, will brighten completely and be saved. " “I believe that by the great goodness of God, grace will also be marked on the communion of the communion ...” The saint, however, did not give everyone the same instructions regarding frequent communion. He advised many to go to all four posts and all the Great Feasts. It is necessary to remember his warning about the possibility of joining a condemnation: “Sometimes it happens like this: here on earth they are attached; but with the Lord remain unattached! ” Holy Seraphim: “The Earth Angel is a Heavenly Man” Holy Seraphim: “The Earth Angel is a Heavenly Man” “There is no worse sin and nothing is more terrible and more pernicious than the spirit of despondency,” said Saint Seraphim. He himself glowed with spiritual joy, and with this quiet, peaceful joy, he filled the hearts of those around him in abundance, greeting them with the words: “My joy! Christ is Risen!" Every burden of life became light near the devotee, and a multitude of people grieving and seeking God was constantly crowded around his cell and hermitage, wanting to partake of the grace pouring from the saint of God. In the eyes of all, the truth expressed by the saint himself in the great angelic exhortation was confirmed: "Bind the world, and thousands will be saved around you." This commandment of the acquiring of the world elevates to the doctrine of the acquiring of the Holy Spirit, but in itself is the most important step on the path of spiritual growth. Rev. Seraphim, who experienced the whole of the ancient Orthodox science of the ascetic feat, foresaw what the spiritual work of future generations would be, and taught to search for the peace of the soul and not condemn anyone: “Whoever goes about in a peaceful dispensation, draws spiritual gifts, as it were, to a liar”. "In order to preserve the peace of the soul ... in every way should avoid condemnation of others ... To get rid of condemnation, you should listen to yourself, do not accept extraneous thoughts from anyone and be dead to everything." Elder Seraphim of Sarov Elder Seraphim of Sarov St. Seraphim can rightly be called a disciple of the Mother of God. The Blessed Virgin Mary thrice healed him from deadly diseases, repeatedly appeared to him, instructed and strengthened him. Even at the beginning of his journey, he heard the Mother of God, pointing to him, lying on the bed of his illness, said to the Apostle John the Theologian: "This is from our kind." Upon leaving the gate, the monk gave many forces to the dispensation of the girl’s monastic community in Diveyevo and said himself that he did not give any instructions from himself, he did everything according to the will of the Heavenly Queen. St. Seraphim stands at the beginning of the startling rise of Russian Orthodox spirituality. His reminder sounds with great force: “The Lord is looking for a heart filled with love for God and neighbor; here is the throne on which he loves to sit and be in fullness of his neglected glory. “Son, give Mi your heart,” He says, “and I will add all the rest to you,” for the Kingdom of God can fit in the human heart. ” And so, St. Seraphim of Sarov (1759-1833) was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church in the face of the saints on July 19 (the day of his birth) of 1903 with active participation and at the insistence of Tsar Nicholas II. On the report of the Holy Synod with the decision to glorify the Emperor wrote: "I read it with a feeling of true joy and deep emotion." All the Russian people, headed by the Sovereign, desired and waited for the glorification of the holy saint of God, and on July 19, 1903 it took place - in the presence of the Royal Family, with a huge crowd of people. About three hundred thousand people gathered at the celebrations in Sarov from all over Russia. It was accompanied by countless miracles and healings. The Sovereign and Grand Dukes, along with the bishops, carried the shrine with the holy relics, and all the people sang Easter during the summer. Vice-Rector of the Pskov Spiritual School, Priest Nikolai Egorov about the event of the discovery of the relics of St. Seraphim: Обретение мощей преподобного Серафима Саровского, чудотворца Finding the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, a miracle worker “ On August 1, in a new style, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the acquisition of the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, the day of the glorification of the holy saint of God . In 1903, 70 years after his death, the canonization of the Sarov elder took place. The Russian people gave much to the holy devotees from among themselves, but the Monk stands special, and the glorification of God's saint Seraphim of Sarov became one of the great and joyful events, because his prayer before the Throne of the Most High is strong. Elder Seraphim was revered by the Orthodox people during his lifetime, and Sovereign Nicholas II, now glorified, sharing the popular faith in the sanctity of the elder, raised the question of his canonization, which was not easy: almost all of the Holy Synod of the Church was against. Only at the request of the Emperor considered the issue of canonization of St.. Seraphim of Sarov, and on August 1, the elder Seraphim was glorified. Celebrations of glorification took place in Sarov, in the desert, in which old monk Seraphim performed his monastic feat, while the Imperial family was present at the glorification. Eyewitnesses describe this moment in the following way: “It’s time for the polyeleos, they sang“ Praise the Name of the Lord ”, all those present lit candles, the clergy made triple prostrations, Metropolitan Anthony opened the coffin, and all those who were in the church knelt - the minute of glorification of St. Seraphim came. Triumphant and touching, shaking the soul, sounded greatness: "We appease thee, Rev. Father Seraphim." St. Seraphim of Sarov St. Seraphim of Sarov Later, in connection with the events connected with 1917, it turned out that the relics were opened in accordance with the special provision on the liquidation of holy relics developed in 1920 and taken out of Sarov, their trail was lost. At the triumph of the second finding of the holy relics of Seraphim of Sarov in 1991, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II said that, as it became clear, the relics were closed by someone else's pious hands, and no one was listed in any records, nobody knew about them. The monk predicted that in the middle of the summer they would sing Easter, as it was: when the relics arrived at the Diveyevo monastery in 1991 on July 30, they were greeted with Easter chants, and the sun, as eyewitnesses say, began to play Easter. There was a special solemn joy and experience of the old man returning to his native land. At the time of the first and second acquisition of the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, healings took place, and everything was filled with wonderful events. The glorification of the saint is always a testimony to the world that the way of moral ascent from strength to strength is open to each of us, and the Rev. the Elder showed this path. For our time, when there are very few examples in modern life, it is necessary to know more about the life of the saints in order to be equal and inspired. Not only do holy devotees intercede with the Lord for people, but they also need to learn the true life.

The Primate of the Russian Church met with Russian nuclear scientists in Sarov

The Primate of the Russian Church met with Russian nuclear scientists in Sarov Предстоятель Русской Церкви встретился в Сарове с российскими учеными-ядерщиками print version July 31, 2019 21:54 On July 31, 2019, in the large hall of the House of Scientists of the Russian Federal Nuclear Center - All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics (RFNC-VNIIEF), a meeting of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill took place on the theme “Building a New Reality” : advanced technology and spiritual renewal. " The meeting was attended by representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church: Metropolitan of Tver and Kashinsky , head of the affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate, Astra , Chief Executive Officer of the Serafim Sarovsky Charitable Foundation, Metropolitan of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas, Georgy , Metropolitan of Saransk and Mordovia, Zinovy , Head of the Administrative Secretariat of the Moscow Patriarchate; Department of Church Relations with Society and the Media V.R. Legoida The event was attended by representatives of government, the scientific community and the public, in particular: Presidential Plenipotentiary in the Volga Federal District I.A. Komarov, Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region G.S. Nikitin, Director of RFNC-VNIIEF V.E. Kostyukov, Honorary Scientific Director of RFNC-VNIIEF R.I. Ilkayev, as well as the head of the Federal Treasury R.Ye. Artyukhin, Scientific Director of the Research Institute of System Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences VB Betelin, Director for Communications and International Relations of RFNC-VNIIEF O.S. Vorontsova, Executive Director of the St. Seraphim Sarovsky Charitable Foundation S.V. Gabestro, General Designer for Laser Systems - RFNC-VNIIEF Deputy Director for Laser Physics, Director of the Institute for Laser Physics Research (ILFI), Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences S.G. Garanin, head of the administration of the city of Sarov A.V. V. Golubev, Director General of Lukoil-Centrnefteprodukt LLC V.P. Dmitriev, Rector of Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University named after R.Е. Alekseeva ”S.M. Dmitriev, director of the Institute of Nuclear and Radiation Physics (INP) N.V. Zavyalov, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation A.Yu. Ivanov, the rector of the Volga Research Medical University N.N. Karyakin, Deputy Chairman of the State Development Corporation VEB RF, A.N. V. Klepach, Chairman of the Coordination Council of the branches of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in the Volga Federal District V.V. Klochai, head of the FAA Glavgosexpertiza of Russia, Chairman of the Board of the Russian Bar Association I.Ye. Manylov, First Deputy Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation T.G. Nesterenko, Development Director of the RPS of Rosatom State Corporation S.A. Obozov, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District I.V. Panshin, Rector of Moscow State University; Lomonosov, academician of RAS, vice-president of RAS V.A. Sadovnichy, First Vice-Rector - Vice-Rector for Economic and Innovative Development, NI Nizhny Novgorod State University Lobachevsky V.V. Saigin, Director of the Research and Production Center for Physics (NPTSF), Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.D. Selemir, Director of the Management Company of the Management Company of the Sarov-Diveevo Cluster E.I. Skopenko, President, NI Nizhny Novgorod State University Lobachevsky - Vice-President of the Russian Union of Rectors R.G. Strongin, head of the city of Sarov A.M. Tikhonov, Counselor of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academician-Secretary of the Department of Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics and Control Processes of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Scientific Director of the Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.E. Fortov, General Director, Varton Group of Companies D.V. Frolov, Deputy Scientific Head of RFNC-VNIIEF for Test Technologies - Head of the Scientific Research Institute of Nuclear Research A.K. Chernyshev, employees of RFNC-VNIIEF, members of the public organization “Sarovsky Spiritual and Scientific Center”, teachers of Nizhny Novgorod universities. The meeting was conducted by the Metropolitan of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas Georgy and the honorary supervisor of RFNC-VNIIEF R.I. Ilkaev. In his opening remarks, Metropolitan George, in particular, said: “On the Sarov land, where the Russian Federal Nuclear Center and the Holy Assumption Sarov Hermitage adjoin, in recent years there has been a good tradition of fruitful dialogue and cooperation between representatives of Russian science and the Nizhny Novgorod Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church. Discussions on issues related to national security, strategic stability, and the spiritual foundations of the modern state of society are regularly organized at the site of the Sarovsky Spiritual and Scientific Center. Here there are venerable scientists, representatives of the clergy, government and church leaders, politicians and young scientists. The rapidly changing world, in which completely new technical capabilities are emerging, increasingly poses public moral responsibility for the consequences of using the latest technologies. With the increasing risks of abuse of the fruits of scientific advances, it becomes necessary to seek remedies for increasing threats directed both at the individual and at the entire state. Appeal to the Orthodox spiritual and moral tradition allows many to find out for themselves the fundamentally important aspects of Christian anthropology, without the knowledge of which it is difficult to establish the correct moral guidelines in the search for solutions to this problem. Three years ago, on August 1, 2016, in connection with the solemn laying of a stone in the foundation of the Assumption Cathedral of the Sarov desert, you, Your Holiness, met here with the participants of our spiritual and scientific center - Nizhny Novgorod scientists. This meeting had a great response. The issues raised on it were discussed later in the student environment, at various discussion platforms of universities. Today, on the day of the consecration of the Assumption Cathedral of the Sarov desert, July 31, 2019, we gathered here to discuss the topic "Building a new reality: advanced technologies and spiritual renewal." Its urgency is undoubted. A conciliar discussion of these issues will indeed serve the good of our Fatherland. ” Then, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill made a keynote speech on the meeting. Then, during the meeting, the following presentations were made: Honorary Scientific Director of RFNC-VNIIEF R.I. Ilkayev, Rector of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, academician of RAS, vice-president of RAS V.A. Sadovnichy, Scientific Director of the Research Institute of System Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences VB Betelin. In his speech, the rector of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosova V.A. Sadovnichy touched those challenges that face humanity today. These are the risks associated with the development of digital technologies, in particular, the danger of the so-called digital dictatorship, the issue of personal data security, globalization, the development of artificial intelligence, environmental problems, and so on. “The theme of our meeting puts a number of advanced technologies and spirituality renewal,” said V.A. The gardener. “To overcome the global crisis of morality, the onset of mass culture, the devastating effects of the“ digital dictatorship, ”a full-fledged humanitarian education is needed.” “The Russian language, the history of our country, cultural, historical, spiritual and moral traditions - all this, in your words, Your Holiness, relates to the humanitarian dimension of life and the individual, society and state. And all this constitutes our national self-consciousness, which must resist the destructive influence of globalization, ”the rector of Moscow State University added. “Your Holiness, the Society of Russian Literature, headed by you, can play a big role in this,” said V.A. Sadovnichy reported that in November, the second congress of the Society of Russian Literature is planned to be held at Moscow State University. Then a discussion took place, during which the adviser of the Russian Academy of Sciences, academician-secretary of the Department of Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics and Control Processes of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.E. Forts and cardiovascular surgeon of the City Clinical Hospital No. 5 of Nizhny Novgorod A.V. Nikolsky. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill summed up the meeting in closing remarks. “I would like to sincerely thank all those who spoke. Wonderful performances, I recorded a lot for myself. Let me summarize everything that we talked about exclusively from a religious point of view, ”said His Holiness. “What really worries me in this whole story with a digital civilization? .. What is the ultimate danger of all this? The fact that the current means of communication and not only means of communication, but in general digital civilization is able to limit human freedom as much as possible without creating any discomfort. A person may not even notice that his freedom is limited, ”said the Primate, noting that information about their owners can be collected through many user devices without their knowledge. According to His Holiness, the danger of restriction of freedom in the conditions of digital civilization is greatly increased, and the methods of realizing this threat are greatly simplified, for example, in the case of electronic means of payment. “Having received a bank card, you lose complete freedom, because at any time the card can be blocked - not because there is not enough money, but because someone needs to close your bank card for ideological, political or some other reasons” - added Holy Master. “The more we rely on all these digital technologies, the more we endanger our freedom in the first place. Strictly speaking, the protest of many Orthodox believers is based on this against the introduction of electronic methods, which are now used in collecting statistical data, etc., ”explained the Primate of the Russian Church. “The church is concerned about man, his life and, perhaps, one of the most important dimensions of human life - human freedom,” said His Holiness the Patriarch. “We should not buy into any toys, including digital ones, so that at some point we don’t become slaves to this technological civilization, whose control center will not be our sovereign country.” “May God bless all of us to work in order to strengthen our national self-consciousness. We will work to strengthen the Orthodox faith, ”concluded His Holiness Vladyka, thanking the scientists for the opportunity for dialogue, cooperation and interaction. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill donated his books to the library of the House of Scientists: “Think about the future of mankind” (Moscow, Moscow Patriarchate Publishing House, 2018), “Dialogue with history” (Moscow, 2019) and “Sermons for the Year 2017” (Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, 2018).

Celebrations on the occasion of the 365th anniversary of the death of the Reverend Leonid Ustnedumsky took place in the Diocese of Yaran

Celebrations on the occasion of the 365th anniversary of the death of the Reverend Leonid Ustnedumsky took place in the Diocese of Yaran В Яранской епархии прошли торжества по случаю 365-летия преставления преподобного Леонида Устьнедумского print version July 31, 2019 13:40 On July 30, 2019, on the Day of Remembrance of St. Leonid of Ustnedumsky (1654), the Church of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos of the village of Ozero, Luzsky District, Kirov Region, was held on the occasion of the 365th anniversary of the repose of the saint. Divine liturgy was led by the Bishop of Iran and Luz Paisius . His Grace was served by the dean of the Northern District of the Iranian Diocese , the rector of the Vvedensky Church, Archimandrite Vladimir (Dyachenko), hieromonk David (Siver), the clergy of the Northern Deanery and guests from other dioceses in holy orders. A representative of the governor of the Kirov region, the head of the ethno-confessional relations department of the Ministry of internal and information policy of the Kirov region A.Yu. attended the service. Berezin. Residents of Luza, as well as pilgrims from Kirov, Vologda, Nizhny Novgorod and other regions of Russia, gathered to commemorate the memory of the saint and worship his relics, found on March 17, 2018. At the small entrance, Bishop Paisy awarded priest Maxim Sherstkov and cleric of Vvedensky church in the village of Lake Priest Mikhail Voitsheshko to the abbot of the church of the faithful prince Alexander Nevsky of the village of Oparino, Kirov region. The sermon before communion was delivered by priest Maxim Sherstkov, who spoke about the tradition of honoring the holy relics of God's saints. At the end of the Liturgy, Vladyka Paisii celebrated Reverend Leonid, then congratulated the clergy and laity on the day of the memory of Ustnedumi wonderworker and, in particular, said: we can attach ourselves to this shrine. The Monk Leonid, at the behest of the Mother of God, came to this deaf and wild region, consecrated it with his exploits and founded a monastery here. He put a lot of effort to drain the swamps that repeatedly flooded the monastery. The monastery has not survived to the present day, but until now everyone can see the river Nedum dug out by the monk’s hands. Let us remember that we are the spiritual heirs of the monk and must continue his work, testifying of faith in Christ by the life of the gospel. ” In memory of the discovery of the relics of St. Leonid, Bishop Paisius presented a church with an altar cross. Then the bishop handed the bishop diplomas and letters of thanks to the philanthropists and parishioners of the church who take an active part in the life of the parish. The believers were also congratulated by A.Yu. Berezin and the head of the Luzsky District, D.V. Orlov. Archimandrite Vladimir thanked Vladyka Paisiy for the joy of joint prayer and presented Panagia as a gift to His Eminence as a gift to the memory of the congregational divine service. At the end of the celebrations, a festive meal was organized for all participants in the church service.

In St. Petersburg, the first day of the round table “Worship and prayer as the focus of life of monastic brotherhood” ended

In St. Petersburg, the first day of the round table “Worship and prayer as the focus of life of monastic brotherhood” ended В Санкт-Петербурге завершился первый день работы круглого стола «Богослужение и молитва как средоточие жизни монашеского братства» print version July 25, 2019 12:03 July 24, 2019 in the Resurrection Novodevichy Convent of St. Petersburg began the work of the round table "Worship and prayer as the center of the life of monastic brotherhood." With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, monastic dioceses located in the North-West Federal District, as well as members of the board of the Synodal Department of Monasteries and Monasticism, take part in the event. The organizers of the round table were the Synodal Department for Monasteries and Monasticism, the Commission of the Inter-Council Assembly on the organization of the life of monasteries and monasticism, the Resurrection Novodevichy Monastery of St. Petersburg. Before the start of the forum, the Divine Liturgy was held at the Resurrection Cathedral of the Novodevichy Monastery, which was headed by the Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga Varsonofy . The Presidium of the meeting attended: Bishop of Tikhvin and Mordovia ; of the monastery of St. Petersburg, secretary of the Commission of the Inter-Council Presence on the organization of the life of the monasteries and monastics Abbess of Sofia ( Ileana), prioress of St. Alexander Nevsky Novo-Tikhvin monastery of Yekaterinburg Abbess Domnica (Korobeinikova). The opening speech of Metropolitan Varsonofy was announced by the bishop of Peterhof of Silvan. In his address to the monastics, the head of the St. Petersburg Metropolis recalled the importance of prayer for those who chose the monastic way, noting that church and cell prayer, as well as obedience assigned to each monastery inhabitant, should be sufficient for both time and effort. monastic feat. The prayer rule of the monk is a liturgical continuation of the church service, but it must correspond to the spiritual dispensation of man and intensify as he grows as a monk. In conclusion, the bishop wished the participants of the round table fruitful work. Then the Bishop of Peterhof Silouan presented the report "Divine services of the diurnal circle as the main" environment-forming "factor of monastic life." Vladyka recalled the history of the establishment of the rule on the performance of monastic prayers, dating back to the statute of St. Pachomius the Great (IV century). The life of the monastics was already fully regulated and ordered, first of all, by the divine services of the diurnal circle, moreover, that at about the same time there was a mandatory cell rule. “The gradual formation of the rites of the services of the daily circle found an ever more vivid and detailed display in the monastic statutes,” said the speaker. Participation in worship was closely associated with a certain obedience of the monks: for example, according to the statute of the Monk Theodore the Studite, the Psalter in the service did not participate in those who still had to study this holy book. It is characteristic that for the ancient Russian monastic hostel monasteries the obligatory participation of monastics in the services of the daily circle was so self-evident that it was not even necessary to specifically reflect this in the statute. In the XIX century, the implementation of labor, economic obedience already allows the brethren, with the blessing, to skip part of the services. “Participation in worship disciplines and strengthens the monastic brotherhood, the harmonious distribution of time between obedience and prayer at the services of the daily circle saves the monk's life from dangerous extremes,” Bishop Silouan summed up his speech. Metropolitan of Arkhangelsk and Kholmogorsky Daniel continued the theme of the significance of worship in the development and improvement of the life of monastic communities in the report “On the internal preparation for worship”. The report of Vladyka was read by Hegumen Varlaam (Dulsky), the head of the department for monasteries and monasticism of the Archangel Diocese. Vladyka Daniel drew the attention of the round table participants to two main groups of problems related to the preparation of the priest-in-law for worship. The first problem is “too everyday, automatic administration of worship”. Monastic services should serve as a model for all. In order to achieve this, the brethren of monasteries undergoing formation must have the opportunity to visit other monasteries, where there is a tradition, and to participate in exemplary services, where, in fact, "the spiritualization of the divine service is proceeding with a Christian spirit." “The service must be“ internally warmed ”- this allows the brethren to feel their unity in Christ,” the lord emphasized. Thanks to the efforts that the Synodal department of monasteries and monasticism makes, the situation of the closure of monasteries begins to change gradually. But having no such live communion, in monasteries they practically do not know what the Orthodox monasticism lives in the world, and even in other dioceses. It is very important that bishops, hegumen and abbess will invite people with significant spiritual experience to the monastery who, in conversations with the inhabitants, could “warm the heat and desire to participate in the service,” said Metropolitan Daniel. The second problem is internal disorders that prevent the monk from treating service as the central business of his life. Vladyka called among them the neglect of psychological compatibility in establishing the liturgical sequence and the appointment of co-workers; inattention to the physical condition of the cleric, sometimes overloaded with heavy obedience on the days of the services and not having the opportunity to internally prepare. The preparation itself must necessarily include an immersion in the spiritual sense of what is happening, as well as a competently set up confession, since it is no secret that many religious people in holy orders do not confess for years. This is connected with the formation in the monastic community of a climate of trust in each other. The last thing Vladyka Daniel dwelt on was the importance for the unservice brethren to take communion with the daily circle as often as possible for the Liturgies. Abbot Peter (Mazhetov), ​​rector of the Kosminsky desert of the Serov diocese, devoted his speech “On the upbringing of liturgical culture or on increasing knowledge of the Liturgy as the Sacrament of the Kingdom” to reflect that the Liturgy is a manifestation of Christ. Praying enter into fellowship with Him and are not spectators, but participants in the Sacrament. For the monks, the Liturgy is the prayer-opening of the Sacrament. In private, a monk sacrifices himself to Christ in order to grasp the heart of the sacrifice that the Savior made for man. Father Peter drew the attention of the audience to aspects relating to the sacrifice of the monks, which are consonant with the Beatitudes. By his monastic ministry - obedience, by cutting off the will - a monk in the course of the day in fact pretends to himself the right to sacrifice himself in Christ (blessed are the poor in spirit ... weeping and meek). But it is not enough to have the right, one must also desire to be sacrificed (blessed are those who hunger and thirst for truth). However, a person is almost always satiated with something — the joys of monastic life or work — and is rarely hungry, but that is why he has no strength for prayer. According to the thought of Father Peter, it is very important for a monk to leave the heart to those who are hungry for God-communion, not to let him get fed up with the worries and joys of the day. After all, if a person is not thirsty, he does not have the ability to strain for the sake of attentive prayer or bowing. Desire begets ability, and one must be able to thirst for Divine truth, to desire Christ Himself in prayer. The next aspect, considered by the speaker, is connected with the understanding of what sacrifice in prayer is. The Holy Fathers said a lot about attentive prayer. The ability to pray without thoughts, dreams and fantasies helps a person to feel that he is pardoned after asking "Lord, have mercy." Thoughts drift away, and the heart experiences a state of bliss - blissful are the pure in heart. Another important point in comprehending the interpenetration of the Sacrifice of Christ in the Liturgy and the sacrifice of a monk is determination. The Lord asked each of the monastics in his time: “Will you drink the cup that I drink?” And the one who became a monk answered it in the affirmative. This determination inevitably elevates a person to the top of the Commandments of Bliss, and he begins to understand what peacemakers are blissful about, comprehending the world within and around themselves. Having experienced a feeling of closeness with God, one experiences an internal readiness to be expelled for truth or to go through reproach from one’s neighbors. All this allows the monk to discover for himself the Mystery of the Eucharist, but often he cannot reciprocate Christ because his heart is cold and his mind is distracted. He cannot confess his love of God in the same way as God confesses his love to man. Christ waits for man every day, but man comes to Him once a week and often only to ask for something. Summarizing what was said, the abbot of the Kosminsky desert emphasized the main idea that the monastics should live differently. According to the speaker, the monks are the closest relatives of Christ, and if you create proper living conditions in the monastery, the soul of each inhabitant will be able to fulfill the commandments of bliss in due time and enjoy the communion with God. This is what should be promoted by monastic life, private rule and the Divine Liturgy. After the presentations, the roundtable participants asked questions to the speakers. In the afternoon, the discussion of questions of monastic life continued in the format of a discussion on the topic "Features of monastic worship: practical aspects." The Presidium was attended by the Bishop of Solnechnogorsky Alexy, the chief of the Smolensk monastery of the Holy Cross. Abbess Antony (Minin) of the monastery , the abbess of Polotsk Savior-Euphrosinievsky Stavropegic Convent abjects Evdokia (Levshuk). In their reports, the speakers examined issues relating to the modern practice of committing the daily liturgical circle and the Liturgy, special liturgical offices and their place in the life of the monasteries, told about the peculiarities of the charters of their monasteries and the traditions that were monitored by the participants of the round table today. During the discussion, the participants shared the positive experience of the formation of monastic communities and made a number of proposals concerning the development of modern monastic life. At the end of the meeting, Bishop Alexy headed the litia at the grave of the founder of the St. Vladimir School, the chief procurator of the Holy Synod (1880-1905), K.P. Pobedonostsev. On the first day of the forum, its participants also made a pilgrimage to the Holy Trinity Sergius Primorskaya male deserts, widely known for the fact that for twenty-four years, its prior was St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov). The inhabitant of the monastery, hieromonk Filaret (Konoplev), conducted a tour of the territory of the monastery and introduced pilgrims to its history. Then they visited the Trinity Cathedral - the first basilica in Russia, built by the successor of St. Ignatius, Archimandrite Ignatius (Malyshev; † May 29, 1897). The participants of the round table were received by the abbot of the monastery, Archimandrite Nikolai (Paramonov). On July 25, the round table “Worship and prayer as the center of life of the monastic brotherhood” continued its work.

The temples of the Pskov school of architecture are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List

The temples of the Pskov school of architecture are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List Храмы ​псковской архитектурной школы включены в список Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО print version July 9, 2019 13:07 The temples of the Pskov school of architecture were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 43rd session of the Committee in Baku, RIA Novosti reports with reference to the press service of the Russian Scientific Research Institute of Cultural and Natural Heritage. D.S. Likhachev. New objects were included in the list according to the IV criterion, which is formulated as follows: "The object is an outstanding example of a structure, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape, which illustrate a significant period of human history." “Churches and cathedrals are integrated into the environment through gardens located along the perimeter of walls and fences. Inspired by the Byzantine and Novgorod traditions, the Pskov school of architecture reached its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries and was one of the foremost schools in the country. It influenced the evolution of Russian architecture over the course of five centuries, ”the description of the monuments of the Pskov architectural school presented on the UNESCO website says . The UNESCO list includes 12 sites located in Pskov: The Pokrovskaya Tower of the Okolny town of the Pskov Fortress (built by the Pskov masons in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, was repeatedly renovated in the 17th century); The rattle tower of the Okolniy town (Pskov’s highest stone tower); the ensemble of the Pskov Kremlin - Trinity Cathedral with a bell tower; the iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral; Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral of the Spaso-Mirozhsky Monastery (XII century); the Church of the Archangel Michael with a bell tower (XIV century); the Church of the Intercession and Nativity of the Virgin from Prolom (the Intercession of Prolom, the Intercession in the Corner, 15th-16th centuries); church of sv. George from the Importation (1494); the Church of the Epiphany with a bell tower (1489); the church of Nikola with Usohi (XVI century); Old Ascension Church (XV century); Basil's Church on the Hill (Church of St. Basil the Great, 15th century). Another architectural object that added to the World Heritage list, although included in the group of monuments of the Pskov architectural school, is geographically located far from Pskov. Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in s. Behovo, Zaoksky district, Tula region was built in 1904-1906. by sketches by Russian artist V.D. Polenova, embodied in his project an ideal model of the Pskov architecture. The artist managed to combine ancient principles with modern architectural elements. "The inclusion of the serial cultural heritage site" Temples of the Pskov Architectural School "on the UNESCO World Heritage List is an important milestone in the activities of the Heritage Institute, as this is the first nomination prepared by the Heritage Institute included in the prestigious international list," the press service noted. Work on the concept of nomination has been conducted since 2015, the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Objects of the Pskov Region and, later, the Likhachev Russian Cultural and Natural Heritage Research Institute participated in it. At the moment, the institute continues to work on nomination documentation for cultural heritage sites, in particular, for the objects “Kenozerye Commandment”, “Petroglyphs of Lake Onego and the White Sea”, as well as “Monuments of Chukotka's marine Arctic hunters”.

Meeting of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill with President of the Evangelical Association Billy Graham

Meeting of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill with President of the Evangelical Association Billy Graham March 5, 2019 On March 5, 2019, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met with President of the Evangelical Association Billy Graham William Franklin Graham at the Patriarchal and Synodal residence in the Danilov Monastery in Moscow. The meeting was attended by the Vice-President of the Evangelical Association of Billy Graham Victor Gamm. From the side of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, DECR Chairman Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk and Archimandrite Filaret (Bulekov), Deputy Chairman of the DECR, participated in the meeting. Welcoming the guest, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church mentioned the previous meeting held in October 2015. “The world has changed a lot during this time, it’s impossible to say that it is for the better,” Patriarch Kirill stated with regret. “I think the more difficult the relations, including between our countries, become, the more responsibility lies with Christians to change the world for the better.” Christians have such potential and it should be realized especially when it becomes difficult. ” His Holiness Vladyka also noted that the father of Franklin Graham, the founder of the Evangelical Association Billy Graham, came to Russia in Soviet times, when the relations between the USSR and the USA experienced a difficult period. “Dr. Billy Graham was a friend of the Russian Orthodox Church. We keep a very good memory of him. We once again express our condolences to you on his death, ”said His Holiness, addressing his son. “Yesterday you visited our General Church Graduate School , where a round table was held on the peacekeeping role of Christians in today's global and regional conflicts,” continued His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, reiterating that the more complex the political context, the more responsibility believers must assume taking an active position, participating in the life of society and seeking change for the better. “Once again I want to recall the difficult years of the Cold War, when it was possible to reverse the situation, including with the active participation of the Christians of the East and the West — the Soviet Union and the United States. Therefore, I believe that now is the right time to unite our efforts in the field of peacemaking, ”said His Holiness. In the course of the conversation, His Holiness Patriarch touched upon the problem of spiritual and moral values ​​of modern society, which cannot but disturb Christians. According to his testimony, in the 20th century, during the years of the “cold war,” it was “concern for the moral state of society” that was one of the important factors that contributed to the establishment of good relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Western Christian world. “The commitment to a Christian understanding of marriage, family, and the sacred life of a person from the moment of conception is such a principled and consistent position, shared by the Evangelical Billy Graham Association and you personally, evokes the unwavering support of the Russian Orthodox Church,” said the Primate. The moral component must always lie at the basis of human existence, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill expressed confidence. According to His Holiness, the struggle for the integrity of the human person is now a strong challenge for Christians. “But, unfortunately, Christians are divided on these issues. Therefore, it is so important to those Christians who have a principled agreement in understanding how these problems should be solved, create a system of cooperation and interaction, ”said His Holiness. His Holiness Patriarch also noted with regret that one of the main problems of the Russian society, which the Russian Orthodox Church is now actively engaged in, is the problem of abortions. “In 2016, we initiated the collection of signatures with the requirement to remove abortions from the compulsory health insurance system. It turns out that people who disagree with abortions, of which there are a lot of them, support the payment of these procedures with their taxes. This petition was signed by more than a million people in our country, ”said His Holiness. According to the Primate, the Russian Orthodox Church today actively supports all measures to reduce the number of abortions in our country: “Representatives of our Church act as counselors in those institutions where women turn to have abortions. And where possible, our counselors (in most cases, women) meet with women who want an abortion before they make the final decision. ” The Primate of the Russian Church also noted that one of the most frequent reasons pushing many young women to an abortion is the lack of support, and not only financial, but primarily moral, when, for example, parents insist on abortion if conception occurred. out of wedlock “Therefore, I call upon the episcopate of our Church not only to fight abortion verbally, but also to help improve the living conditions for women who, under the influence of our services, refuse to have abortions,” said His Holiness. - I suggested to our bishops to organize in the dioceses shelters for women who literally have nowhere to go after they have given birth to a child, or they have a place to go, but they run the risk of being strongly criticized by their relatives. For this category of women, we open church shelters so that they can live with us for as long as they want - a week, two, three, a month or even more. Then we try to help them find a job and get the opportunity to support themselves and their child financially. Most of our dioceses already have such shelters. ” Patriarch Kirill gratefully referred to the joint work of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Evangelical Association Billy Graham to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees from Ukraine: “In 2015, we carried out a joint project to deliver humanitarian aid to people affected by the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. Then a large number of humanitarian kits were received, which we distributed to the needy. ” The head of the Russian Orthodox Church also thanked Franklin Graham for organizing the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians, held in 2017 in Washington. “Like my meeting with Pope Francis in February 2016, the Summit attracted world attention to the problem of persecution of Christians,” said His Holiness. Patriarch Kirill spoke about the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria: “In April 2017, by my blessing, the Inter-religious working group was established to provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population of the Council for Cooperation with Religious Associations under the President of the Russian Federation, which included both Christians and Muslims in our country. Help is distributed in churches and mosques jointly by Christians and Muslims of Syria and Russia. ” “Our Church also launched an initiative to help children affected by the hostilities in Syria. An expert group of Russian doctors visited refugee camps in Lebanon, examined children and a large number of children from Syrian families, especially orphans, were taken for treatment in Russia, ”the Holy Lord noted. According to His Holiness, during the time that the Russian Orthodox Church works in the Syrian sector, it has accumulated a unique experience of trusting relations with all representatives of the Syrian state and the Russian military in Syria, which allows for the most targeted and effective humanitarian activities. Patriarch Kirill also expressed confidence that the Russian Orthodox Church and the Evangelical Association Billy Graham, who has vast experience in helping Christians in different regions of the world, could later unite efforts and start implementing joint projects in the Middle East. “There are many places in the world where people suffer. This is a challenge to our Christian conscience. And where necessary, we should unite our efforts in order to bring people peace and tranquility, to render assistance to those who suffer, ”concluded the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. In turn, U.F. Graham thanked His Holiness Patriarch Kirill for the opportunity to meet and congratulated His Holiness on the 10th anniversary of the enthronement. W.F. Graham supported the position of the Russian Orthodox Church on abortions, calling abortion "one of the great sins" of the modern world. “Your idea to make shelters for women with children is wonderful. Some organizations in the United States have also successfully organized something similar. And they have saved many lives, ”said Billy Graham, President of the Evangelical Association. Speaking about the different areas of inter-Christian cooperation, Graham, in particular, mentioned the need for joint efforts to assist refugees from Syria. “Yesterday we had a discussion with Metropolitan Hilarion. We discussed how we can work together, how we can help children affected by the war in Syria. We have experience in these matters. We understand what needs to be done, ”said Franklin Graham. The president of the Evangelical Association, Billy Graham, also made a proposal to hold the next Summit in defense of persecuted Christians in Moscow. “The summit in defense of persecuted Christians, held in 2017 in Washington, was very successful. But we need to continue, since the topic of persecution of Christians is still on the agenda, ”stressed William Franklin Graham.

DECR secretary for interfaith relations took part in the ceremony of conferring the degree of doctor honoris causa to the general secretary of the World Islamic League

DECR secretary for interfaith relations took part in the ceremony of conferring the degree of doctor honoris causa to the general secretary of the World Islamic League Секретарь ОВЦС по межрелигиозным отношениям принял участие в церемонии присвоения степени доктора honoris causa генеральному секретарю Всемирной исламской лиги print version July 23, 2019 11:14 On July 22, 2019, a solemn ceremony was held to present Sheikh Muhammad Abdelkarim Al-Issa, who arrived in Russia at the invitation of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, Doctor of Honor Honoris Causa Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The ceremony was headed by the scientific director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.V. Naumkin. In his speech, he pointed out that the World Islamic League is one of the leading world Muslim organizations, and the degree awarded is evidence of the recognition of the great role of the Secretary General of the World Islamic League at the international level. From the Russian Orthodox Church, with the blessing of the chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, the DECR secretary for interfaith relations, the executive secretary of the Interreligious Council of Russia, priest Dmitry Safonov, took part in the ceremony. Also among the invitees was the chairman of the Expert Council under the Patriarch on interaction with Muslims, Hieromonk Gregory (Matrusow). The event was attended by the head of the Department for Relations with Religious Organizations of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation on Domestic Policy Ye.V. Eremin, his deputy A.R. Faizullin, representatives of the Federation Council, the State Duma, Muslim organizations, in particular, the mufti of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia A. Krganov, the mufti of Tatarstan K. Samigullin, representatives of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, as well as scholars of Islamic studies. After the presentation of the mantle and the diploma to the General Secretary of the World Islamic League, a solemn reception was held.