Bishop of Yegoryevsk Tikhon (Shevkunov): Who wrote “War and Peace”? Archimandrite Tikhon Shevkunov was elected suffragan bishop with the title “Yegoryevsky”

The appointment of Bishop Tikhon (Shevkunov), who has the fame of “Putin’s spiritual father,” as head of the Pskov Metropolis excited and puzzled the church-political world. Some decided that this was a step towards patriarchy, others - that it was the opposite: exile. The answer has become clear now.

Bishop Tikhon of Yegoryevsk was appointed to the Pskov Metropolis with all possible pathos - at a synod meeting in the imperial building of the Holy Governing Synod on Senate Square. Three days later, on May 17, Patriarch Kirill elevated him to the rank of metropolitan.

The status of “Putin’s confessor,” which Bishop Tikhon never renounced, but never confirmed, is controversial. From the second half of the 90s, he was the abbot of the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow near Lubyanka and, it is believed, made friends there with many figures in this department, including Vladimir Putin. Even if Bishop Tikhon is not his spiritual father, they know each other well, the bishop often accompanies the president on trips, etc.

To what extent do external friends help Bishop Tikhon move through career ladder in the church, and in which - this is a consequence of his own talents, is not so important. It is important that until recently he was the abbot of the Sretensky Monastery (formally its head is the patriarch himself), the rector of the Sretensky Theological Seminary and the head of the Patriarchal Council for Culture. And also a vicar (that is, a bishop without a subordinate territory) of the Moscow diocese.

In parachurch circles, Bishop Tikhon is traditionally viewed as main competitor Patriarch Kirill. Devout security officers with warm hearts and clean hands say they love him much more than the money-loving and ambitious Kirill. In addition, Kirill is an ecumenist, kissed the Pope, a Westerner and a modernist. Worse yet- there is a suspicion that deep down he believes “the priesthood is higher than the kingdom.” Tikhon is a much greater traditionalist, has not been tainted by any scandals, studied at VGIK and, they say, is very congenial in communication.

Therefore, many perceived Tikhon’s ordination as bishop in 2015 as a step towards the patriarchal throne. He was a vicar for 2.5 years and now, finally, he headed the Pskov Metropolis. This is the second step, since only a bishop who has experience in leading the territory can be elected patriarch. Plus a slight increase in status - from an ordinary bishop to a metropolitan.

At first it was not clear what Bishop Tikhon’s appointment to Pskov was. Indeed, preparation for the patriarchate or exile from Moscow, which should reduce his influence.

However, events last days dotted the i's. Metropolitan Tikhon was removed from his post as abbot of the Sretensky Monastery and rector of the theological seminary. Sources familiar with canon law confirmed to City 812 that legally Tikhon could, as the ruling bishop of the Pskov Metropolis, also lead a monastery in Moscow. That is, his displacement is most likely of a political nature. Apparently, Patriarch Kirill is trying to deprive his competitor of connections with Moscow and formal reasons to appear in the capital and walk around the Kremlin. Now for him there is another Kremlin - Pskov. True, Tikhon retains the position of head of the cultural council, but this is not at all like the monastery near Lubyanka. And for how long? In addition, the Sretensky Monastery was an important source of income for Metropolitan Tikhon, which he lost and which is unlikely to be able to compensate for the diocesan tax from the ancient but poor Pskov Metropolis.

In this sense, the biography of Metropolitan Methodius of Perm and Kungur is noteworthy. He graduated from the Leningrad Theological Academy, worked in the Department for External Church Relations, was one of the people close to Patriarch Alexy II - in general, a ready candidate for his successor. There is a version that it was the result of competition between him and the then head of the Department for External Church Relations, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) of Smolensk, that led to the events that went down in history as the “Tobacco Scandal.” In 1997, Moskovsky Komsomolets published a series of articles in which they described how the Russian Orthodox Church made money from the duty-free import of tobacco and alcohol into the country. The newspaper called Kirill, who, according to its version, was behind these events, “the tobacco metropolitan.”

In 2003, when Alexy’s health deteriorated and preparations for the battle for the patriarchate entered a decisive phase, Methodius was removed from all his posts and sent to care for the Orthodox Christians of Kazakhstan. The patriarchal chair, however, became vacant only in 2009, and only a year after that Methodius managed to return to his homeland, to the Perm diocese, where he remains to this day.

However, the source of Tikhon's power is in outside world, and hardware damage within the ROC cannot significantly weaken it. And the patriarch will not be able to prevent him from appearing in the capital (only an ordinary priest can be prohibited by the bishop from leaving the territory of the diocese). Therefore, perhaps, by exiling Tikhon to Pskov, Patriarch Kirill is acting in a Christian manner, but clearly not in accordance with the rules of the struggle for power. Which say that it is better not to attack the enemy at all than to leave him undead.

However, Metropolitan Tikhon himself immediately began work in the new place, that is, he treated his appointment not as an annoying formality distracting him from important affairs in Moscow, but as a serious occupation for a long time. He has already removed the rector of the main temple of Pskov - the Holy Trinity Cathedral, standing in the center of the Pskov Kremlin. And the governor of the historical Pskov-Pechora himself wrote a statement for health reasons.

Stanislav Volkov

Leaves Moscow, receiving in return a good opportunity for a run

Bishop Tikhon (Shevkunov), who is called “Putin’s confessor,” received a new appointment. He will head the Pskov Metropolis. In this regard, rumors intensified: Tikhon could become the new patriarch.

“They decided: Bishop Tikhon of Yegorievsk will be the head of the Pskov Metropolis, retaining the position of chairman of the Patriarchal Council for Culture.” The decision of the Holy Synod on a new career for one of the most recognizable bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church caused, as they say, a mixed reaction from the public. “The candidacy of the future patriarch is almost determined,” he wrote, for example, on this occasion in LiveJournal Protodeacon Andrey Kuraev. But there are other assessments of Tikhon’s career prospects.

“The Charter of the Russian Orthodox Church does not allow a suffragan bishop to be a candidate for the patriarchal throne,” notes Andrei Kuraev on his blog. “Vladyka Tikhon will now have experience in governing a metropolitan. I hope it will be many years. I believe that in the coming years he will not lose his current status as a “leader of the people.” sympathy. I also believe that it would be better for him to become the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in the post-Putin years. So that it is “honest”, so that he does not look like a “protege of the Kremlin”, so that they see him as himself, and not a political puppet.”

However, in a conversation with a MK observer, Father Andrei explained that he did not mean Operation Successor at all: “I cannot conclude that the patriarch would like to see him in this post after himself. Those stars that the patriarch was guided by, making this decision may be completely different."

The church publicist knows nothing about the intentions of Tikhon himself. But his patriarchal prospects, Father Andrei believes, are evidenced by the very course of events: “The current patriarchate will leave behind a very bad aftertaste. A person who is at least somewhat similar to the current patriarch, who represents his inner circle, has no chance of becoming his heir. And among the bishops known throughout the country, only Tikhon has a good reputation. He does not smell of power, he does not have the desire to build everyone up, to break everyone over the knee - which is very visible in the current patriarch."

He rates Tikhon’s career prospects quite highly and member of the Public Chamber Union State Russia and Belarus Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin: “I think Bishop Tikhon’s opportunities will expand with this election. He has long outgrown the status of a vicar, which he had until now. Having experience in managing a diocese makes it possible, at least technically, to be nominated to the patriarchal throne. Also appealing “It’s worth noting that he has retained the post of head of the Patriarchal Council for Culture. This means that he will continue to work in the capital quite often. That is, there will be no disappearance from Moscow.”

So far, Chaplin believes, Tikhon’s patriarchal rating is low: “If the patriarchal elections were held now, I would not expect that Tikhon would be even one of the two main candidates. The most obvious candidates would be Metropolitan Barsanuphius and Kiev Metropolitan Onufriy. But the transition to status diocesan bishop while preserving the possibility of church and social activities in Moscow gives Tikhon, let’s say, a good opportunity for a running start.”

Takes a completely different point of view leading expert of the Center for Political Technologies Alexey Makarkin. In his opinion, Tikhon’s new post is very little like a launch pad for takeoff. By external signs this is truly an elevation: Tikhon received an independent diocese to manage, and a very significant and rich one at that. But at the same time, Tikhon is leaving Moscow, the political scientist notes, “and his influence is largely due to the fact that he is in constant contact with his spiritual children.”

Makarkin, however, does not believe the persistent rumors that Tikhon is Vladimir Putin’s confessor: “It cannot be ruled out that Tikhon could take confessions from him. This is quite possible. But the fact that he is the president’s confessor, so to speak, on a regular basis - It is very doubtful. In this case, he would hardly have gone to Pskov. The confessor should be around. But the fact that many representatives of the elite, including the security elite, are among Tikhon’s spiritual children is a reality. Accordingly, it will now be more difficult for him to maintain relationships. with these same people."

Makarkin recalls that in last year The possibility of Tikhon occupying the St. Petersburg department was actively discussed. This would indeed be a sharp increase in status: according to the statutes of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Metropolitan of St. Petersburg is a permanent member of the Holy Synod." But the result is not St. Petersburg, but Pskov, a much less prestigious option. But the most important circumstance does not allow Tikhon’s new rank to be seriously considered as a springboard for jumping into the patriarchal chair is, according to Makarkin, the absence of any signs that the current patriarch is going to resign. “Of course, anything can happen, but I’m still more inclined to the version of an honorable removal from Moscow,” - the expert summarizes.

MOSCOW, May 18 - RIA Novosti, Sergey Stefanov. Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov), appointed head of the Pskov Metropolis, on Sunday, before leaving for Pskov, will say goodbye to the inhabitants and parishioners of the Sretensky Monastery on the territory of the monastery, the monastery reported.

"On the twentieth of May, with the blessing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, before leaving for the Pskov Metropolis, Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and say goodbye to the brethren, students of the Sretensky Theological Seminary, employees and parishioners of the Sretensky Monastery,” the monastery noted.

The service will begin at 10:00.

"Leaves to come back again"

On the official portal of the Sretensky Monastery, parishioners leave numerous comments with words of sadness at parting with their beloved abbot and expressions of warm support for him in his new ministry.

“There is such sadness in his eyes... Apparently, it is very difficult for him to part with his native Sretensky Monastery,” Olga wrote in the comments to a photo report dedicated to the meeting of Bishop Tikhon in the Sretensky Monastery after his elevation to the rank of metropolitan on May 17.

“And I have a feeling that you will still return to Sretensky one day. As they say, leave only to return again,” user Marina wrote in turn.

The reader, signed Eugene, noted that Metropolitan Tikhon “the time has come to return to his native land - to strengthen the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery,” and wished the bishop “God’s help” in his labors. It was in Pechory that the future metropolitan began his career in the 1980s. monastic path.

“Both joyful and sad. Father Tikhon was one of those few shepherds, thanks to whom living and going to church seems much easier, especially in today’s increasingly cosmopolitan and commercial Moscow,” wrote Igor Pisarev.

And the “reader from the Moscow region” probably expressed the general wish of the parishioners: “I would like the future vicar to be from the brethren of the Sretensky Monastery and to preserve in him the spirit that was under Bishop Tikhon.”

From Pechory to Moscow - and back

The press secretary of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', priest Alexander Volkov, previously told RIA Novosti that Bishop Tikhon (Shevkunov), appointed ruling bishop of the Pskov Metropolis, will no longer be able to serve as vicar of Sretensky monastery and rector of Sretensky Theological Seminary. The decision on a new governor and a new rector has not yet been made; the candidacy will have to be approved by the Holy Synod. At the same time, Shevkunov will retain the position of head of the Patriarchal Council for Culture.

On Thursday, during the festive liturgy in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on the occasion of the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Patriarch Kirill elevated Bishop Tikhon of Pskov and Porkhov to the rank of Metropolitan in connection with his appointment by the Synod as the ruling bishop of the Pskov Metropolis.

Shevkunov began his monastic path in the Pskov diocese - in 1982 after graduating from the screenwriting department of the All-Union state institute cinematography (VGIK), he entered the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery as a laborer and then a novice. Subsequently, Tikhon (Shevkunov) became abbot of the Sretensky Monastery, the Moscow metochion of the Pskov-Pechersk monastery.

Vladyka Tikhon is known as a writer. In just one year, the circulation of his book “Unholy Saints,” published in 2011, exceeded 1 million copies. In 2012, the collection was shortlisted for the Big Book Award and won the reader vote. Metropolitan Tikhon is also a film director, among his works are “Pskov-Pechersk Monastery” and “Death of the Empire”.

The name of Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) constantly attracts the attention of the Russian political press. Some consider him almost a “gray eminence” dictating his will to Vladimir Putin, others believe that constant communication with the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Kirill, a wise-thinking Orthodox confessor, is enough for the President of the Russian Federation.

However, returning to the name of the Orthodox preacher Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov), I would certainly like to note that he is a very smart and perspicacious modern man, who acutely feels responsibility for the fate of his people and the Fatherland, a monk who has taken on very serious obligations to God.

History of the emergence of monasticism

Christian monasticism is a community life that begins from the moment when a person, of his own free will, renounces all worldly goods and begins to live according to certain rules, where the vow of chastity, modesty and complete obedience is always observed.

The first Christian monk was St. Anthony the Great, who lived in Ancient Egypt in 356 BC. e. He was not a poor man, but he sold all his property and gave the money to the poor. And then he settled not far from his home and began to lead a hermit’s life, spending all his time in tireless prayer to God and reading the Holy Scriptures. This served as an example for other hermits, who began to settle in their cells near him. Over time, communities of this kind began to appear throughout Central and Northern Egypt.

The emergence of monasticism in Rus'

In Rus', the appearance of monasteries is associated with the year 988, the time when the Spassky Monastery was founded near the city of Vyshgorod by Greek monks. Around the same time, the Monk Anthony brings to Ancient Rus' Athonite monasticism and becomes the founder of the famous Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, which would later become the center of all religious life in Rus'. Now St. Anthony of Pechersk is revered as “the head of all Russian churches.”

Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov). Biography. The path to monasticism

Before accepting monasticism, he was Grigory Alexandrovich Shevkunov. The future archimandrite was born into a family of doctors in Moscow in the summer of 1958. As an adult, he entered VGIK at the Faculty of Screenwriting and Film Studies, from which he successfully graduated in 1982. After graduating from the institute, he becomes a novice of the Holy Dormition Pskov-Pechersky Monastery, where in the future his fate was most decisively influenced by ascetic monks and, of course, the kindest and most holy confessor of the monastery, Archimandrite

In 1986, Gregory begins his creative path from work in the publishing department of the Moscow Patriarchate, which was headed by (Nechaev). It was during these years that he worked on studying all historical facts and documents on the occurrence Christian Orthodoxy and the lives of holy people. For the millennium of the Baptism of Rus', Gregory prepared a huge number of religious and educational films, in which he himself acted both as an author and as a consultant. Thus, in an atheistic life Soviet citizens gaining momentum new round, leading to knowledge of the true canons of Christian Orthodoxy. And at the same time, the future archimandrite is busy reprinting the Ancient Patericon and other patristic books.

Acceptance of monasticism

In the summer of 1991, Grigory Shevkunov became a monk at the Donskoy Monastery in Moscow, where he was christened Tikhon. During his service at the monastery, he took part in the discovery of the relics of St. Tikhon, which were buried in the Donskoy Cathedral in 1925. And soon he becomes the rector of the courtyard of the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery, located in the buildings of the ancient. It is definitely worth noting one feature that Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) has: where he serves, his true purpose and firmness of convictions are always felt.

Life of an Archimandrite

In 1995, the monk was ordained to the rank of abbot, and in 1998 - to the rank of archimandrite. A year later, he becomes the rector of the Sretensky Higher Orthodox Monastic School, which was later transformed into a theological seminary. Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) always talks about great love and gratitude.

Then, together with his brethren, from 1998 to 2001, he repeatedly visited the Chechen Republic, where he brought humanitarian aid. He also actively takes part in the reunification process of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) with the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (ROCOR). From 2003 to 2006, Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) was a member of the commission for preparing the dialogue and the act of canonical conversion. Then he receives the post of secretary of the Patriarchal Council for Culture and becomes the head of the commission for interaction of the Russian Orthodox Church with the museum community.

In 2011, Archimandrite Tikhon was already a member of the Supreme Church Council Russian Orthodox Church, as well as a member of the Board of Trustees charitable foundation St. Basil the Great, academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences and permanent member of the Izborsk Club.

The Archimandrite has a number church awards, including the Order of Friendship for the preservation of spiritual and cultural values, awarded to him in 2007. His creative works you can admire. And conversations with Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) are always very lively, interesting and understandable for any person.

Film "Monastery" Pskov-Pechersk monastery"

It is impossible to ignore the amazing and unique work of its kind, which is called “Monastery. Pskov-Pechersk monastery. Grigory Shevkunov shot this film in 1986 with an amateur camera, when he was not yet Archimandrite Tikhon, but was just a graduate of VGIK. After graduating from high school, he went to the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery, where he spent 9 years of novitiate with Elder Ion (Krestyankin) and later accepted

Main topic The film is dedicated to the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery, which is known to the Russian Church for preserving the eldership. This is the only monastery that has never closed, even in Soviet era. Until the 30s, it was located on the territory of Estonia, so the Bolsheviks did not have time to ruin it, and then the war came. By the way, many elders and ministers of this monastery were at the front.

The then future Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) collected a lot of photo and video materials in his archive of the monastic life of the brethren. In the film, he shows the places that are most dear and significant to the monk’s heart, one of which is a special miracle created by God - the caves in which 14 thousand people were buried during the entire existence of the monastery. When you enter these caves, you are surprised that there is absolutely no smell of decay there. As soon as a person dies, after three days this smell appears, but after the body is brought into the caves, it disappears. This phenomenon still cannot be explained by anyone, not even scientists. This shows the spiritual peculiarity of the monastery walls.

Love for the Pskov-Pechersk brethren

The life story of Elder Melchisidek, one of the most amazing associates of the monastery, which Grigory Shevkunov tells about, is striking. Looking into his eyes, you understand that this is a real ascetic, confessor and prayer book, who was in the war, then came to the monastery and worked as a turner. He with my own hands made lecterns, arks and crosses. But one day he had a stroke, and the doctor pronounced him dead. But Ioan (Krestyankin), who was the spiritual father of all the brethren and about whom Archimandrite Tikhon also wrote a lot in his stories, began to pray for Father Melchisidek, and a miracle happened. After some time, the old man came to life and began to cry. After this, he accepted the rite of tonsure into the schema and began to pray to God even more intensely.

Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) later recalled that he once asked Elder Melchisidek about what he saw when he was dead. He said that he found himself in a meadow near a moat, in which there was everything that he made with his own hands - these were kivots, lecterns and crosses. And then he felt that the Mother of God was standing behind him, who told him: “We expected prayer and repentance from you, and this is what you brought us.” After this, the Lord brought him back to life again.

In his painting, the future Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) also shows the wonderful elder Feofan, who was also in the war and lost an arm there. He said that he always followed the orders of his commander, but, thank God, he did not have to kill people. He has many awards and orders. Now he is meekness, charm and love itself.

There are countless stories of this kind in the monastery. When you look at the modest life and constant work of the monks, everything seems very gloomy and gloomy, but their kind attitude and care for every person, sick or healthy, young or old, is striking. After the film you are left with a very warm and bright feeling of peace and tranquility.

Book "Unholy Saints"

Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) dedicated “Unholy Saints” to the great ascetics with whom he had to live and communicate in monasteries. With what love and care he writes about everyone, openly, without lies and without embellishment, with humor and kindness... Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) describes his mentor Jonah especially touchingly. “Unholy Saints” contains a story about how a huge number of parishioners turned to their confessor for healing of soul and body, and he always found words of reassurance for everyone, instilled hope in everyone, begged many to take care, and warned some of the dangers. IN Soviet years he spent many years in prison and exile, but nothing could break him God's faith and the joys of life on Earth.

Film “The Death of an Empire. Byzantine lesson"

Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) dedicated the documentary film “The Death of the Empire” to the 555th anniversary of the fall of Byzantium and Constantinople.

This is not just medieval history; there is an absolutely clear parallel between the problems of Byzantium and modern Russia. Empires may be different, but the problems are often the same. What could have destroyed such a powerful and culturally developed Byzantium? As it turned out, the main global problem became frequent change political orientations, lack of continuity and stability of state power. Frequently changing emperors began to lead their new policy, which often exhausted the people and weakened the country's economy. In the film, the author describes this simply brilliantly, and we must give him credit for such talent. On this occasion, there are also quite interesting sermons by Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov), which he reads to young seminarians and parishioners.

About Putin

Be that as it may, today, according to Archimandrite Tikhon, Russia is experiencing its new rebirth, it may even perish, it is quite possible to create a powerful, prosperous empire, first of all, an empire of spirit and patriotism.

On the one hand, it is constantly threatened by Islamic terrorism, on the other, someone is trying with all their might to impose total American hegemony with their own laws on it and the whole world.

Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) says this about Putin: “Those who truly love Russia can only pray for Vladimir Vladimirovich, who by God’s providence has been placed at the head of Russia...”

One of the most high-profile film premieres of next year promises to be the film “Matilda” by Alexei Uchitel. And one of the sharpest too. Letters are being sent to deputies and the Ministry of Culture demanding not to show the film, which again, according to an inescapable Soviet habit, tarnishes the image of the last Russian emperor. Many were frightened by the trailer for the future film, presenting it as a searing melodrama. The validity of these reactions is commented on by a member of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art, Bishop Tikhon (Shevkunov) of Yegoryevsk.

– Alexey Uchitel is a wonderful director, artist, not a hack, this is proven by both his films and film awards, he chose for his new film the plot of the love of the last Russian emperor for the ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya. A true artist is free to choose any subject...

– Who dares to challenge this? Of course, the artist is free to choose any historical subject. It is a thankless task to discuss a film that has not yet been released.

“But spears are already being broken because of him today.”

– No wonder: the film is released in early spring 2017, exactly on the centenary of the February 1917 coup. Hence the special interest. The coming year will inexorably confront us with the need to comprehend the grandiose civilizational catastrophe that occurred in Russia a hundred years ago. The events that took place then had a decisive impact on the lives of almost all people living in Russian Empire, in the Soviet Union, influenced the destinies of the whole world. Scientists, politicians, religious and public figures will look for answers to many questions related to this date. The same task will face art. Theatre, painting, music - they will all be called upon to contribute to the artistic, imaginative understanding of the causes and consequences of the Russian tragedy. As we see today, cinema will not remain on the sidelines. On such a symbolic anniversary, Russian cinema will be represented by the film “Matilda”, the only one, at least among the announced feature films, on this topic. The premiere date was chosen in advance and, of course, not by chance - March 2017: exactly the centenary of the coup and abdication of Nicholas II.

– Isn’t a premature conflict flaring up around “Matilda”?

– In preparation for our meeting, I reviewed the discussion materials. This is what the director of the film, Alexey Uchitel, says: “They discuss and make some statements and write to the prosecutor’s office that no one saw anything, not a single frame. Therefore, when people try to express something, they must have a subject of conversation, but he doesn’t exist.” But in reality this is not the case. A few months ago, the creators of “Matilda” posted a trailer for the film on the Internet, and anyone can easily see not just “one frame,” but watch several excerpts from the most key scenes of the future film. So there is quite a subject for conversation. There is another important subject on this topic - the real history of the relationship between Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich and Matilda Kshesinskaya.

– What sources, including documentary ones, can tell us about this story?

– Letters and diary entries, memories, reports fiscal services. The heir and Matilda Kshesinskaya met in 1890 at a ballet school graduation. He was a little over twenty, she was 18. The girl falls in love with the crown prince, and he is ready to be carried away by her, if only to dispel the sadness of his father’s categorical refusal: Emperor Alexander III forbade the heir to even think about marrying the young woman German princess Alix, whom Nikolai fell in love with when she visited Russia a year ago. At first, the acquaintance of the Tsarevich and Kshesinskaya continues fleetingly: they meet either on the street or in the theater. Then Nikolai sails away for a long time trip around the world, and upon returning, he meets Matilda, and their feelings flare up again. Nikolai called them the “brightest” pages of his youth. But by 1893 these relations became calmer, they became less common. And when the girl whom the heir actually dreamed of marrying, Princess Alice of Darmstadt, agreed to the marriage, and Emperor Alexander III nevertheless agreed to it, Nicholas sincerely told Matilda about this. In 1894, all relations between Nicholas and Matilda were terminated. Forever. Although he still treated Kshesinskaya very warmly. They remained friends, and neither side made a tragedy out of the separation. We agreed that she would call him both “you” and Niki. He helped her in every possible way, but they never met alone again. The heir considered it his duty to tell the bride about Matilda. There is a letter from Alix to her fiancé, where she writes: “I love you even more since you told me this story. Your trust touches me so deeply... Can I be worthy of it?” The love of the last Russian Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, amazing in the depth of feelings, fidelity and tenderness, continued on earth until their last martyrdom hour in the Ipatiev House in July 1918. That, in fact, is the whole story.

– And, probably, there is nothing wrong with a talented director talking about her in his film.

Hugs with Matilda, hugs with Alexandra... What is this - the author's vision? No - slander real people

– It would be good if that were so. The film by Alexei Uchitel claims to be historic, and the trailer is titled nothing less than “The Main Historical Blockbuster of the Year.” But after watching it, I honestly admit I can’t understand: why did the authors do it this way? Why touch on this topic in this way? Why do they force the viewer to believe in the historicity of the heartbreaking scenes of the “love triangle” they invented, in which Nikolai, both before and after his marriage, melodramatically rushes between Matilda and Alexandra? Why is Empress Alexandra Feodorovna depicted as a demonic fury walking with a knife (I'm not kidding!) towards her rival? Vengeful, envious Alexandra Fedorovna, unhappy, wonderful, magnificent Matilda, weak-willed Nikolai, rushing to one or the other. Hugs with Matilda, hugs with Alexandra... What is this - the author's vision? No – slander against real people. But that's not all. Why invent Nicholas's fainting during the coronation with his crown spectacularly flying off his crowned head? Is this a “subtle” hint of future upheavals? Why force Alexandra III pronounce a completely delusional maxim, especially in his mouth, that he is the only one of the Romanovs who did not live with ballerinas? Who is the slogan of the trailer that appears on the screen: “Love that changed Russia”? Complete idiots? Why, who do they want to fool with another masterpiece slogan: “The Secret of the House of Romanov”? What other secret? The whole of secular Petersburg knew about the relationship between the heir and Kshesinskaya. Should the centenary of the collapse of the dynasty be celebrated with a heartbreaking Hollywood melodrama? And by the way love triangle with explicit scenes? Despite the fact that a considerable part of our viewers will perceive the film, released in the year of the centenary of revolutionary upheavals, as real story Russia. And the main thing that is impossible to understand is: don’t the authors understand that all these vulgar falsifications will inevitably be exposed; the film will not be helped by either skillfully filmed spectacular scenes, or expensive sets and costumes, or foreign actors. Or are those who say: nothing personal, just business, right? I don't want to think like that.

– But there is still no film yet...

– The film was not released, and any objections against it are easy to restrain with the reminder of the shaming phrase: “I haven’t read Pasternak, but I condemn him.” But shouldn’t the trailer, as an author’s summary of the film, alert anyone familiar with Russian history? I'm not even talking about how alarming this is. Orthodox people, for whom Nicholas II and his family are holy martyrs.

- But the sovereign was not glorified for every scene of his life - for his martyrdom.

– Yes, he is glorified for the path he has traveled since 1917. And this was the way of the cross - with five children, a wife and several relatives. It was for his courageous confession, for the kind of Christian he remained in the last year and a half of his life, that he was glorified in the Church.

– So what, the Church will demand a ban on the film?

Film bans are an absolutely dead-end and wrong path. A warning about truth and untruth, that's what's important...

– I am sure that this is an absolutely dead-end and wrong path. Not demands for prohibitions, but a warning about truth and untruth - this is the goal that can and should be set in connection with the upcoming wide screening of the film. If the film lives up to the trailer, it will be enough to simply talk widely about the real former history. Actually, that's what we are doing now. And then the viewer will decide for himself.

– Vladyka, but you studied at VGIK and you understand that a good film is impossible without drama. And doesn’t the artist have the right to artistic invention?

– But not for deliberate distortion. In a historical novel, “fiction is not deception,” Okudzhava convinced. IN work of art about historical figures, of course, the author's fiction, artistic, dramatic reconstruction of events is necessary. But if the artist is not deprived of elementary moral responsibility, he will not go beyond the boundaries of historical accuracy and will never turn history into its opposite. Deliberate distortion of history is either deception or propaganda.

– Based on history, not contrary to it, not contrary to it. It's all a matter of taste and talent. Of course, you can take historical characters and make them do whatever the author wants. Kutuzov in the film adaptation of “War and Peace” can surrender not only Moscow, but also St. Petersburg. And Pugachev in the film based on “The Captain’s Daughter” will become Catherine’s lover. It just has nothing to do with art. Either it's called special genre– fantasy. Then the film should be labeled that way.

– Did you tell Alexei Uchitel about this?

- Yes, I talked to him on the phone. He said exactly the same thing as you.

– And what did he answer?

– That the trailer and even the script are not a film yet. In this sense he is right.

– Have you read the script?

– The director gave me the script to read, but I promised him to refrain from commenting on the script.

– Apparently, your position has not changed after reading the script?

– I will not comment on the script.

– When “Matilda” is released as a series, perhaps it would be worth accompanying each episode with a documentary film that would return the viewer’s historical consciousness to the correct perception?

– I can’t really imagine it. I think it's enough for people to know about the true story.

– I watched a lot yesterday documentaries about the heir and Kshesinskaya - completely disgusting in tone and persistently convincing that the affair continued into the sovereign’s marriage. With comments from esotericists, dubious psychologists and others. And no one calls out the yellow TV channels for their vileness, but for some reason we are in a hurry to make claims against the undoubted artist.

– Pseudo-documentary crafts do not have great influence on the minds and souls of people, they do not attract as much attention. A big feature series is another matter.

– The film stars an outwardly gorgeous Polish actress, a wonderful German director, Thomas Ostermeier, and an actor from his famous Schaubühne theater, Lars Eidinger. That is, in addition to a good director, the film had a wealthy producer.

– The film is designed not only for domestic audiences, but also for international distribution. It was made according to the worldwide, globalistic, Hollywood “laws of the genre.” I think that from a purely entertainment point of view it will be a spectacular, pompous picture.

– Over the past 20 years, the State Hermitage has held many exhibitions abroad dedicated to Russian sovereigns. Mikhail Piotrovsky believes that this managed to largely change the views of the European establishment on the Russian tsars. They are no longer seen through anecdotes about Catherine’s lovers, but as people of high culture, with excellent taste, and historical power. Against the backdrop of such efforts, it would be a pity to again show the world the image of Nicholas II through a love triangle...

– Nicholas II like no other for a hundred years recent years was discredited and slandered. People at the everyday level are accustomed to this. And latently ready to accept new movie about the completely insignificant, depraved, betraying his word, not knowing the honor and loyalty of the last king. But all this again goes into the old basket - a strange state, strange people, strange kings. It's a pity.

– But the film hasn't come out yet.

“That’s where we started the conversation.” It is a thankless task to discuss a film that has not yet been released. I know first-hand what it’s like to make a movie. This is a huge work of many people, and first of all the director. And it’s all the more offensive when the plan is initially based on a plot that can only be called historical bad taste.

- IN lately There are constantly reproaches against the Church that it demands to ban this or that performance or film, citing protests about insulting religious feelings. Famous actors and directors see this as a violation of creative freedom.

– Activists are offended. The directors are outraged. The press warns society about new facts of interference of the Russian Orthodox Church in the sphere of freedom of creativity. Progressive society is indignant. At the Presidential Council on Culture and Art the issue of censorship is raised... It’s just some kind of drama. Stronger than Goethe's Faust. I just want to say: curtain!

– But in reality, not everything is so simple in this performance.

– Indeed, there were appeals against the showing of the famous rock opera in Omsk. But these protests were not made by the Russian Orthodox Church, but by one of many thousands public associations, unions, brotherhoods operating today in our country. A group of Orthodox activists demands that this performance be filmed, it seems, in all the cities where the St. Petersburg Opera Theater comes on tour. Recently there were similar appeals, for example, in Tobolsk. They were reviewed and not satisfied. The Tobolsk diocese had nothing to do with the demands to cancel the performance. And in Omsk, according to the producer, the showing of the play was agreed upon with the metropolis. Anyway official representative of the diocese stated the following: “It is not the business of the diocese to regulate the repertoire policy of this or that theater. I only know that the performer's confessor leading role blessed him for this 30 years ago.” The head of the information department of the Russian Orthodox Church, Vladimir Legoyda, after the start of the media hype through all news agencies reported that the Church does not support demands to remove the play from the theater repertoire. And the producers informed that the performance in Omsk was canceled because only a little more than forty tickets were purchased for the thousandth hall. Last year, they said, the same performance was shown here in Omsk, although even then there were appeals from citizens asking for the cancellation of the performance. But the tickets sold out and the performance took place.

– All this known facts. But only one thing can be heard everywhere: the Russian Orthodox Church demands that the play be filmed and is getting its way.

– Recently, one priest from Armavir, remembering Vasily Zhukovsky’s editing of Pushkin’s fairy tale about Balda, where the priest was replaced by a merchant, published a brochure in the Armavir printing house with a merchant and without a priest in a circulation of four thousand copies. And then headlines appeared in dozens of media outlets, including central ones: “The Russian Orthodox Church is editing Pushkin!” And despite the fact that the head of the publishing council of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Kliment of Kaluga and Borovsk, also stated through all news agencies that in in this case this is the personal initiative of an individual priest and that the classics cannot be changed and edited even with the best intentions, journalistic statements that the Church has reached complete insanity, so that Pushkin is being altered, are joyfully full of stories to this day. This is our multi-part drama. It is obvious that its authors really like it. There are also enthusiastic spectators. So without a doubt - to be continued. But we have long been accustomed to this, so, as they say, take up the flag! As for the film, I'm sure, most likely individuals and groups, including Orthodox Christians, will demand its ban. I’ll say right away: we respect and understand their position. And we will encourage you to take it into account. But, I repeat once again, I consider the path of prohibitions to be a dead end. It is the business of the Church to prohibit and permit when necessary, in spiritual world. But not in a secular way. Including neither theatrical nor cinematic. But this does not mean that we will not openly express our beliefs.

– And "Tannhäuser"? After all, there was a protest official Church- Novosibirsk Metropolis.

– And not only a protest, but also a lawsuit was initiated based on the claim of the Novosibirsk Metropolis for an innovative variation on a theme by Wagner. In the production, no matter how much some theater critics fool us, the only “artistic find,” the goal and the center of attention was blasphemy against the image of Christ. Public hearings were held, then Novosibirsk Metropolitanate filed a lawsuit in full accordance with the law. And she lost this trial.

– But the performance was filmed.

– This difficult, unpleasant and unprecedented decision of the Ministry of Culture should be assessed in the context of the bloody tragedy of Charlie Hebdo that erupted later. As life has shown, this decision turned out to be the correct and necessary prevention from irresponsible and extremely dangerous, especially in the conditions of our multinational and multireligious country, public experiments and provocations, which someone wants to call creativity.