Smolensk and Vyazemsk diocese. Metropolitan of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh Isidor. Obedience as the foundation of spiritual growth and the acquisition of other virtues (humility, meekness, peace, love)

Sergey Novikov: Hello, today’s “Hodegetria” program is dedicated to communication with Vladyka Isidore, Bishop of Smolensk and Vyazemsky, ruling bishop of the Smolensk diocese. The Bishop regularly appears in our news programs, but briefly and only in connection with some local church events. And now the time has come to get to know Bishop Isidore better. Bless the beginning, Lord!

Bishop Isidore: I bless you to start. Good afternoon to all TV viewers, I am glad to welcome you and talk frankly about the topics that will be asked.

Sergey Novikov: Vladyka, everyone knows that the people of Smolensk and Smolensk greeted you on March 18, it was the first day of Lent and your first divine service as a bishop, do you see any symbolic meaning in this?

Bishop Isidore: I am quite ready to see a symbolic meaning in this, and it lies in the fact that His Holiness the Patriarch and the Holy Synod, who blessed me to become a bishop and serve at the Smolensk See, allowed me to begin performing this service from the moment that we call “the beginning of a great career.” Great Lent." I can directly say that I am grateful to God and our Church that this ministry began from the moment when the Church performs this great work - fasting. And we, together with the clergy and flock of the Smolensk diocese, from the very beginning until the great day of Holy Easter, made this procession during the days of Great Lent. We prayed together, thought about how we should proceed further, and Light Christ's resurrection enlightened us, gave us that necessary joy, thanks to which we all together continue to fulfill the mission of the Church on the Smolensk land.

Sergey Novikov: Bishop Isidore, as you know, before arriving in Smolensk you were involved in youth affairs in the relevant department of the Patriarchate. How unexpected was your appointment to Smolensk and the adoption of the episcopal rank in this regard?

Bishop Isidore: This appointment was unexpected. I was a cleric in the city of Moscow and combined the work of the vicar of the Vysoko-Petrovsky Stavropegic Monastery and the Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs. Naturally, all my activities were focused on issues of general church service. And there was no thought that the hierarchy of the Church would bless me to serve in any region. Moreover, in Smolensk - in that diocese in which His Holiness the Patriarch served so much, for a quarter of a century, in that diocese that is exemplary, because His Holiness the Patriarch worked in it. I don’t take this as a reward, I take it as a sign of His Holiness the Patriarch’s trust in me personally and how high degree the responsibility that he places on me, and that the hierarchy of the Church places on me, for the management of the Smolensk diocese.

Sergey Novikov: How does this change in your life correspond to your ideas about how your life in the Church should develop?

Bishop Isidore: This completely corresponds to my ideas, since I have experience of church-wide work in the Administration of the Moscow Patriarchate; before the appointment of the governors of the Vysoko-Petrovsky Monastery, I was the executive secretary of the Administration of the Moscow Patriarchate. In my job responsibilities included the interaction of the Moscow Patriarchate with the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, provision of administrative assistance and everything that accompanies the relationship of the Patriarchate with the dioceses. Therefore, what the Ruling Bishop should do and what the clergy in the diocese should do, I know from duty. I perceived my appointment as a blessing from God and began to implement the skills that I acquired while still in Moscow.

Sergey Novikov: Everyone has their own path to God. And especially interesting, for example, for me, is the path to God of a person who has decided to devote himself to the priesthood. And in the life of a person like you, there must probably be some special circumstances, or prerequisites, or family environment, or incidents... What did cause your life to turn out this way?

Bishop Isidore: We must clearly distinguish: there are special circumstances that lead a person to Christianity, and there is a situation, there are circumstances in which this Christian also becomes a clergyman. There must be special calling God in order for a person to become a church minister. None life circumstances related to tragedies or other emergency situations cannot be a reason to become a clergyman. The calling of God, the readiness and ability of a person for such service must be combined here.

Regarding myself, I can say that the years of study at Moscow theological schools - first at the seminary, then at the academy at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra - contributed to my choosing the path of priesthood. This special case, when the theological school is located inside the monastery, which creates a certain mood, the spirit of teachers and students. This does not mean that all seminary students must take monasticism and become clergy. But a certain prayerful mood is created, there is an awareness of what a student, a graduate of theological schools, should do. Therefore, my long stay in theological schools as a student, then as a teacher, formed in me a desire to serve God in clergy. And thank God that there were prerequisites for me to become a clergyman, necessary requirements requirements for anyone willing to take this path were feasible.

I am grateful to God that I made my life choice towards serving the Church. Like everyone young man in those not too distant years I was bothered by the question: what had to happen in my life for me to do right choice life path? This bothered me a lot. And I am grateful that God showed me the right path of self-realization. Before I became a bishop and even before I became a clergyman, I took monastic vows. It was performed by the rector of the Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary, Archbishop Evgeniy of Vereisky. It so happened that my admission to the seminary in 1995 coincided with his appointment as rector. We walked together: he as the rector, I as a student, then his employee. Archbishop Eugene performed monastic tonsure on me in the Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra, then deaconal and priestly ordination.

Sergey Novikov: When you took monastic vows, you were named Isidore - a name that is quite rare. Interesting to know about your patron saint.

Bishop Isidore: This is a martyr of the 4th century, who was a warrior and boldly confessed his Christian calling before the secular authorities, before the emperor. Like many of the Christians of the first centuries, he ended his life as a martyr. In those days, when Christianity was not yet established in the Roman Empire, those who believed, as a rule, walked along the martyrdom life path. Martyr Isidore was one of those who suffered for faith in Christ.

Sergey Novikov: When is your name day?

Bishop Isidore: The name day coincides with my birthday. This is what the man who tonsured me ordered. Archbishop Eugene looked at the calendar and believed that God’s will was to tonsure me with the name of that saint whose feast day is May 27th. Therefore, the birthday coincides with Angel Day.

I am not a fan of being the center of attention for events of this kind. I consider it my duty to benefit people and to be in the spotlight as little as possible, although my episcopal service presupposes such a need, but for a different reason.

I consider it my life’s duty to benefit the people of Smolensk, our dear Smolensk and every person who comes to the Church for help.

Sergey Novikov: Have you ever been to Smolensk before?

Bishop Isidore: No, just drive through. For many years I was an assistant to Metropolitan Philaret of Minsk and Slutsk, who was the chairman of the Synodal Theological Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church, and on duty I traveled from Moscow to Minsk and back with Vladyka, with documents. That's why I drove through Smolensk and saw it at night railway station, but I never thought that by the will of God, with the blessing of His Holiness the Patriarch, I would serve here.

Sergey Novikov: What is your first impression of the city, of meeting our shrines?

Bishop Isidore: They completely coincide with those in short words which His Holiness told me on the day of his episcopal consecration on the feast of St. Daniel of Moscow before my arrival in Smolensk. The Patriarch said that when he comes to the city, he sees dear and dear Smolensk. When I travel around the region or beyond and return to the city, I remember the words of His Holiness, and they coincide with my mood, because this is a sweet, wonderful city.

Sergey Novikov: From the first days of your stay in the Smolensk region, you began to actively visit even the most remote parishes. What impression do you get from these trips?

Bishop Isidore: My impression of these trips is clear. It lies in the fact that in the Smolensk province there are a lot of believers - simple, sincere, benevolent. Not every province can boast of so many Orthodox Christians, such soulfulness, openness, and sacrifice. Wherever I go, to any corner of our region, I invariably encounter cordiality, openness, and a desire to work hard. Therefore, when certain local authorities tell me that there is an outflow of population, that the region is gradually dying, I try to convince them otherwise, because I see the burning eyes, the desire of people to work. I convince you that if we could make an effort and unite in solving many social tasks, then we could bring people back and strengthen our region. This strengthening must occur on the basis of our moral choice.

Sergey Novikov: You probably have an idea in which direction further steps should be taken. What do you think needs to be done first? church life?

Bishop Isidore: In church life, as the ruling bishop, I must, first of all, preserve the traditions that His Holiness the Patriarch laid down here. This requires a lot of work, because this high standard of church service requires significant effort. As the ruling bishop, I must preserve all those good traditions. In addition, I must try to fulfill the orders of the hierarchy, which extend to the regions. It's nice to know that what is happening in Moscow, the decisions that are taken Bishops' Council, the World Russian People's Council and other church, church and public institutions, completely coincide with the aspirations church people locally. Therefore, all the orders that we receive from the Moscow Patriarchate are completely feasible and feasible.

Indeed, the bishop and priest should be closer to every person. We must ensure that everyone who needs spiritual support receives help. We must develop. My task as the ruling bishop is to motivate the clergy of the diocese to active missionary, educational, and youth work so that we can all derive great spiritual benefit from our communication with God in the Church, from our mutual communication between people.

Sergey Novikov: These days, the Smolensk region lives in anticipation of the celebration of the 1150th anniversary of the mention of the city in the chronicle. Of course, the Church cannot stand aside. Are there any joint efforts between the Church and the authorities? What are they?

Bishop Isidore: I would like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate all television viewers on the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus', which we are solemnly celebrating. These celebrations don't stop. We can only be proud that the history of our city is older than even the date of the Baptism of Rus'. Because we are turning 1150 years old. This is a significant date; not every city in Rus' can boast of such longevity. The diocese's preparations for the celebration of this event are also significant. Together with the administration of the region and city, we held concert events. During the celebrations, we also plan to hold joint educational and concert events.

The most important event that will decorate the celebrations dedicated to City Day will be the arrival of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' to Smolensk. He has not changed, His Holiness is the same open, friendly and sympathetic person who is concerned about the life of our city. The Patriarch is always interested in what is happening in the city of Smolensk, what problems exist. I am pleased to know that, while serving at the Smolensk department, I am his assistant in managing the city of Smolensk. Patriarch Kirill always gives wise advice that helps me, as a young bishop, to properly build relationships with the authorities, society, and tells me how to lead the diocese.

Sergey Novikov: How great is the readiness of our authorities to cooperate with the Church and move in the same direction?

Bishop Isidore: I believe that the regional and city administrations are taking all possible steps towards the initiatives proposed by the diocese. Initiatives sound very simple - these are works aimed at the common good, at implementing programs that help us to be aware of our historical past: this cultural events, scientific projects, issues in the field of education that we discuss with the Administration, and in many ways they meet us halfway. All the specific activities that we propose to the region and the city are being successfully implemented. We are pleased to know that from the outside secular power there is all possible support for the good endeavors carried out by the Smolensk diocese.

Sergey Novikov: Bishop Isidore, how do you assess the state of missionary work today, in particular on the Smolensk land?

Bishop Isidore: Missionary work is one of the important aspects of serving the Church. The mission of the Church is to convey the Gospel word to every person who is able to perceive it. Therefore, not only the priests, but also the laity, who need to recognize themselves as the same active part Churches must understand their missionary calling.

The main missionary move in modern world I consider not so much the word as the sermon my life. If we Christians learn with our lives to prove the authenticity of our chosen path, then this is the best missionary move. Because, as a rule, people around us who are far from the Church judge not so much by words as by actions, by our personal lives, life choices, attitude towards people - not only friends, but also enemies. If each of us learns to live the Gospel, then this is the best missionary preaching.

Sergey Novikov: Dear Bishop, in your opinion, how actively should the Church today respond to the challenges that come from different directions?

Bishop Isidore: The task of the Church is the salvation of man in Christ. Therefore, if society is shaken by some questions that are not addressed to the Church, this does not mean that the Church is not obliged to answer them. She is ready to react, but expect an immediate reaction from the Church, as one of the leading means mass media, as from a well-known publishing house, there is no possibility, since the Church is engaged in the spiritual salvation of people and should not immediately respond to this or that challenge. She must pray, think, ask God for wisdom to give the correct answer.

Thank God, the authority of the Church is still significant in society. The Church cannot hastily, without thinking, give any answer. The Church is almost an arbitrator in many matters. It’s nice that society largely supports the Church, because the Church is led by Christ Himself. The Church cannot make any mistakes, including in commenting on this or that extraordinary event occurring in society. She must react correctly, understand what is happening, what kind of question it is, and give one or another conclusion. I believe that both society and the Church should bear prudence, caution and responsibility for their words and actions. Therefore, sometimes it may seem that the Church does not immediately respond. She immediately perceives the problem and is ready to react. Look at the problems that arose in connection with the flood in Krasnodar region. Or the latest events taking place in Syria. How the Church reacted. More than a million dollars have been collected by the Church alone. All this data is published on the official websites of the Russian Orthodox Church. It cannot be said that the Church does not respond to some of the troubles of people. She reacts instantly. But the Church often does not react to stupid things that, unfortunately, happen in society and are rejected by that same society.

Sergey Novikov: Your Eminence, thank you for the conversation.

Bishop Isidore: And I thank all the TV viewers for finding it possible to listen to me.

It is posted on the website of the Smolensk Metropolitanate.

“All-honorable fathers, mother abbess, monastics, dear brothers and sisters!

During the days of the Dormition Fast - a time of intense prayer, keeping peace and chastity in our hearts, abstaining from discord and condemnation - we are forced into the controversy surrounding Alexei Uchitel's film "Matilda".

Discussions about the film, scheduled for release in October, began in the spring of this year, and these days they flared up with renewed vigor.

On August 10, the film “Matilda” received a distribution certificate. And for some reason, this event, according to journalists, is so important for Russians that it was reported in a variety of media, including federal news channels. Every year dozens of films are released in Russia, but how many people know the dates of distribution certificates?

It is obvious that the situation that has arisen is part of one very alarming phenomenon in our life, when we are purposefully convinced of the existence of supposed discord, supposedly tough disagreements, supposedly irreconcilable positions between certain social groups, part of the public, the creative intelligentsia and the Russian Orthodox Church. For example, let us remember the controversy surrounding the transfer of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the construction of new churches and other initiatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, which irritate a certain part of society. We must understand that not a single traditional religious denomination will stand aside when its shrines are trampled upon, when the history of the Fatherland is falsified, when artists, called upon to nurture souls, forget about moral responsibility, citing the right of “artistic invention.” Why is it that in these situations any comment by the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church is viewed literally under a magnifying glass, individual words are taken out of context and as a result we hear accusations against the Church of disrespect for democratic freedoms and civil rights?

Let's think about the fact that these events are taking place in a difficult year for everyone, the centenary of the Russian revolutions, in the year when we and special attention must again and again give ourselves the work of honest reflection tragic events, must together, in unity, preserve the harmony and peace that our ancestors defended at the cost of their lives.

Returning to the controversy surrounding the film by Alexei Uchitel, let's think about how we should treat this film, which we have not even seen.

Yes, we haven’t seen it, but should we study everything on own experience? The Lord, in His teachings through the Holy Gospel, calls on the faithful to avoid sin. The Holy Fathers recommend that in days of making important decisions, in moments of difficulty and doubt, we rely on the opinion of experienced spiritual mentors, trust this opinion, be sure that their opinion is concerned about us, about the preservation and growth of our souls, about preventing temptations, doubts, thoughts and feelings that poison the soul.

And in this complex issue we must rely, first of all, on the opinion of the Church’s hierarchy. This is the opinion of those whom we trust, who, expressing their attitude, care, first of all, about maintaining our Christian attitude to what is happening, about preserving the chastity and purity of our hearts. I draw your attention to the interview with the head of the Patriarchal Council for Culture, Bishop Egorievsky Tikhon and Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk. Their opinions can be easily found on the Internet.

When forming our attitude towards the film, we will remember the following.

The Lord brings His Word and His grace through His Holy Church, the holy saints of God who pray for us. In the host of such saints of God, the Russian Orthodox Church raised royal family, which should be perceived by us no longer through biography, but through life: through confession, suffering and death.

The holy royal passion-bearers, led by God's anointed Tsar Nicholas II, accomplished their Christian feat like the martyrs Boris and Gleb, like the Russian princes who went to the Horde for the sake of their Fatherland in order to save their Motherland through their death. With humility, they accepted the crown of thorns placed on them by the godless government, and meekly agreed to become victims of this power.

And always celebrating the memory of the holy royal passion-bearers, we offer prayers for their intercession for us before our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us honestly answer ourselves, do we have the right to look at fantasies, implausible images, experiences concerning the personal life of the holy royal passion-bearers? Can we dare to enter into discussions about the lives of saints, based not on their feats, and not even on historical, documented biographical facts, but on such fictions? Will we be worthy of the feat of our holy predecessors, who bequeathed to us to preserve Holy Rus' with its centuries-old religious and cultural traditions? Will we be able to call ourselves successors? glorious history our great country? Will we fulfill our fatherly duty if we allow these fictions to become accessible to our younger generation?

This is what we must remember when we make our personal free choice: whether or not to watch this film.

Looking at the noisy, deliberately inflamed discussion around the film "Matilda", I urge you to remember that the main response of Christians to emerging threats is to imitate Christ in love, generosity and patience towards everyone who does injustice. This is exactly how both the first Christians and the new martyrs of the Russian Church won victory over the persecutors of Christianity.

May our Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of the holy saints of God, the holy royal passions, grant peace and unity to our people and not allow discord between us. May the blessing of the Lord be with you all!

ISIDOR, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh."

(Tupikin Roman Vladimirovich)

Born May 27, 1974. In 1992-95. studied at Krasnoyarsk State Technical University.

In 1995-1999 studied at the Moscow Theological Seminary. In 1999-2003 studied at the Moscow Theological Academy. During the years of study at Moscow theological schools, I served as editor of the website of the Moscow Theological Academy, deputy editor of the website of the Educational Committee of the Holy Synod.

In 1999-2007 bore the obedience of the referent of the Synodal Theological Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In June-October 2003 – Assistant to the Vice-Rector for educational work Moscow Theological Academy. From October 2003 to August 2007 – assistant to the vice-rector for scientific and theological work of the Moscow Theological Academy.

On March 31, 2006, in the Trinity Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, he was tonsured a monk with the name Isidore in honor of the holy martyr Isidore of Chios.

On April 16, 2006, in the Intercession Academic Church, the rector of the Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary, Archbishop Eugene of Vereisky, ordained him a hierodeacon, and on December 19 of the same year, he was ordained a hieromonk.

On August 21, 2007, by determination of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, he was appointed rector of the Yaroslavl Theological Seminary.

On July 27, 2009, by determination of the Holy Synod, he was relieved of his position as rector of the Yaroslavl Theological Seminary and placed at the disposal of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'.

On August 1, 2009, he was appointed to the position of specialist in the Moscow Patriarchate Administration for work with dioceses and monasteries.

On April 10, 2011 he was awarded the right to carry a club. On April 6, 2012, he was awarded the right to wear a cross with decorations.

Rector of the Moscow Church of St. App. Peter and Paul in Lefortovo.

In 2010-2012 - Executive Secretary of the Moscow Patriarchate Administration.

By the decision of the Holy Synod of July 26, 2012 (journal No. 77), he was appointed to the position of abbot of the Vysoko-Petrovsky stauropegic monastery in Moscow.

By the decision of the Holy Synod of December 26, 2012 (journal No. 135), he was appointed deputy chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs.

By the decision of the Holy Synod of March 12, 2013 (magazine No. 23), he was relieved of his duties as governor of the Vysoko-Petrovsky Stauropegial monastery of the city of Moscow and deputy chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs and elected Bishop of Smolensk and Vyazemsky.

March 17, 2013 His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' in the Danilov Stavropegic Monastery in Moscow was consecrated bishop.

On May 5, 2015, by the decision of the Holy Synod in connection with the formation of the Smolensk Metropolis, Bishop Isidore was appointed Head of the Smolensk Metropolis with the title “Smolensk and Roslavl” (magazine No. 8).

May 21, 2015, on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, at the Divine Liturgy in Spaso-Voznesensk cathedral of the city of Ulyanovsk, in connection with the formation of the Smolensk Metropolis, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill elevated Bishop Isidore of Smolensk and Roslavl to the rank of metropolitan.

On May 4, 2017, by the decision of the Holy Synod, the Roslavl diocese was allocated from the Smolensk diocese within the administrative boundaries of Glinkovsky, Elninsky, Ershichsky, Monastyrshchinsky, Pochinkovsky, Roslavlsky, Khislavichsky, Shumyachsky districts and the city of Desnogorsk, Smolensk region. The ruling bishop of the newly established diocese, included in the Smolensk Metropolis, is supposed to have the title “Roslavl and Desnogorsk”. The ruling bishop of the Smolensk diocese should have the title “Smolensk and Dorogobuzh”.

(Tupikin Roman Vladimirovich)

Born May 27, 1974. In 1992-95. studied at Krasnoyarsk State Technical University.

In 1999-2007 bore the obedience of the referent of the Synodal Theological Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In June-October 2003 - assistant to the vice-rector for educational work at the Moscow Theological Academy. From October 2003 to August 2007 – assistant to the vice-rector for scientific and theological work of the Moscow Theological Academy.