Metropolitan John of Belgorod and Stary Oskol is a modern preacher who is considered one of the main spiritual missionaries in Russia. Perfectly educated, he brings to people the light of divine love and hope for the salvation of everyone who accepts the commandments of Christ, crucified for the sins of people at Calvary.
Metropolitan of Belgorod and Starooskolsky John: biography
In the world Popov Sergey Leonidovich was born on September 1, 1960 in Irkutsk in a family of employees. He spent his childhood in the city of Shelekhov, Irkutsk region. He studied at secondary school No. 1, which he graduated with excellent marks. In 1977, the future priest entered the A. Zhdanov Irkutsk University at the Faculty of History.
Having successfully completed it, he became a teacher at the institute. Then he improved his professional level in postgraduate studies at Novosibirsk State University.
Desire to become a priest
However, Sergey soon realized that thisnot his field at all. Deciding to quit teaching, he joined the Irkutsk church choir of the Znamensky Cathedral.
Since 1984, he became a subdeacon under the Archbishop of Irkutsk and Chita Juvinalia, and also acted as director of the candle factory of the diocesan administration.
A year later, fate brought him to the Kursk Department. From that moment on, Sergei lived in Kursk and carried the obedience of Archbishop Yuvenaly's cell-attendant. He soon became his personal secretary.
The young man decided not to stop there and first graduated from the Leningrad Theological Seminary, and then the Theological Academy.
Sun
In 1989, Sergei received a blessing to serve in the Kursk diocese from the future Patriarch, Metropolitan Alexy of Leningrad and Novgorod.
Two years later, on March 30, he is tonsured a monk with the name John. This name was chosen in honor of the holy miracle worker Metropolitan of Tobolsk and All Siberia John.
In 1990 he was ordained a deacon, and on April 7 of the same year - a presbyter. It was just on the day of the Annunciation.
In June, Priest John receives the post of rector of the Kursk Theological School, the work of which was decided to be resumed.
In 1993, Father John received the rank of archimandrite, and in the same year he was simultaneously appointed Bishop of Belgorod and diocesan vicar. He also retains the post of rector. The priest is then ordained Bishop of Belgorod.
In 1994, the Council of Bishops was held, and Archimandrite John was appointed chairman of the working group, whose task wasthe revival of the Orthodox mission in the canonical territories of the Russian Orthodox Church.
A year later, the Holy Synod decided to appoint him Bishop of the Belgorod-Starooskol diocese.
Missionary
In 1995, the future Metropolitan of Belgorod and Stary Oskol, John, was relieved of the post of rector, as the Missionary Fund of the Russian Orthodox Church was created with the support of the banks "Kremlin", "Gazprom" and other co-founders. Again, Bishop John becomes the chairman of the newly created structure.
The following year, a theological seminary was formed in Belgorod, which also began to engage in missionary orientation. Bishop of Belgorod and Stary Oskol takes the place of the rector.
On February 18, Father John is consecrated to the rank of archbishop for his significant contribution to the ministry of the church.
This man has many well-deserved titles. Today he is a full member of the Petrovsky Academy of Sciences and the International Kirillo-Mifodievskaya Academy, as well as an honorary professor of BSU (Belgorod State University).
In 2004, he was entrusted with the leadership of the spiritual security commission for the Central Federal District under the President of the Russian Federation.
In 2011, he became a member of the synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and the head of the Belgorod Metropolis. Simultaneously with this, Father John becomes the manager of the Valui diocese. And in 2012 he received the rank of metropolitan.
The Russian Orthodox Church adequately awarded its minister, who became the owner of the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov of the second degree,orders of St. St. Innokenty of Moscow and others. Metropolitan John also has well-deserved secular awards, including the Order of Friendship. He also has many medals and badges.
Sermons
Metropolitan of Belgorod and Stary Oskol John in his sermons says that today young people devote a lot of time to social networks and the information space. And he would like them to communicate with the clergy there.
He believes that young people in their discussions raise very important questions about the meaning of life, family values and relationships. In the priests they should see support and support.
Father suggests creating special platforms to communicate more with the student audience. Fascinated by the virtual world, they forget about the main values of life. As a priest, he invites the deans to lead forums.
In his works, the priest writes that the person who wants to be baptized must first of all have a conversation. Here you need a competent explanation of why this is being done.
Batiushka believes that simply baptizing a person today is disastrous, since many people, without spiritual literacy, fill their consciousness with some kind of surrogate.
In the sermons of Metropolitan John of Belgorod and Stary Oskol, one can hear that the tradition of visiting the cemetery at Easter, which has been strengthened since the times of the USSR, was the only way to celebrate such a great holiday. But if you seriously understand, then initially this was the tradition of the first Christians. In a dayOn Great Pascha, they reverently celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the relics of the holy martyrs. There is no ban on visiting the cemetery, but funeral services are not recommended on this day, as the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ is solemnly celebrated.
The colossal educational role of Metropolitan John of Belgorod is very high, as he manages to instill in people, and especially young people, true moral values. He believes that love should be perceived as a gift from God, and it should also be cultivated in oneself.
Conclusion
By the way, it should certainly be noted that Metropolitan John of Belgorod and Starooskolsky understands music no worse than professionals and loves to play the piano.
However, he gives all his strength to serving God and people. Modern publications “Spiritual security of Russia”, “Love is long-suffering. Conversations on Faith” are worthy of appreciation.
Recently there was information that Metropolitan John of Belgorod and Starooskolsky was ill, but God had mercy, and now he is again on guard of the canons of Orthodoxy.
