St. Theodosius of Chernigov

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

Memorial Day of St. Theodosius of Chernigov is celebrated twice a year - September 9 (the day of canonization) and February 5 (the day of death). His name is on a par with those saints who are the most valuable adornment and glory of the entire Russian Orthodox Church. There is no exact data on where he was born. It is only known that he was born in the late 30s of the 17th century in Little Russia. His surname Polonitsky-Uglitsky belonged to a very ancient noble family. The parents of the future saint were Nikita and Maria. Little information about his childhood and adolescence reached his contemporaries. One thing is known, that he was very obedient and meek.

Saint Theodosius

At first, his parents were involved in his upbringing, they instilled in him the fear of God and Christian piety from childhood. And then he became a student of the Kyiv Fraternal Epiphany School, to which he was deeply grateful all his life. At that time, its leader was Archbishop Lazar (Baranovich) of Chernigov. To him St. Theodosius of Chernigov had feelings of filial piety and respect.

After graduation, St. Theodosius decided to devote his whole life to God. Pious parents, the instructive guidance of the theological school, and the holiness of the place itself contributed to and strengthened the desire for a good life. But then there were other events - disagreements and moods that the saint saw among the authorities and even among his spiritual leadership. This prompted him to ascetic monasticism and already in the clothes of a warrior of Christ to stand guard over the Orthodox Church.

Troubles

For a short time Theodosius of Chernigov worked as an archdeacon in Kiev's St. Sophia Cathedral and viceroy of the Metropolitan House. At the same time, Kyiv and Little Russia were suffering from troubles, which were constantly carried out by the opponents of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, who did not want to connect Little Russia with Moscow. Unfortunately, even the higher clergy took an active part in these troubles. At that time, even the Metropolitan of Kyiv Dionysius (Balaban) went over to the side of the Commonwe alth, and therefore the metropolis split (1658). And then Archbishop Lazar of Chernigov became a temporary guardian in the territories of the Kyiv Metropolis controlled by Moscow.

Opposition and the new metropolitan

St. Theodosius by this time already faithfully served in the diocese of Lazar as a hieromonk of the Krupitsky Baturinsky Monastery. It became obvious that the life of the saint passed under the supervision of His Grace Lazarus. He formed his own convictions, and he refused to follow the Kyiv Metropolitan Dionysius, so as not to become an enemy of the Orthodox faith and its people. Saint constantlysticks to his teacher Lazar, as he is convinced that Little Russia will prosper only under the protection of the Russian Tsar.

In 1662, according to the Chernigov Chronicle, St. Theodosius was in the rank of abbot of the Korsun monastery. In 1663, Metropolitan Dionysius dies, and Bishop Joseph (Nelyubovich) is appointed to the Kyiv Metropolis as the clergy of Polish Ukraine. His election, most likely, took place in the Korsun Monastery.

Abbot of the monastery

The new metropolitan began his initial activity with the defense of Orthodoxy in Lithuania. However, his political beliefs also did not coincide with those of Lazarus. As a result, the Moscow government did not want to recognize him as a metropolitan. St. Theodosius was afraid of trouble, so he did not give his consent to participate in the electoral act. A little later, in 1664, he was appointed abbot of the Vydubitsky monastery.

He was a very zealous trustee of the construction of the holy monastery, which was repeatedly in the hands of the Uniates. St. Theodosius managed the monastery in the spirit of strict Orthodoxy with great zeal, so he received a hetman's universal (document or charter), according to which the monastery received significant estates. This fact armed the monks of the neighboring Kiev-Pechersk Lavra against him. Archimandrite Innokenty (Gizel), having built his arguments on the unfair slanders of the Pechersk monastery administrators, began to complain about him to Metropolitan Lazarus of Chernigov.

The saint is not without sorrow, but meekly endures these trials sent to him by God. But, as usual, they say, everything that is done is for the best. Lazar, seeing in him the high qualities of his bright soul, writes to him in a prophetic spirit about his desire that his name be written in Heaven.

Great business executive and confessor

Such trust and love of Vladyka for St. Theodosius was soon expressed in his appointment as viceroy for administrative affairs of the Kyiv Metropolis. The most important assignments are entrusted to him in the conviction that he will fulfill them with honor and benefit for the Orthodox faith.

His name becomes known in distant Moscow, Theodosius of Chernigov, together with hegumen Jerome of Pereyaslavl, is carrying a petition from the hetman and the Little Russian clergy to appoint Bishop Gedeon-Svyatopolk as Metropolitan of Kyiv. This case was crowned with success. St. Theodosius, fulfilling this assignment, does not forget to intercede for his monastery in the meantime.

Change and trials

In 1687, when Archimandrite Yeletsky Ioanniky (Golyatovsky) presented himself before God, on the instructions of Archbishop Lazar, after 24 years of ruling the Vydubitsky Monastery, St. Theodosius. Having appointed him to this position, Archbishop Lazar makes him his right hand, and from that moment on he becomes a participant in all the outstanding events of that time. Since at the same time relations between representatives of the Kyiv, Great Russian and South Russian churches are greatly aggravated. The Moscow clergy look with great suspicion at Kyiv and Southern Russia because of their adherence to Catholicism and all kinds of heresy.

After the annexation of Little Russia to Moscow at the beginning of the 17th century, immigrants from Kyiv penetrate into itvarious spiritual and civil positions, which were looked at rather hostilely, since they were already very distinguished by the Polish coloring of traditions and rituals. And some hierarchs generally had an education in Western Jesuit schools, and they even had opinions that were not at all in the direction of the Orthodox spirit.

Theodosius - Archbishop of Chernigov

In 1690 Metropolitan Gideon of Kyiv dies, and St. Theodosius is put forward in his place. However, this high post is given to Archimandrite Varlaam (Yasinsky) of the Caves, during which Theodosius serves as rector of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra for two years. By the providence of God, St. Theodosius was preparing another high position in Chernigov. Here he began to shine with his holy virtue, and not only during his lifetime, but also after death, as God's chosen slave.

In 1692, Bishop Lazar appoints a meeting in which the clergy of Little Russia, Hetman I. S. Mazepa and people's representatives participate, and Archimandrite Theodosius is appointed to the Chernigov cathedra. In July of the same year, Theodosius of Chernigov arrived in Moscow, where, under the sovereigns John and Peter Alekseevich, he was ordained in a solemn atmosphere of the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin to the rank of archbishop. The royal charter made him dependent not on the Kyiv, but on the Moscow Patriarchate, and, as the leader among the Russian hierarchs, the new saint receives the right to worship in the sakkos.

Endless pastoral work and chores

He returned to Chernigov, began to manage the affairs of the diocese and was still considered an assistant to the archbishopLazarus, who was then already very old and close to death.

The flock did not long rejoice at the two zealous saints coming at God's throne. On September 3, 1693, the 73-year-old Elder Lazar died. St. Theodosius loved him like his own father, so he truly grieved. The burial rite was performed by Theodosius himself. The Russian tsar and patriarch honored Saint Theodosius with letters and promised him their favours. After the death of Archbishop Lazarus, Saint Theodosius receives a charter for the independent administration of the Chernihiv diocese.

Theodosius of Chernigov in his flock brought up special attention to true Christian piety and took care of old and new monastic cloisters and churches. In 1694, thanks to him, the Pechenitsky monastery and the Lubetsky skete were founded, in the same year, with his blessing, the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos was built in the Domnitsky Monastery. In 1695, he consecrated the Trinity Cathedral, which became the cathedral church of the Chernihiv diocese.

Prosperity

During his reign, the Chernihiv diocese prospered, and monasticism was seen to increase. The saint paid special attention to his clergy, being very choosy with them when choosing people for priestly positions. St. Theodosius also greatly helped the theological schools, where he invited scholars and monks from Kyiv. Among them was Metropolitan John Maksimovich of Tobolsk, who soon became the assistant and successor of St. Theodosius, and it was he who began to take care of the organization of theological schools.

St. TheodosiusChernigov felt the approach of his death and therefore he was preparing his successor. He became the then abbot of the Bryansk and Svensky monastery, hieromonk John (Maximovich), he appointed him the abbot of the Chernigov Yelets monastery.

Once, in 1694, a certain Catholic Dominik Polubensky turned to him with a request, in which he expressed his desire to become a subject of the Moscow tsars in order to be able to turn to the Orthodox faith of his ancestors. The saint did not leave this request unanswered, and soon he became a Russian Orthodox citizen.

Peaceful death

1696 was the last year for him, Saint Theodosius of Chernigov peacefully rested on February 5th. He was buried in the Chernigov Borisoglebsky Cathedral, in a crypt specially made for him.

The good and just shepherd did not leave his flock during his lifetime, and after his death he became its patron saint. And now he brings down the grace of God on all who turn to him with faith. His body remained incorrupt, which served as the basis for his canonization.

September 9, 1896, Saint Theodosius of Chernigov became the first saint to be glorified during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II. The solemn canonization was performed by Metropolitan Ioanniky (Rudnev) of Kyiv, with him six bishops, many other clergy and people who had come from all over the country to Chernihiv. This wondrous celebration was marked by new miracles, with which St. Theodosius of Chernigov rejoices Orthodox believers even now. The relics of the patron saint of the land of Chernihiv today rest inHoly Trinity Cathedral.

Icons

Before the revolution, there were few icon-painting images with the face of a saint. Already in the 90s, the icons of Theodosius of Chernigov became rare and worthy of purchase, they were an adornment of home antique collections. By the way, at the same time, several icons with the face of the saint disappeared in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

In honor of the saint, the temple of Theodosius of Chernigov was built in Kyiv, you can visit it at Chernobylskaya 2. He is the heavenly patron and protector of the liquidators of the Chernobyl accident.

It should be noted that the Church of Theodosius of Chernigov is in Kyiv and in Kiyanovsky lane 6/10, as well as in the Dnepropetrovsk region, in the village of Aleksandrovka.

The saint was distinguished by peacefulness, justice and condescension, he deeply sympathized with those who turned to him for help, and helped not only the Orthodox, but also representatives of other faiths.

The story of besieged Leningrad

Describing the life of this saint, one more very important event connected with the siege of Leningrad should be noted. In 1942, a meeting was held in the basement at the headquarters of the defenders, where serious questions about an offensive breakthrough were decided. And suddenly, unexpectedly, they heard a strange voice: “Pray to Theodosius of Chernigov, who will help you!” Everyone was stunned, but none of them knew the name. People turned first to their highest leadership, and then to Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) (the future patriarch), and only he told them about the saintTheodosius as a prayer book and intercessor of our holy land, and that he needs to pray for the salvation of the city. And for this, it is urgent to return his holy relics, which were in the Kazan Cathedral of St. Petersburg, then it was the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism.

And Stalin gave the order for this, the relics were returned to the Nikolo-Bogoyavlensky Cathedral. And a miracle happened, the saint helped, because the victorious Tikhvin operation was successfully completed. Ways were opened along which food, ammunition and weapons began to flow into the besieged city. Believers called this Ladoga highway “the road of St. Theodosius.”

Theodosius of Chernigov: what they pray for

This saint is believed to help heal cancerous tumors. Prayer to Theodosius of Chernigov with true faith will help to heal from a variety of diseases, slander and problems related to family well-being and children.

In 1946, when Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) became patriarch, he called to Moscow the Bishop of Chernigov Boris, who was instructed to prepare all the necessary documents in order to transfer the holy relics of Theodosius from Leningrad to Chernigov. This ceremony took place on September 15, 1946. This nationwide celebration was remembered by many, the holy elder and confessor Lavrenty of Chernigov met the relics. Three liturgies were served that day.

And now the relics of the saint do not leave the Chernihiv Trinity Cathedral, built at the expense of Mazepa and consecrated by St. Theodosius in 1695, as mentioned above. The relics are stored there. Rev. Wonderworker Lawrence of Chernigov, St. Philaret (Gumilevsky) and some Kiev-Pechersk saints.