Diocese of Bryansk: history and activities

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

The history of the Bryansk diocese begins in the days of Kievan Rus. Over the years of its existence, it has made a huge contribution to the development of Orthodoxy and the improvement of the spiritual culture of our country. The churches and temples of the diocese are regularly visited by many parishioners. Various spiritual and educational events are held with the participation of clerics.

History

The Diocese of Bryansk was founded at the end of the 13th century by representatives of the Chernihiv clergy, who were forced to leave their native lands due to the devastation of their Tatars. About 100 years later, these lands became part of the Lithuanian Principality. After that, difficult times began in the diocese, as it refused to obey the newly arrived metropolitan.

In the 15th century, the Bryansk lands again became part of Russia. Despite some contradictions, the diocese began to develop. New churches, temples, monasteries were built, educational activities were carried out.

Centuries passed, during which the diocese of Bryansk made a significant contribution to the development of Russian spiritualitylands. Much has been done to educate the parishioners. Schools were opened at many religious institutions, where the children of peasants and artisans learned to read and write, and regular services were held.

Difficult times for the diocese came after the Bolsheviks came to power in 1917. Many spiritual institutions were closed, some of them were destroyed or adapted for any household needs. Priests were repressed, many of them were killed. Despite the fact that the diocese still existed, its activities were almost completely banned.

Rebirth

In the late 80s of the twentieth century, a gradual revival began not only in Bryansk, but also in other dioceses on the territory of the USSR. The churches of the Bryansk diocese began to open, they were repaired, services were held regularly.

The Diocese of Bryansk was officially recreated in 1994 at a meeting of the Holy Synod. Archbishop Melchizedek was appointed its head. The city of Bryansk became the center of the diocese. From that moment, active work began on the spiritual enlightenment of the inhabitants of the region.

Composition of the diocese

The Bryansk diocese, whose address is: Bryansk, Pokrovskaya Gora, 5, is quite large. It includes 10 monasteries, of which 4 are for women, about 200 churches, more than 80 Sunday schools, and has its own religious school.

The diocese consists of 9 deaneries:

- Sevskaya.

- Bryansk.

- Kletnyanskaya.

-Dyatkovskaya.

- Trubchevskaya.

- Mglinskaya.

- Klintsovskaya.

- Pochepskaya.

- Novozybkovskaya.

In addition, there are many parishes. Monasticism began to revive more and more actively. There are many women and men who have decided to devote their lives to the service of the Lord. A lot of work has been done since the revival of the diocese. New churches and Sunday schools are opened every year, three new monastic cloisters have been created, and the restoration of the Svensky Monastery is being prepared.

Diocese activities

The clergy of the diocese are actively working among the youth. From childhood, they try to instill in them love for God and the need to follow Christian commandments. For this purpose, the clergy visit various educational institutions, with Sunday school students they make trips to holy places not only in the region, but also in other regions of Russia.

Work is underway with military personnel and prisoners. Priests regularly travel to units and colonies. Some are there all the time. Do not forget about the various state institutions, as well as the sick, lonely and destitute.

Annual religious processions began to be held, in which not only clergy and parishioners of the diocese, but also many residents of the region take part. Priests participate in various events, which are attended not only by the leaders of the region, but also by the country. All this allows Orthodoxy to become stronger and constantly develop.

The Diocese of Bryansk over the years of its existence has contributedan invaluable contribution to the spiritual life of not only the region, but the whole of Russia. Thanks to her daily hard work, the number of parishioners is constantly increasing, more and more people begin to believe in God and visit churches not only on major church holidays, but also on weekdays.