The Novokuznetsk diocese belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. It and other dioceses are united by the Kuzbass Metropolis. In this article, we will consider the history of the creation of this administrative unit and present its description.
History of Creation
The history of the Novokuznetsk diocese begins in the 17th century. Geographically, this administrative unit was part of the Siberian diocese, which was later renamed Tobolsk. The beginning of the latter is considered to be 1834. The appearance of churches on these lands began in parallel with the appearance of the first settlers here. The local population visited temples en masse, giving this Sunday morning and free time.
1621 - the construction of the walls of the Transfiguration Cathedral from wood, the location of which was the Kuznetsk prison.
1648 - the foundation of the Nativity Monastery, on the territory of which the church was erected. In the possession of this monastery was the village of Monastyrskoye, which today is called Prokopyevsk.
1769 - Closing of the monastery due to the secularization of church property. A difficult period began, which the diocese was able toovercome by suffering many losses.
The end of the 17th century - the appearance of the church, which was created in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
1834 - new branch of dioceses, which became trustees of local communities.
1857 - the opening of the first Kuznetsk branch in K altan, where the spiritual mission is located.
1878 - the transformation of the branch into Kondom and the opening of a spiritual mission in the form of a new branch. By the beginning of the twentieth century, there were already four branches. The heyday continued until there was a change of power.
Revolutionary times and the period of the Civil War brought many losses to the Orthodox Church, including this diocese. There are cases of physical destruction of clergy, destruction of churches, plunder of church property.
The beginning of the 20s of the twentieth century was marked by a repressive policy towards confessions. The property of churches was massively confiscated and sold. This led to the fact that the temples began to close. Since then, many shrines have not been found.
20-30 years of the XX century - the period of existence of the Kuznetsk variation. It resisted the inexorably impending schism, when the current of the Renovationists organized their cathedra here. This page of history has not been studied much, so there is no information about it.
1943 - the relationship between church and state changed. Therefore, the Orthodox parishes of this region managed to enter the Kemerovo Provincial Diocese.
1990 - 1993 - the time the diocese was part of the Krasnoyarsk.
Division of dioceses
Kemerovo and Novokuznetsk diocese until 2012 were one. Then they split up, as the Holy Synod made such a decision. The ruling bishop received the title of "Novokuznetsk and Tashtagol". At the same time, there was a merger of parishes within the Novokuznetsk diocese, which included:
- K altan;
- Mezhdurechensky;
- Novokuznetsk;
- Myskovsky;
- Osinnikovsky urban districts.
Administrative unit management
This diocese is located in the city of Novokuznetsk. The Novokuznetsk diocese is administered by His Grace Vladimir, who has the title of Bishop of Novokuznetsk and Tashtagol.
The duties of the secretary are performed by Alexander Platitsyn, who has the rank of priest.
Diocese description
The Novokuznetsk diocese consists of 50 separate parishes. Temples, chapels, other premises for prayer make up 64 units. The clergy staff consists of 77 people, of which 71 are priests and 6 are deacons. Monastic believers make up 12 people, of which seven have clergy. They include three hieromonks, abbots and hierodeacons.
About the Rector
The religious organization of the Novokuznetsk diocese is under the direction of Archpriest Vladimir Agibalov, who was previously the sacrist at the Cathedral of the Sign in Kemerovo.
Histonsured monks and given the name Vladimir, like the holy martyr Vladimir, who was the Metropolitan of Kyiv and Galicia.
Vladimir was soon elevated, as a result of which he becomes an archimandrite. He was appointed a bishop relatively recently - in 2014.
Tips for visitors
In the church shop of the Novokuznetsk diocese you can buy a lot of religious goods. Among them:
- icons, shelves, stands;
- church utensils;
- crosses, icons, bracelets, rosary;
- gifts and souvenirs;
- candles;
- church vestments;
- lamp oil, wicks and floats;
- incense, charcoal;
- peace;
- church pottery;
- silverware.
Temple icon cases are provided in different sizes. You can also choose a pectoral cross for babies and adult Christians, which will be a symbol of faith and reliable protection for them.
Summarize
The history of the Novokuznetsk diocese begins in the 17th century. Having left the Siberian diocese, it became an independent administrative unit. During the period of active construction of temples, mass settlement of the surrounding areas is also observed. Most of the locals attend churches during this time.
The beginning of the XXI century was the period of separation of the Kemerovo and Novokuznetsk diocese. Now it is under the control of His Grace Vladimir, who has the title of Bishop of Novokuznetsk and Tashtagol.
Visitors of loc altemples waiting for the church shop, where you can buy religious products in a wide range. Here every Orthodox Christian can find products to their liking.
The diocese has experienced years of decline, a change of authorities, but continues to develop for the benefit of believers.