Hegumen is a rank in the clergy, which is assigned to the abbot in an Orthodox monastery. The word itself is translated from Greek as leading, going ahead. In ancient times, the head of any monastery was designated as abbot, and from the second half of the 18th century, only if the monastery was considered third-class.
He had exactly the same rights and duties as any other abbot. His main difference from the archimandrite (the main one in the monastery of the first and second class) is only that during the service he is dressed in a simple monk's robe and a gaiter. The archimandrite is dressed in a mantle with "tablets", a pectoral cross, a club and a miter.
Hegumen in Soviet society
Known worldwide as Nikolai Nikolaevich Vorobyov, the future abbot of the monastery was born at the end of the 19th century in the Tver region in a large and friendly family of peasants. From a young age he was very serious, honest and kind, he felt sorry for everyone and triedcomprehend the meaning of life. The family was only superficially religious, so little Kolya soon completely lost his faith.
Find yourself
Then he rushed to study science, philosophy in search of true knowledge, but very quickly realized that they were not there either. He entered the psychoneurological institute in Petrograd, but did not finish his studies, realizing that the educational institution had nothing to do with the study of a person as a person, but only considered the physiological processes occurring in the body.
At the age of 20, having completely despaired of useless wanderings in search of knowledge, he suddenly remembered his childhood faith and for the first time turned to God with a request to give him a sign, if he really exists. He received it, and from that moment his life changed a lot. Nicholas became an ascetic. He entrusted the role of a guide to life to the patristic writings, upon reading which his soul was filled with joy and light.
From Nikolay to Nikon
At the age of 36, having passed serious trials, he takes monastic vows and becomes Nikon. Soon he receives the rank of hieromonk. In the 30s he was exiled to Siberia for 5 years. Upon his return from the camps, unable to return to religion, he becomes a medical assistant. With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, many churches started working again, and Nikon immediately returned to work as a clergyman.
In 1944, Bishop Vasily of Kaluga approved the hieromonk for the position of rector of the church in the city of Kozelsk. Then there were several transfers from one temple to another. Finally, being inoutback, in a seedy church, the abbot regarded this as another exile. It was very difficult for him in a new place, since there was nowhere to wait for material assistance. His possessions were sacred books and personal essentials.
Shortly before his death, hegumen Nikon had another ordeal in the form of an illness. For three months he was allowed to drink only milk, but this did not upset him. Until the last day of his life, he helped people, instructed them on the true path. He urged to fulfill the biblical commandments and adhere to paths that do not lead away from God. Abbot Nikon died in the year 63 of the 20th century on September 7.
The Rector of Modern Society
Hegumen Evmeniy is a one-of-a-kind person who combined religion, psychology and spiritual practices. He came into this world in 1969. 30 years later, in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, he received the priesthood and was appointed a minister of the Orthodox Church, since 92 he has been the rector of a monastery located in the village of Remsha, Ivanovo Region. Here he created a rehabilitation center for drug addicts.
An active abbot is an object for condemnation
Because of his loyal attitude to various manifestations of Christianity, Abbot Eumenius was repeatedly condemned and harshly spoken. As a result, in 2006 he was accused of living the wrong monastic life and was removed from his post as abbot of the monastery.
Since that time, he has been an employee of the Missionary Department under the Patriarchate of Moscow,directs the program "The Way". He continues to run a rehabilitation center for drug addicts. Despite his positive writings, Father Yevmeny is still subject to criticism, the main reason for which was the Alfa-Kurs program. The abbot borrowed this religious direction from the British, its meaning is to acquaint young people with the basics of faith. Changed to suit Orthodoxy, the course received a blessing from Archbishop John and to this day gathers listeners in various metropolitan squares.
The role of psychology in the Orthodox faith
The abbot believes that every pastor must master the basics of psychology. After all, his main task is to help people with a conversation, practical advice or parting words, taken from his own life experience or professional knowledge. Father Evmeny focuses on the fact that psychology allows you to find an individual approach to each person who comes to repent. The main reasons for condemning psychological techniques are the conservative views of the clergy, especially regarding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
The role of the abbot in modern society is great, but also very controversial. His activities are subjected to persecution and condemnation. Only a strong-willed person can not lose his energy supply and continue missionary work to save not only drug addicts, but also other lost souls.
