Arkhangelsk diocese has a rich history. Her education at one time became necessary due to the promotion of Christianity, and also, in order to resist the Old Believers, to begin the fight against the schism.
The history of the creation of the Arkhangelsk and Kholmogory diocese
According to historical data, it was established in 1682, in March. Throughout its history, the territory that was under its control has changed. Accordingly, the names have also changed somewhat. For example, from 1682 to 1731 it was called the Kholmogory and Vazhsky diocese, with the center Kholmogory (the department was located there). From 1731 to 1787 it was the Archangelsk and Kholmogory diocese.
1762 brought changes. The current Arkhangelsk diocese changed the center of administration, which was moved to the city of the same name forever. A few years later, its name changed again to Arkhangelsk and Olonets (from 1787 to 1799).
For a very long time (from 1799 to 1985) the diocese was called Arkhangelsk and Kholmogory. Then for ten years it was againits name was changed, but in 1995 everything went back.
In December 2011, the Archangel and Kholmogory diocese was introduced into the Archangel Metropolis at a meeting of the Holy Synod.
Territory of the Arkhangelsk Diocese
In order to find out where it is, you will need a map of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. On it you can see that today it is the territory of the Arkhangelsk region. Of course, it itself is quite large, so the diocese includes Vinogradovsky, Primorsky, Kargopolsky, Kholmogorsky, Onega and other nearby areas.
You should also know that it is part of the Archangel Metropolis.
Monasteries that are part of the diocese
There are several monasteries on the territory of the diocese. Let's take a look at some of them.
Alexandro-Oshevensky Monastery. Has a rich history. The approximate date of foundation is the 1460s. The founder of the monastery is Alexander Oshevensky, who, following the advice of his father, came to the places where the monastery now stands and settled here. During the life of Alexander, St. Nicholas Church was built, which is considered the first.
After the death of the founder, the monastery itself fell into disrepair. The situation changed in 1488, when the number of the monastery, its land holdings, buildings began to increase.
If we talk about today, the monastery is in decline. In 1928, it ceased to operate, over time it turned into just ruins. The Russian Orthodox Church cannot forget the importance of this monastery, thereforenow it is being restored. There is a monastery building where the monks live.
Antoniev-Siya Monastery. It is located not far from Arkhangelsk, on a peninsula near Bolshoye Mikhailovskoye Lake. The year of foundation of the monastery is considered to be 1520, and the founder is Ven. Anthony.
The monastery survived the years of decline during the Soviet era, when it was closed, and all kinds of places for recreation and fun were placed on the territory. The Russian Orthodox Church received it for its use only in 1992. The monastery began to recover.
The Epiphany Kozhezersky Monastery. It has gone through several declines and revivals. It is located near Lake Kozhozera, namely on the Lop Peninsula.
Founded back in 1560. Its founders are Nifont and Serapion Kozhozersky. The monastery developed until 1764, when it was abolished. It was rediscovered in 1853. He worked until the time of the Soviet Union, when the monastery was again closed. Only in 1999 it was reopened and declared operational.
Convents belonging to the diocese
Also, there are women's monasteries on the territory of the diocese. Let's take a look at some of them.
John the Theological Monastery. It is located in the village of Ershovka. Founded not so long ago - in 1994. Initially, it was a women's community that tried to return the farmsteads that were previously in the possession of the Sura Convent. Moved to current location in 1996.
John the Theological Sura Monastery. This is more ancienta community located in the village of Sura. The year of foundation can be considered 1899. The initiator was John of Kronstadt.
In Soviet times it was closed. The monastery began to work again only in 2012 at the insistence of the Holy Synod.
Subordinate dioceses - educational and social institutions
The Archangel diocese and its leadership care not only about the spiritual life of their parishioners, but also help in case of need. For example, at the St. John the Theologian Monastery (for women) there is a shelter for girls.
For women who need help after giving birth or during pregnancy, there is a Maternity Protection Center. It is located in Arkhangelsk at the Assumption Church.
The Verkolsky Monastery can help those who do not have their own home, as well as those who have just left prison and need support, housing.
Also, almost every monastery and parish has a functioning Sunday school.
Shrines of the Arkhangelsk and Kholmogory diocese
Arkhangelsk diocese is also rich in shrines that are in its possession. For example, the holy relics of its founder are located in the Antoniev-Siysky Monastery. In the church in Koryazhma there is a sackcloth and chains of the Monk Longin Koryazhma. By the way, the day they were returned to their homeland is now celebrated annually as the day of the city.
In Arkhangelsk there is one of the most outstanding shrines, namely the icon of the Archangel Michael. It was written in the middle of the 18th century. Its value lies in the fact thatit is Archangel Michael who is considered the patron saint of the entire Arkhangelsk land.
Another shrine is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”. It is located in the Solombala temple in Arkhangelsk.
And this is not the whole list of shrines that can be found in the diocese.
Saints from the Arkhangelsk Diocese
This land is also famous for its saints, who glorified it with their deeds throughout the world. For example, in the host of saints of the Arkhangelsk land, one can note Ven. Euphemia and the righteous Anthony and Felix.
The monk brought the first word of Jesus to these lands, since in those days paganism was revered here, and, according to legend, they worshiped various objects, but not the One Lord. Yefimiy did his best to convert the inhabitants of these places to Orthodoxy - both in word and by example of his life. And it worked. After a while, many came to a righteous life.
If we talk about Saints Anthony and Felix, then these were two brothers who had a good disposition, always helped their parents. One of the brothers even gave his land to the Archangel Michael Monastery.
The brothers drowned in 1418, but their bodies were miraculously carried to the place where the Korelsky Monastery now stands. A wooden chapel was erected over the place where they were buried, and in 1719 a temple was built.
However, the diocese of the Arkhangelsk region is famous for the numerous saints, ascetics, elders who lived on its territory. These are fertile places that have nurtured more than one of themgeneration.
Existing dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church
If we consider the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, then there are a fairly large number of them, both in Russia itself and abroad. For example, they are in America, in Europe. Almost each of them has monasteries, various institutions that provide assistance to those in need. Some have educational institutions.
Dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church are doing more and more social work with the population. This, for example, help with drug and alcohol addiction, educational work for all segments of the population, especially young people, as well as other work.
