Saint Theodosius of Chernigov

The feast day of St. Theodosius of Chernigov is celebrated twice a year - on September 9 (the day of canonization) and on February 5 (the day of death). His name stands alongside 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 known only that he was born in the late 30-ies of the XVII century in Little Russia. His name Polonitsky-Uglitsky belonged to a very ancient noble family. The parents of the future saint were Nikita and Maria. Prior to his contemporaries, there was little information about his childhood and adolescence. One only knows that he was very obedient and meek.

Saint Theodosius

First, his parents engaged in education, they instilled in him from childhood fear of God and Christian piety. And then he became a pupil of the Kiev Brotherly Epiphany School, to which he was deeply grateful all his life. At that time, its head was the Archbishop of Chernigov Lazar (Baranovich). To him, St.. Theodosius of Chernigov had a feeling of filial respect and respect.

After graduation, St.. Theodosius decided to devote all his life to God. Pious parents, the edifying leadership of the spiritual school, and the sanctity of the place itself contributed and strengthened the desire for good living. 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 strive in 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 at the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev and the viceroy of the Metropolitan House. At the same time, Kiev and Little Russia suffered disasters from unrest, which was constantly carried out by opponents of Bogdan Khmelnitsky, who did not want to unite Little Russia with Moscow. Much to our regret, even the higher clergy actively participated in these troubles. At that time even metropolitan of Kiev Dionysius (Balaban) crossed over to the Commonwealth, and therefore the metropolia split (1658). And then Chernihiv Archbishop Lazar became a temporary guardian in the territories of the Kyiv Metropolia controlled by Moscow.

Confrontation and a new metropolitan

St. Theodosius by this time already faithfully served in the diocese of Lazar by the hieromonk Krupitsky of the Baturyn Monastery. It became obvious that the life of the saint was under the supervision of His Eminence Lazarus. He formed his convictions, and he refused to follow the Kiev Metropolitan Dionysius not to become an enemy of the Orthodox faith and its people. The saint constantly keeps 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 the hegumen of the Korsun Monastery. In 1663, Metropolitan Dionysius dies, and Bishop Joseph (Nelyubovich) is appointed to the Kyiv Metropolitanate by the clergy of Polish Ukraine. His election, most likely, occurred in the Korsun Monastery.

Hegumen Monastery

The new metropolitan began his original activity with the protection of Orthodoxy in Lithuania. However, his political convictions also did not coincide with Lazar's convictions. As a result, the Moscow government did not want to recognize him as a metropolitan. St. Theodosius was afraid of distemper, therefore he did not give his consent to participate in the election act. A little later, in 1664, he was appointed hegumen of the Vydubitsky Monastery.

He was very zealous guardian of the device of the holy abode, which was repeatedly in the hands of the Uniates. St. Theodosius ruled the monastery in the spirit of strict Orthodoxy with great zeal, so he received a hetman's universal (document or letter), through which the monastery received significant estates. This fact was armed against him by the monks of the neighboring Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Archimandrite Innokenty (Gisel), having built his arguments on the unjust libel of the Pechersk monastic rulers, began to complain about him to Metropolitan Lazar Chernigov.

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

Great business executive and confessor

Such trust and love of the lord to St. Theodosius was soon expressed in his appointment as governor of the administrative affairs of the Kyiv Metropolis. He is entrusted with the most important assignments 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, along with the hegumen of Pereyaslav Ieronim, brings a petition from the hetman and the Little Russian clergy about the appointment by the Kiev Metropolitan Bishop Gideon-Svyatopolk. This case was crowned with success. St. Theodosius, fulfilling this mission, does not forget to intercede on his monastery between deeds.

Change and testing

In 1687, when Archimandrite Yeletsky Ioannikiy (Golyatovsky) introduced himself to God, after the admonition of Archbishop Lazar to his place, after twenty-four years of reign Vydubitsky monastery, St. Theodosius. Having appointed him to this post, Archbishop Lazar makes him his right hand, and from that moment he becomes a party to all the outstanding events of that time. Since at the same time relations between the representatives of the Kyiv, Velikorosk and Yuzhno-Russkiy Churches are greatly exacerbated. The Moscow clergy looks with great suspicion at Kiev and Southern Russia because of adherence to Catholicism and all heresy.

After the annexation of Little Russia to Moscow in the beginning of the 17th century, people from different spiritual and civil positions penetrated it from Kiev, and looked at them with hostility, as the Polish coloring of traditions and rituals was very different. And some hierarchs generally had the education of 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 the Kiev Metropolitan Gideon died, and St. Theodosius put forward in his place. However, this high post is received by Archimandrite Varlaam (Yasinsky), the Crypt Archimandrite, in which Feodosy served for two years as rector of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. According to the providence of God, St. Theodosia was preparing for another high position in Chernigov. Here he began to shine with his holy virtue, and not only during life, but also after death, as God's chosen slave.

In 1692 the Most Reverend Lazar appointed a meeting in which the clergy of Little Russia, Hetman IS Mazepa and people's representatives participated, and Archimandrite Theodosius was appointed to the Chernigov Department. In July of the same year, Theodosius of Chernigov arrives in Moscow, where, under the sovereigns of John and Peter Alekseevich, he was ordained in the solemn atmosphere of the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin as archbishop. The Tsar's charter made him dependent not from Kiev, but from the Moscow Patriarchate, and, as the first among the hierarchs of Russia, the new saint receives the right to worship in the saccus.

Never-ending pastoral work and troubles

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

The congregation did not long rejoice at the two zealous hierarchs who were coming near God's throne. September 3, 1693, the 73-year-old Starets Lazar died. St. Theodosius loved him as his own father, so he really grieved. The funeral was performed by Theodosius himself. The Russian tsar and the patriarch honored St. Theodosius with letters and promised him their favors. After the death of Archbishop Lazar, St. Theodosius receives a charter for independent management of the Chernigov diocese.

Theodosius of Chernigov, in his flock, brought special attention to true Christian piety and cared for the old and new monastery monasteries and temples. In 1694 thanks to him were founded the Pechenitsa monastery and the Lubetsky monastery, in the same year with his blessing the church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin was built in the Domnitskiy monastery. In 1695 the Trinity Cathedral was consecrated to him, which became the cathedral of the Chernigov diocese.

Prosperity

During his reign, the Chernigov diocese flourished, and monasticism was seen to increase. The saint paid special attention to his clergy, was very selective with them when choosing people for priestly posts. St. Theodosius also very much helped spiritual schools, where he invited scientists and monks from Kiev. Among them was the Metropolitan of Tobolsk, John Maksimovich, who soon became an assistant and successor to St. Theodosius, he began to take care of the organization of theological schools.

St. Theodosius of Chernigov felt the approach of his death and therefore prepared himself a successor. They became the then governor of the Bryansk and Sven monastery, Hieromonk John (Maksimovich), whom he appointed as governor of the Chernigov Elets monastery.

Once, in 1694, a Catholic, Dominik Polubensky, addressed him with a request in which he expressed his desire to become a citizen of the Moscow kings in order to be able to turn to the Orthodox faith of his ancestors. The saint did not leave this request without an answer, and soon he became a Russian Orthodox subject.

A peaceful demise

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

A good and just shepherd did not abandon his flock during his lifetime, and after his death he became her holy heavenly patron. And now he reduces the grace of God to all who turn to him with faith. His body remained imperishable, which served as the basis for his canonization.

стал первым святым, прославленным во времена правления царя Николая II. September 9, 1896, St. Theodosius of Chernigov became the first saint, glorified during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II. The solemn canonization was performed by the Metropolitan of Kiev Ioanniki (Rudnev), with him six bishops, many other clergymen and people, who gathered from all parts of the country to Chernigov. This marvelous celebration was marked by new miracles, which even now the Orthodox believers are greatly pleased with St. Theodosius of Chernigov. The relics of the patron saint of the land of Chernigov are now buried in the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Icons

Before the revolution, there was little written iconographic images with the face of a saint. Already in the 90s the icons of Theodosius of Chernigov became rare and worthy in the acquisition, they were the decoration of home antique collections. By the way, at the same time in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra several icons with the saint's face disappeared.

In honor of the saint, the temple of Theodosius of Chernigov was built in Kiev, it can be visited at Chernobylskaya 2. He is the heavenly patron and defender of the liquidators of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.

It should be noted that the temple of Theodosius of Chernigov is in Kiev and in Kiyanovsky Lane 6/10, as well as in the Dnepropetrovsk region, in the village of Alexandrovka.

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

History with the besieged Leningrad

Describing the life of this saint, it is necessary to note one more very important event connected with the siege of Leningrad. In 1942, in the basement at the defenders' headquarters, a meeting was held, where serious questions were raised about an offensive breakthrough. Suddenly they heard a strange voice: "Pray to Theodosius of Chernigov, who will help you!" All were numb, 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 Saint Theodosius as a prayer-book and protector of our holy land, and that he should 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 an order to this, the relics were returned to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Epiphany. And a miracle happened, the saint helped, because the victorious Tikhvin operation had successfully passed. The ways were opened, along which products, ammunition and weapons began to flow into the besieged city. Believers called this Ladoga route "the road of St. Theodosius."

Theodosius of Chernigov: what are they praying for?

It is believed that this saint helps to heal cancerous tumors. The prayer of Theodosius of Chernigov with true faith will help heal from a variety of diseases, slander and problems related to family well-being and with children.

In 1946, when Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) became a patriarch, he summoned to Moscow the Chernigov bishop 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 national celebration was remembered by many, the holy elder and confessor Laurenti Chernigovsky greeted the relics . On this day, three liturgies were served.

And now the relics of the saint do not leave Chernigov Cathedral Trinity Cathedral, built on the means of Mazepa and consecrated by St. Theodosius in 1695, as mentioned above. It also houses the relics of the Reverend miracle worker Lavrenty of Chernigov, St. Philaret (Gumilevsky) and some Kiev-Pechersky saints.