The Hegumen is ... The most famous hegumens of the Soviet and post-Soviet period and their role in modern society

The hegumen is a priest in the clergy, who is assigned to the abbot in an Orthodox monastery. The word itself is translated from the Greek language, as the leader, going ahead. In ancient times, the abbot was designated the head of any monastery, 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. Its 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 clothed in a simple mantle of a monk and a legguard. Archimandrite is dressed in mantle with "tablets", pectoral cross, club and miter.

Hegumen in Soviet society

In the world known as Nikolai Nikolayevich Vorobyev, the future hegumen of the monastery was born in the late 19th century in the Tver region to a large and friendly peasant family. From a young age he was very serious, honest and kind, he felt sorry for all and tried to comprehend the meaning of life. The family was only superficially religious, so little Kolya soon lost faith completely.

Finding Yourself

Then he rushed to study science, philosophy in search of true knowledge, but very quickly realized that there were none. He entered the psycho-neurological institute in Petrograd, but did not finish school, realizing that the institution has nothing to do with studying a person as an individual, but only considering the physiological processes taking place in the body.

At the age of 20, completely despairing of useless wanderings in search of knowledge, he suddenly remembered the child's 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 greatly. Nicholas became an ascetic. The role of the guidebook in life he entrusted to the Holy Fathers' writings, upon reading of which his soul was filled with joy and light.

From Nikolay to Nikon

At 36, after serious trials, he takes monastic vows and becomes Nikon. Soon he receives the rank of hieromonk. In the 30-ies he was sent to Siberia for 5 years. On his return from the camps, unable to return to religion, he becomes an assistant doctor. Since the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, many churches have earned again, and Nikon immediately returned to the work of the clergyman.

In 1944, Kaluga Bishop Basil approved the hieromonk for the post of abbot of the church in the city of Kozelsk. Then there were several translations from one temple to another. As a result, being in the outback, in a seedy church, the hegumen regarded this as another link. On a new place it was necessary to it very difficultly, as there was no material aid to wait. His property was sacred books and personal necessities.

Shortly before his death, the hegumen Nikon still suffered one more severe test in the form of a disease. For three months he was allowed to drink only milk, but it did not upset him. Until the last day of his life he helped people, instructed them on the true path. He called for the fulfillment of biblical commandments and for keeping the paths that do not lead away from God. Hegumen Nikon died in the year 63 of the 20th century on September 7.

Rector of modern society

Hegumen Evmeniy is a unique person, who united religion, psychology and spiritual practices. He came to this world in 1969. 30 years later in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra received a holy order and was appointed a servant of the Orthodox Church, from 92 years is the abbot of the monastery, located in the village of Remsha, Ivanovo region. Here he created a rehabilitation center for drug addicts.

The active hegumen is the object of condemnation

Because of his loyal attitude to various manifestations of Christianity, hegumen Evmeny was repeatedly condemned and sharply pronounced. As a result, in 2006 he was accused of living in abnormal monastic life and dismissed the abbot of the monastery. Since that time he is an employee of the Missionary Department under the patriarchate of Moscow, directs the "Path" program. He continues to work the rehabilitation center for drug addicts. Despite their positive works, the fathers of Evmenia continue to be criticized, the main reason for which was the Alfa-course program. The Hegumen took this religious direction from the English, the meaning of it is the acquaintance of youth in the basics of faith. Changed under the peculiarities of Orthodoxy, the course received a blessing from Archbishop John and to this day gathers listeners in various metropolitan areas.

The role of psychology in the Orthodox faith

Hegumen believes that every shepherd must master the basics of psychology. After all, its main task is to help people with conversation, practical advice or parting words, taken from their own life experience or professional knowledge. Father Evmeni focuses attention on the fact that psychology allows us to find an individual approach to each person who came to repent. The main reasons for the condemnation of psychological methods are the conservative views of the clergymen, especially with regard to neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).

The role of the hegumen in modern society is great, but also very contradictory. His activities are subject to persecution, conviction. Only a strong person can not lose his energy supply and continue missionary work to save not only drug addicts, but also other erring souls.