For the Russian Orthodox Church, 2011 was marked by the beginning of the reform of the diocesan system. As part of its program, the previous ones were disaggregated and new dioceses were created, including in the Gorodets and Nizhny Novgorod regions, uniting a number of parishes in the adjacent administrative borders.
Historical information about the city
Gorodets of the Nizhny Novgorod region is the oldest city on the Volga coast. The mention of him in the annals dates from 1172. It arose as a fortress to protect the Vladimir-Suzdal principality from the invasion of foreigners and for a long time was an important stronghold for its defense. It was burned several times by enemies, but was reborn and rebuilt again.
In Russian history, Gorodets is known as the last earthly haven of Alexander Nevsky. According to church traditions, he died in the Fedorov Monastery in 1263, having received monastic tonsure before his death.
During the time of the Russian Empire, both Orthodox Christians and Old Believers of various directions lived in the city, therefore Gorodets of the Nizhny Novgorod Region has long been considered the center of the Old Believers. With the advent of Soviet power, all churches were closed, regardless of religion, and some of them were completely destroyed. The restoration of churches began in the 90s of the last century.
Diocese of Gorodets
Dioceses are territorial areas, the boundaries of which are determined by state and church laws. They consist of a combination of church institutions and communities and are part of a local church directly linked to government. Dioceses are independent of each other in their internal affairs. Each of them is under the constant control of the local bishop, who has a very great influence within it.
The Diocese of Gorodets and Vetluzhskaya, formed in 2012 by a resolution of the Holy Synod, is included in the Nizhny Novgorod Metropolis. It includes the following parishes of the municipal districts of the region:
- Gorodetsky.
- Barnavinsky
- Resurrection.
- Vetluzhsky.
- Krasnobakovsky.
- Sokolsky.
- Kovernensky.
- Tonkin.
- Semenovsky.
- Tonshaevsky.
- Sharansky.
- Urensky.
- Shakhunsky.
The diocese of Gorodetskaya received the status of an independent structural unit of the Russian Orthodox Church. Augustine (Anisimov), Bishop of Gorodetsky and Vetluzhsky was elected ruling bishop. The consecration of the Divine Liturgy took place on Palm Sunday on April 8, 2012 in the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Gorodets of the Nizhny Novgorod region became a cathedral city. The second department is located in the city of Vetluga.
His Grace Bishop Augustine
The residence of Bishop Augustine is located in the Fedorov Monastery, of which he remains the governor. Here Vladyka holds meetings and meetings, and receives visitors.
Bishop Augustine is known as a missionary and talented preacher, theologian and jurist. He is the ideological inspirer and organizer of many projects, thanks to which the Fedorov Monastery and the Gorodets diocese became widely known both in Russia and abroad. The ministry of Bishop Augustine, his sermons and soul-saving conversations always attract many people. Prominent figures of our country and foreign guests come to the forums of the Russian level in the Fedorov Monastery.
Gorodets Diocese (Fedorov Monastery)
The diocese of Gorodetskaya, headed by Bishop Augustine and the Fedorov Monastery, gave great glory to the small city. The historical fate of this monastery in the Soviet years is unenviable. In 1927, the monastery was closed and for more than two decades, various institutions were located in it. In the late 40s, churches were completely blown up, building material was used for household needs. Fortunately, the main relic was preserved - Theodore Icon of the Mother of God, which is now in the monastery museum.
The life of the monastery began to revive in 2009, when the Fedorovsky Cathedral monastery was built in 1 year. On September 12 of the same year, he was consecrated by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. At first, there was no one in the monastery, except the hegumen Augustine appointed by the governor. The formation of the Gorodets diocese gave impetus to a new life. Now, when the monastery is in full swing, it is hard to believe that a few years ago there was a wasteland.
Currently, the monastery has an Orthodox missionary center with a museum of the history of the monastery, an excursion service, an exhibition gallery, a cinema hall, a library, a conference hall and classrooms, a hotel for pilgrims. Many more new projects are planned. The monastery continues to expand its activities.