Spiritual life has always occupied a prominent place in the life of Russians. On the territory of our country there are a huge number of monasteries, temples, churches, which are never empty. They always have a lot of parishioners. Even in the northernmost regions of Russia, spiritual life is at a high level. In particular, in the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese.
general information
In the Komi Republic, the center of spiritual life is the city of Syktyvkar. He makes a huge contribution to the religious life of the region. The Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese was founded in 1995. On its territory there are a large number of churches, monasteries and temples. From its founding to the present, its head is Bishop Pitirim.
The Vorkuta and Syktyvkar diocese is active in many state and private organizations in the republic, in the Armed Forces, places of deprivation of liberty, orphanages. She is trying to raise not only the spiritual, but also the cultural level of her parishioners, to bring them closer to Orthodoxy, to make them kinder and more humane. Recently, in April 2016, it was decided that the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese will be divided.
A variety of events are regularly held with the participation of clergy. They are attended not only by ordinary residents of the Komi Republic, but also by its leadership and senior officials of Russia.
Story
The Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese, whose history spans several hundred years, is one of the oldest in the North of Russia. Orthodoxy originated on this territory at the end of the 14th century thanks to the activities of Stephen Perm. He conducted active spiritual and educational activities among the local population. Stefan Permsky translated several books for worship and compiled the Zyryan alphabet.
He held his first sermon in the village of Pyras (modern Kotlas), and a few years later he headed only the newly created Perm Diocese. Its center was the city of Ust-Vymi.
Year after year, the diocese developed, became stronger. New churches, temples and monasteries were built. Over time, Syktyvkar became its center, which at that time was called Ust-Sysolsk and was also the main city of the Vologda province.
After the communists came to power, this diocese, like everyone else, fell into decay. All existing spiritual objects were closed or adapted for worldly needs, persecution of clerics began. Only after the end of World War II did the leadership of the USSR give permission to open three previously inactive churches.
The beginning of the restoration of the diocese was in the late 80s of the 20th century. Churches, monasteries, and temples that were previously closed began to open, and divine services were again held regularly. The spiritual life in the Komi Republic, as well as throughout the country, began to revive.
In 1995, the Vorkuta and Syktyvkar diocese, which was previously part of the Arkhangelsk diocese, were created by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. Thanks to this, the spiritual life in the Komi Republic began to revive quickly.
Monasteries
In the diocese there are not only many churches and temples, but also convents for women and men. Hundreds of novices live and offer prayers in them, not only spiritual, but also educational activity is being conducted.
On the territory of the diocese are the following convents for women and men:
- Kyltynovsky Holy Cross Exaltation.
- Trinity-Stefanovo-Ulyanovsk.
- Votchinsky Stefano-Afanasyevsky.
- Ust-Vymsky Michael-Arkhangelsk.
- Pechora Bogoroditsky Skoroshoslushnichesky.
- Vazhkursky Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
All the above-mentioned cloisters have a long history and during their activity have achieved significant success.
Consecration of the main temple
The spiritual center of the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which was consecrated in 2001. It is a magnificent building with golden domes. Its height is more than 80 meters.
The opening of the cathedral was eagerly awaited by all parishioners of the diocese, and it became the most beautiful church in the whole of North Russia. Divine services are regularly held in it; hundreds of parishioners visit it daily. Various Orthodox relics are brought to the church so that believers can bow to the holy relics and miraculous icons.
In addition, many churches were built during the existence of the diocese. In particular, in such settlements as Letka, Arkhipovka, Kortkeros, Zimstan and many others. Thanks to this, the number of parishioners in the diocese is steadily growing.
Godparents
A good tradition in the diocese has been the holding of annual religious processions. The first of them begins on May 9, on the day of memory of Stephen Perm, and lasts 2 days. Participants in the procession walk on foot from Syktyvkar to the Seraphim convent. In the church of St. Stephen, the bishop holds a prayer service.
In addition, a religious procession is held annually in honor of Russian confessors and new martyrs who suffered during the repressions conducted against clergy. It has been held for 22 years. The procession begins on July 12, when the day of the apostles Peter and Paul is celebrated. Believers move on foot to the Votchinsky Stefano-Afanasyevsky convent. A move is also being made on the day the city was founded, which is celebrated on June 12. Parishioners are walking along the streets of Syktyvkar.
Youth education
The ministers of the diocese call spiritual education of the youth of the Komi Republic one of their main duties. For this purpose, Sunday schools are opened in many areas at churches and churches, classes are conducted by both priests and lay people with a pedagogical education. The educational program for each of the schools is individual, compiled taking into account the recommendations of the education department of the Moscow Patriarchate. Pupils often go to various shrines on pilgrimage trips.
Every year, many Sunday school students celebrate holidays like Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas together with the spiritual leadership of the diocese. For the children arrange various performances and give gifts.
Spiritual activity in the Armed Forces, colonies and state institutions
The Diocese of Syktyvkar and Vorkuta (phone: +7 (8212) 44-12-32) pays great attention to the spiritual work with military personnel and prisoners who are located in the territory of the Komi Republic. The clergy regularly visit units and colonies, and some of them are constantly there. Also do not forget about the sick, the poor and the lonely.
Since 2003, the Vorkuta and Syktyvkar diocese began to engage in active work on the spiritual education of medical workers. For this purpose, the diocese created a special department, headed by Archimandrite Philip.
Division of the diocese
During the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on April 16 this year, it was decided to support the request of Bishop Pitirim and to divide the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese into two parts. As expected, this will only improve their activities.
During its existence, the Vorkuta and Syktyvkar diocese made a huge contribution to the development of spiritual life not only in the Komi Republic, but throughout Russia. Many churches, temples, monasteries were built and repaired, Sunday schools were opened. Huge work is being done among the parishioners.