The Novokuznetsk diocese belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. It and other dioceses are united in themselves by the Kuzbass Metropolis. In this article, we consider the history of the creation of this administrative unit and present its description.
History of creation
The history of the Novokuznetsk diocese begins in the XVII century. Geographically, this administrative unit was part of the Siberian diocese, which was later renamed Tobolsk. The beginning of the latter is considered to be 1834. The appearance of churches on these lands began in parallel with the appearance of the first settlers here. The local population massively attended temples, devoting it to Sunday morning and free time.
1621 - the construction of the walls of the Transfiguration Cathedral of wood, the location of which was the Kuznetsk fort.
1648 - the foundation of the Christ Nativity monastery, in the territory of which the church was also erected. In the possession of this monastery was the village of Monastic, which today is called Prokopyevsky.
1769 - the monastery was closed due to the secularization of church property. A difficult period began, which the diocese was able to overcome, having suffered from many losses.
The end of the XVII century - the appearance of the church, which was created in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
1834 - a new branch of the dioceses, which became the trustees of local communities.
1857 - the opening of the first Kuznetsk branch in Kaltan, where the spiritual mission was located.
1878 - the transformation of the branch into Kondomsky and the opening of a spiritual mission in the form of a new branch. By the beginning of the twentieth century there were already four branches. The heyday continued until a change of power took place.
The revolutionary time and the period of the Civil War brought many losses to the Orthodox Church, including this diocese. There are known cases of the physical destruction of spiritual persons, the destruction of temples, and the theft of church property.
The beginning of the 20s of the twentieth century was marked by a repressive policy towards denominations. Mass property of churches was confiscated and sold. This led to the fact that the temples began to close. Since then, many shrines have not been found.
20-30 years of the XX century - the period of the Kuznetsk variety. It opposed the inexorably impending split when the Renaissance movement organized its own department here. This page of history has not been studied much, so there is no information about it.
1943 - relations between the church and the state changed. Therefore, the Orthodox parishes of this region managed to enter the Kemerovo Deanery of the Diocese.
1990 - 1993 - the time of the diocese as part of the Krasnoyarsk.
Separation of dioceses
The Kemerovo and Novokuznetsk diocese until 2012 were one. Then they split up, since such a decision was made by the Holy Synod. The ruling bishop appeared the title of "Novokuznetsk and Tashtagol." At the same time, there was a union of parishes within the Novokuznetsk diocese, which included:
- Kaltansky;
- Mezhdurechensky;
- Novokuznetsk;
- Myskovsky;
- Osinnikovsky urban districts.
Administrative unit management
This diocese is located in the city of Novokuznetsk. The Novokuznetsk diocese is governed by His Grace Vladimir, who has the title of Bishop of Novokuznetsk and Tashtagol.
The duties of the secretary are performed by Alexander Platitsyn, who has the rank of priest.
Description of the diocese
The Novokuznetsk diocese consists of 50 separate parishes. Temples, chapels, other prayer rooms are 64 units. The clergy staff totals 77 people, of which 71 priests and 6 deacons. Monastic believers comprise 12 people, of which seven have priesthood. They include three hieromonks, hegumen and hierodeacon.
About Rector
The religious organization of the Novokuznetsk diocese is under the control of Archpriest Vladimir Agibalov, who was formerly the keeper in the Znamensky Cathedral in Kemerovo.
He was tonsured a monk and given the name Vladimir, like the holy martyr Vladimir, who was the metropolitan of Kiev and Galitsky.
Soon there was the construction of Vladimir, as a result of which he becomes archimandrite. He was appointed bishop relatively recently - in 2014.
Tips for visitors
In the church shop of the Novokuznetsk diocese, you can purchase many religious goods. Among them:
- icons, shelves, coasters;
- church utensils;
- crosses, icons, bracelets, beads;
- Gifts and souvenirs;
- candles;
- vestments;
- lamp oil, wicks and floats;
- incense, charcoal;
- peace;
- church ceramics;
- silver plate.
Temple cases are provided in different sizes. You can also choose a pectoral cross for infants and adult Christians, which will be for them a symbol of faith and reliable protection.
To summarize
The history of the Novokuznetsk diocese begins in the XVII century. Having left the Siberian diocese, it became an independent administrative unit. During the period of active construction of temples, a massive settlement of the surrounding areas is also observed. At this time, most local residents attend churches.
The beginning of the XXI century was a period of separation of the Kemerovo and Novokuznetsk dioceses. Now it is under the control of His Grace Vladimir, who has the title of Bishop of Novokuznetsk and Tashtagol.
Visitors to local churches are expected by a church shop where you can buy a wide range of religious products. Here, every Orthodox Christian can find products to his liking.
The diocese has experienced years of decline, a change of government, but continues to develop for the benefit of believers.