The Archangel diocese has a rich history. Her education at one time became necessary because of the advancement of Christianity, and also, in order to resist the Old Believers, to begin the fight against schism.
The history of the creation of the Arkhangelsk and Kholmogorsk diocese
According to historical data, it was established in 1682, in March. Throughout its history, the territory that was controlled by it changed. Accordingly, the names changed somewhat. For example, from 1682 to 1731 it was called the Kholmogorsk and Vazhsk diocese, with the center of Kholmogory (there was a pulpit). From 1731 to 1787 it was the Diocese of Arkhangelsk and Kholmogorsky.
The year 1762 brought changes. The current Archangel diocese has changed the control center, which was moved to the city of the same name forever. After a few years, its name again changed to Arkhangelsk and Olonetsk (from 1787 to 1799).
For a very long time (from 1799 to 1985) the diocese was called Arkhangelsk and Kholmogorsk. After that, its name was again changed for ten years, but in 1995 everything returned.
In December 2011, the diocese of Arkhangelsk and Kholmogorsk at the meeting of the Holy Synod was introduced into the Archangel metropolis.
Territory of the Arkhangelsk Diocese
In order to find out where it is located, you will need a map of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. On it you can see that today it is the territory of the Arkhangelsk region. Of course, it itself is quite large, so the diocese includes Vinogradovsky, Primorsky, Kargopolsky, Kholmogorsky, Onega and other nearby areas.
You should also know that it is part of the Archangel Metropolis.
Monasteries of the diocese
There are several male monasteries in the diocese . Let's consider some of them.
Alexandro-Oshevensky monastery. It has a rich history. The approximate date of foundation is the 1460s. The creator of the monastery is Alexander Oshevensky, who, following the advice of his father, came to the places where the monastery now stands and settled here. During the life of Alexander, the Nikolsky temple was built, which is considered the first.
After the death of the founder, the monastery itself fell into decay. The situation changed in 1488, when the number of the monastery, its land holdings, and buildings began to increase.
If we talk about today's time, the monastery is in decline. In 1928, it ceased to function, with time it simply turned into ruins. The Russian Orthodox Church cannot forget the importance of this monastery, so now its restoration is underway. There is a monastery building in which the monks live.
Anthony-Siysky monastery. It is located near Arkhangelsk, on a peninsula near Lake Bolshoi Mikhailovskoye. The year of foundation of the monastery is considered to be 1520, and the founder - prep. Anthony.
The monastery experienced years of decline during the Soviet era, when it was closed, and all sorts of establishments were placed on the territory for relaxation and fun. The Russian Orthodox Church received it for its use only in 1992. The cloister began to recover.
Epiphany Kozhezersky monastery. He experienced several times the decline and rebirth. It is located near Lake Kozhozera, namely on the Lopsky Peninsula.
It was founded back in 1560. Its founders are Nifont and Serapion Kozhozersky. The monastery developed until 1764, when it was abolished. Once again, its discovery happened in 1853. He worked until the days of the Soviet Union, when the monastery was again closed. Only in 1999 was it reopened and declared operational.
Convents of the diocese
There are also convents in the diocese . Let's consider some of them.
St. John the Theological Monastery. It is located in the village of Ershovka. It was founded not so long ago - in 1994. Initially, it was a female community, which tried to return the courtyards that were previously in the possession of the Sur monastery. It was moved to its current location in 1996.
St. John the Theological Sursky Monastery. This is an older community located in the village of Sura. The year of foundation can be considered 1899. The initiator was John of Kronstadt.
In Soviet times it was closed. The monastery began to work again only in 2012 at the insistence of the Holy Synod.
Subordinate dioceses - educational and social institutions
The Archangel diocese and its leadership cares not only about the spiritual life of their parishioners, but also helps in case of need. For example, at the St. John the Theologian monastery (female) there is a shelter for girls.
For women who need help after giving birth or during pregnancy, there is a Maternity Protection Center. It is located in Arkhangelsk at the Assumption Church.
In the Verkolsky monastery they can provide assistance to those who do not have their own home, as well as to those who have just left the places of deprivation of liberty and need support, housing.
Also, almost every monastery and parish has a functioning Sunday school.
Shrines of the Archangel and Kholmogorsk diocese
The Archangel diocese is also rich in shrines that are in its possession. For example, in the Anthony-Siysky monastery are the holy relics of its founder. In the church in Koryazhma there is a hair shirt and the faith of the venerable Longin Koryazhemsky. By the way, the day when they were returned to their homeland is now annually celebrated as a city day.
In Arkhangelsk is one of the most outstanding shrines, namely the icon of the Archangel Michael. It was written in the middle of the 18th century. Its value lies in the fact that it is the archangel Michael who is considered the patron saint of the whole land of the Archangel.
Another shrine is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, “The Quick Hearing”. She is in the Solombala temple in Arkhangelsk.
And this is not the whole list of shrines that can be found in the diocese.
Saints from the Archangel diocese
This land is also famous for its saints, who glorified it with their deeds to the whole world. For example, in the host of saints of the Arkhangelsk land, St. Euphemia and the righteous Anthony and Felix.
The monk brought to these lands the first word of Jesus, since in those days paganism was worshiped here, and, according to tradition, various objects were worshiped, but not to the One Lord. Efimiy did his best to turn the inhabitants of these places into Orthodoxy - both in word and as an example of his life. And it worked out. After some time, many came to a righteous life.
If we talk about Saints Anthony and Felix, then these were two brothers who had a good disposition, always helping their parents. One of the brothers even transferred his lands to the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk monastery.
The brothers drowned in 1418, but miraculously carried their bodies to the place where the Korelsky Monastery now stands. A wooden chapel was placed over the place where they were buried, and in 1719 a temple was built.
However, the diocese of the Arkhangelsk region is famous for the many saints, ascetics, and elders who lived on its territory. These are fertile places that have been brought up by more than one generation.
Existing dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church
If we consider the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, then there are quite a large number of them, both in Russia itself and abroad. For example, they are in America, in Europe. Almost each of them has monasteries, various institutions that provide assistance to those in need. Some have educational institutions.
The dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church are carrying out more and more social work with the population. This, for example, help with drug and alcohol addiction, educational work of all segments of the population, especially youth, as well as other work.