Archpriest Maxim Kozlov, whose biography is presented in this article, is well known in church circles of Russia. In addition to his activities as a clergyman, he conducts active educational work, and also has a certain influence on the development of religious processes in the Russian Federation.
Youth and education
The hero of this article was born on July 25, 1963 in the capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Maxim Kozlov grew up in a family far from religion and the church, his parents were principled atheists. In addition, in the courtyard was the heyday of the USSR, and interest in religion was not particularly encouraged. But Maxim himself felt a gravitation towards God in his early youth. Being a fifteen-year-old teenager, he was baptized, which he did not inform his relatives about, who, most likely, would not understand him and would not support him. So he attended church secretly for several years, dreaming of becoming a priest. The Lord rewards those who aspire to him with a sincere soul - Maxim's dreams come true.
After school, the guy entered the Moscow State University at the Faculty of Philology, where he studied Latin and Ancient Greek. But he did not forget about his calling, which he felt as a child. As a senior student, Maxim Kozlov began to collaborate on a freelance basis with the Moscow Patriarchate. Namely, he rendered services of a translator from Greek, worked with ancient manuscripts, studied the church press of Greece, etc. in the publishing department.
Having received a specialist diploma in 1985, the young man is already directly going to his goal, not hiding from anyone, and enters the theological seminary in Moscow. He studied externally, so he graduated three years later. And he immediately entered the capital's theological academy, which he also graduated from as an external student in the 1990s, receiving the degree of candidate of theology.
Teaching and educational activities
Immediately after the seminary, Kozlov Maxim Evgenievich began their labor activity. At the age of twenty-two, he was taken to the post of teacher of German, Latin and ancient Greek languages. He lectured as a student at the seminary and academy. Later, Kozlov also taught courses on the history of Western confessions, comparative theology and rhetoric.
In 1991, a young teacher headed the Philological Commission at the Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary, and at about the same time became an assistant professor. He worked with inspiration and soul, he was active in the religious sphere, constantly participating in various scientific and theological events. Together with his colleagues, Kozlov Maxim developed a new concept of spiritual education, edited the collection “Theological Works”, was a member of the Synodal Theological Commission, etc.
In 2002, he was appointed deputy chairman of the educational committee of the Russian Orthodox Church. He was also an inspector here. Four years later, Maxim Evgenievich became a professor at the MDA.
In 2010, Kozlov was a member of the commission, one of which dealt with the interaction of the church and the media, and the other with the attitude of Orthodoxy to other religions. In addition to teaching at the seminary and academy, Maxim Kozlov different periods gave lectures in other universities of a religious orientation.
Clergyman
Kozlov received his first dignity back in 1992, becoming a deacon. The ordination ceremony was performed by the rector of the MDAiS, he is also Archbishop Alexander Dmitrovsky. It was in winter, and in summer, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II ordained Maxim Evgenievich priest. Then he received the post of cleric in one of the Moscow churches (Life-Giving Trinity).
In the ninety-fourth year, priest Maxim Kozlov became and. about. Rector of the Church of St. Tatiana at Moscow State University. And after a while he was already the rector, which he remained until 2012.
In the ninety-sixth year he joined the Synodal Theological Commission. In 2000, he received the rank of archpriest. And in 2012, he was appointed rector in the church of St. Seraphim of Sarov, to whom a separate parish was allocated (earlier he belonged to the church of the Holy Great Martyr Tatiana). Here Kozlov serves to this day. Since April 2014, Maxim Evgenievich has the right to wear a miter.
Activities Abroad
Father Maxim Kozlov is well known not only in Russia, but also abroad. As part of his educational work, he had the opportunity to visit several countries. So, back in 1996, the priest visited the United States of America, where he lectured on Russian Orthodoxy and twentieth-century theology in one of the churches of New York. And in 1999, he trained in Holland at the Institute of East Christian Studies. Both listeners and teachers remembered Maxim Kozlov as a deeply religious person and striving for knowledge.
Writing
The clergyman and enlightener managed to prove himself also as a writer and publicist. He has authored several books, many translations and articles devoted to the history of the church, patrology, etc. Kozlov can often be found on the pages of the Russian print media and television programs, where he raises questions of religion and the church life of today. Maxim Evgenievich is a member of the editorial board of the almanac "Theological Works."
Awards
The right to wear a plait, a pectoral cross with ornaments, a mantle and a club was awarded. In 2000, Maxim Evgenievich was elevated to the rank of archpriest.
Medals and orders:
- Order of St. Macarius of Moscow (third degree);
- Order of Daniel of Moscow (third degree);
- Order of Seraphim of Sarov (third degree);
- Sergius of Radonezh medal (first and second degrees);
- medal "For Merit to the Fatherland" (second degree);
- New Generation Award.
Kozlov Maxim: the family of a clergyman
Maxim Evgenievich’s personal life is not advertised anywhere, although he is not a recluse. It is only known that he is, as befits a priest, a good husband and father. Together with his wife, Kozlov brings up four children, whom he sets an example of devotional service to God and people.