Spiritual life has always been prominent inthe lives of Russians. On the territory of our country there is a huge number of monasteries, temples, churches, which are never empty. There are always many parishioners in them. Even in the northernmost regions of Russia, spiritual life is at a high level. In particular, in the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta eparchies.
In the Komi Republic, the center of spiritual life isSyktyvkar city. He makes an enormous 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. Since its foundation and to the present, its head has been its bishop Pitirim.
Vorkuta and Syktyvkar diocese leadsactive in many public and private organizations in the republic, in the Armed Forces, places of detention, orphanages. She tries 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 eparchy would be divided.
Various events are held regularly with the participation of clergymen. They include not only ordinary residents of the Komi Republic, but also its leadership and top officials of Russia.
Сыктывкарская и Воркутинская епархия, история which has a few hundred years, is one of the oldest in the north of Russia. Orthodoxy originated in this territory at the end of the 14th century thanks to the activities of Stefan Permsky. He led an active spiritual and educational activities among the local population. Stefan Permsky translated several books for worship and compiled the Zyryan alphabet.
He conducted his first sermon in the village of Pyras (modern Kotlas), and after a few years he led only the recently established Perm diocese. Its center became the city of Ust-Vym.
Year after year the diocese developed, everything becamestronger. New churches, temples and monasteries were built. Over time, its center became Syktyvkar, which at that time bore the name of Ust-Sysolsk and was also the main city of the Vologda province.
После прихода к власти коммунистов эта епархия, like everyone else, fell into disrepair. All existing spiritual objects were closed or adapted for worldly needs, and persecution of the clergy began. Only after the end of World War II, the leadership of the USSR gave permission to open three previously inactive churches.
Beginning of the restoration of the activity of the diocesefalls at the end of the 80s of the 20th century. Churches, monasteries and temples, which were previously closed, began to open again regular worship. Spiritual life in the Komi Republic, as well as throughout the country, began to revive.
In 1995, the Holy Synod of the RussianThe Orthodox Church was created Vorkuta and Syktyvkar diocese, which was previously part of the Archangel. Due to this, the spiritual life in the Komi Republic began to quickly revive.
On the territory of the diocese is located not onlymany churches and temples, but also conventions and men’s monasteries. Hundreds of novices live and offer prayers in them, not only spiritual, but also educational activities are conducted.
On the territory of the diocese are the following women's and men's monasteries:
All the above monasteries have a long history and have achieved significant success during their activities.
The spiritual center of Syktyvkar and VorkutaThe diocese is St. Stefan’s Cathedral, which was consecrated in 2001. It is a magnificent structure with golden domes. Its height is more than 80 meters.
The opening of the cathedral was eagerly awaited by all parishioners.Diocese, and he became the most beautiful temple of the whole North of Russia. It regularly holds worship services, it is visited daily by hundreds of parishioners. Various Orthodox relics are brought to the temple so that believers can worship the holy relics and miraculous icons.
In addition, during the existence of the diocese wasbuilt many churches. In particular, in such settlements as Letka, Arkhipovka, Kortkeros, Zimstan and many others. Due to this, the number of parishioners in the diocese is steadily growing.
A good tradition in the diocese was to holdannual religious processions. The first one starts on May 9, on the day of memory of Stefan Permsky, and lasts 2 days. The participants in the procession on foot go from Syktyvkar to the Seraphim nunnery. In the church of St. Stephen, the bishop holds a prayer service.
In addition, an annual procession is held inthe honor of Russian confessors and new martyrs who suffered during repressions against clergymen. 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 Votchinsky Stefano-Afanasyevsky Convent. The course and the founding of the city, which is celebrated on June 12 Parishioners go through the streets of Syktyvkar.
Одной из главных своих обязанностей служители Dioceses call the spiritual enlightenment of the youth of the Komi Republic. To this end, Sunday schools have been opened in churches and churches in many districts, where clergymen and laypeople have pedagogical education. The educational program of each of the schools is individual, drawn up with the recommendations of the Moscow Patriarchate’s education department. Pupils often go to pilgrimages to various shrines.
Every year, many pupils SundaySchools together with the spiritual leadership of the diocese celebrate holidays such as Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas. For children they arrange various performances and give gifts.
Great attention to the diocese of Syktyvkar andVorkuta (phone: +7 (8212) 44-12-32) pays spiritual work with military personnel and prisoners who are in the territory of the Komi Republic. Clergymen regularly visit parts and colonies, and some of them are there permanently. Also do not forget about the sick, poor and lonely.
Since 2003, Vorkuta and Syktyvkar dioceseBegan to engage in active work on the spiritual education of medical workers. For this purpose, a special department was created by the diocese, headed by Archimandrite Philip.
During the meeting of the Holy Synod of the RussianThe Orthodox Church, which passed on April 16 of this year, decided to support the request of Bishop Pitirim and to divide the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta eparchies into two parts. As expected, this will only improve their activities.
During its existence, Vorkuta andThe 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. Great work is being done among the parishioners.
