For the Russian Orthodox Church, 2011was marked by the beginning of the reform of the diocesan system. Within the framework of its program, the former and the creation of new dioceses, including those in the Gorodets and Nizhny Novgorod regions, have been disaggregated, uniting a number of parishes in the adjoining administrative boundaries.
Gorodets of the Nizhny Novgorod region - the oldest cityon the Volga shore. The mention of him in the annals dates back to the year 1172. It arose as a fortress for the protection of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality from the invasion of foreigners and for a long time was an important stronghold for its defense. Several times burned by enemies, but reborn and rebuilt again.
During the Russian Empire in the city livedas Orthodox Christians, and the Old Believers of different directions, therefore Gorodets of the Nizhny Novgorod region has long been considered the center of the Old Believers. With the advent of Soviet power, all churches were closed, irrespective of religion, and some of them were completely destroyed. Restoration of churches began in the 90s of the last century.
Dioceses are territorial areas, borderswhich are determined by state and church laws. They consist of a set of church institutions and communities and are part of a local church directly connected with government power. Dioceses are independent of each other in their internal affairs. Each of them is under the constant management of the local bishop, who has a very big influence within her.
The Diocese of Gorodets and Vetluzhskaya, founded in 2012 by the decree of the Holy Synod, is part of the Nizhny Novgorod Metropolitanate. It includes the following parishes of the municipal districts of the region:
The Diocese of Gorodetsky received the status ofan independent structural unit of the ROC. The reigning bishop elected Augustine (Anisimov), Bishop Gorodetsky and Vetluzhsky. The consecration of the Divine Liturgy took place on Palm Sunday on April 8, 2012 at the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Gorodets of the Nizhny Novgorod region became a cathedral city. The second department is located in the city of Vetluga.
The residence of Archbishop Augustine is located in the Fedorovsky Monastery, of which he still remains the vicar. Here, Vladyka holds meetings and meetings, and receives visitors.
Archbishop Augustine is known as a missionary anda talented preacher, theologian and jurist. He is the ideological inspirer and organizer of many projects, thanks to which the Fedorovsky Monastery and the Gorodets Diocese became widely known both in Russia and abroad. The ministry of Bishop Augustine, his sermons and soul-saving conversations always attract a lot of people. On forums at the Russian level, prominent figures of our country and foreign guests come to the Fedorovsky Monastery.
The diocese gave great glory to a small townGorodetskaya, headed by Bishop Augustine and the Fedorovsky Monastery. The historical fate of this monastery in the Soviet years is unenviable. In 1927 the monastery was closed and more than two decades in it were located various institutions. In the late 40s, temples were blown up altogether, building material was used for economic needs. Fortunately, the main relic has been preserved - the Theodore Icon of the Mother of God, which is now in the monastic museum.
The life of the monastery began to revive in 2009,when for a year Fedorovsky Cathedral was built. On September 12 of the same year, he was consecrated by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. At first there was no one in the monastery, except for the appointed hegumen Augustine. The formation of the Gorodets diocese gave impetus to a new life. Now, when the monastery boils up, it's hard to believe that a few years ago there was a wasteland here.
Currently on the territory of the monastery operatesOrthodox missionary center with a museum of the history of the monastery, an excursion service, an exhibition gallery, a cinema hall, a library, a conference hall and classrooms, a hotel for pilgrims. Many more new projects are planned. The monastery continues to expand its activities.