Patriarch Sergius

Personality, politics and power. About the book by M.I. Odintsov “Patriarch Sergius” → F.L. Firsov Sergius Stragorodsky (1867–1944) led the Russian Orthodox Church during the most tragic periods of its history: during the formation of the communist state, he made every effort to find the right basis for the relationship between the church and the government, to bring to the consciousness of all believers that submission to the “atheistic government” is not a betrayal of God, that caring for the well-being of the Motherland is everyone’s responsibility; During the Great Patriotic War, he called for the fight against the invaders and selfless work in the rear; under his leadership, all Orthodox Russian clergy actively helped the defense of the country, strengthened the patriotic spirit of the Russian people, and provided significant material assistance to the front. All the activities of the patriarch were aimed at preserving the moral and spiritual connection of the church with the people. This book is the first complete study of the biography of Patriarch Sergius, based on documents and archival materials, memories and testimonies of contemporaries and devotees of this remarkable man. ...Judge not, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you... Gospel of Luke. 6:37, 38 The episcopal ministry... is a “ministry of reconciliation,” a pastoral ministry. To be a shepherd means to live not your own special life, but the life of the flock, to suffer from its illness, to bear its infirmities with the sole purpose: to serve its salvation, to die so that it lives. A true shepherd constantly, in his daily work, “lays down his life for the sheep,” renounces himself, his habits and comforts, his pride, and is ready to sacrifice his very life and even his soul for the sake of the Church of Christ, for the sake of the spiritual well-being of the verbal flock. Bishop Sergius (Stragorodsky). 1901 Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Sergius (Stragorodsky) State Security Colonel Georgy Grigoryevich Karpov stood at the window of his office. The autumn rain poured on the glass, but one could still see the outlines of the Kremlin towers. From the words of the state security commissioner, he knew that from there a call should follow to the Supreme Commander and there the colonel would have to name the name of the possible new Patriarch of Moscow. On the green cloth of the table lay prepared brief information about the candidates for the patriarchal throne: Metropolitan Nikolai (Yarushevich) of Kiev, Metropolitan Alexy (Simansky) of Leningrad and Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky) of Moscow. “Colonel Karpov...” an unfamiliar voice on the phone said more affirmatively than questioningly. - You can leave. The route has been changed, they are waiting for you at the Near Dacha. ...At exactly the appointed time, Karpov entered the house. The attendant silently opened the door and led him into the office. In the back, at the table, sat Stalin. Raising his head to the sound of the door opening, he looked intently at the newcomer. Then he pointed to one of the chairs. “Comrade Karpov,” the owner of the office immediately began, “the government has an opinion to normalize relations with the Orthodox Church and agree to the election of a patriarch.” In addition, create a special government body for relations with the future patriarch. What's your opinion? – Comrade Stalin, on the first two questions, I agree. But I’m not ready to give an answer to the last sentence. Maybe this will be the department for religious affairs under the Supreme Soviet of the USSR? “We’re not ready... And we...” Stalin moved his head to the side, and only now Karpov saw L.P. Beria and G.M. Malenkov sitting near the wall, “we are nominating you as the head of this body.” Well, it will be like this. Under the Council of People's Commissars we are forming a Council for the Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church. By the way,” Stalin looked at the piece of paper lying in front of him, “Georgy Grigorievich, are you Russian?” - Okay, okay... So do you agree with the new appointment? - I am a soldier of the party and the people. I will do everything that is assigned. - If so, give us your first proposal. Who will be our patriarch? Karpov took the package out of the folder and, handing it to Stalin, said clearly and loudly: – Sergius, Metropolitan of Moscow!