Letters from Smaragd (Kryzhanovsky), Archbishop of Ryazan (+ 1863, XI, 11), to Pelageya Vasilievna (Shenshina)

Contents No. I • No. II • No. III • No. IV The letters printed below from Smaragd (Kryzhanovsky), Archbishop of Ryazan († 1863, XI, 11), were delivered to us in the original by his relative, professor of the Kyiv Theological Academy Nikolai Feodosievich Mukhin 1, and we have been transferred to the library of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, where they will be among the manuscripts of the academic collection under No. A 11/368. The addressee is called in them only by name and patronymic, but everything convinces with certainty that this is Pelageya Vasilievna Kartashova-Shenshina 2. She was the daughter of the Maloarkhangelsk (Oryol province) nobleman and landowner Kartashov, born on July 30 around 1817 and at the age of seventeen she was married to a veteran of the 12th year (who was then 40 years old), artillery staff captain Alexander Alekseevich Shenshin, landowner of the village of Krivchikova (35 versts south of Orel and 7 c. from the city of Krom) 3, Kromsky district, Oryol province, and of the two in the latter, the Shenshin-Mtsensky and Kromsky families were included in the second. A.A. Shenshin died in Orel in 1864 and was buried on his Krivchikov estate, which went to his wife, but - along with these 100 dessiatines - she owned another 200 dessiatines in Mtsensk district, and then - after the death of her brother - she received an estate in Maloarkhangelsk district. Pelageya Vasilievna Shenshina died at the age of 64, in 1881, and was also buried in Krivchikovo. A woman of poor health (see p. 125) and not rich (p. 131), she was very religious and therefore acquired a good acquaintance with the Archbishop of Oryol (from November 12, 1844) Smaragd, who had a goodwill for this whole family, received its members in Orel and himself sometimes visited their estate, although he visited more and often spent the summer in the village. Shakhove (Kromsky district, 6 versts from Krivchikov), where his great admirer was the local landowner Elizaveta Andreevna Movchan, the widow of the action. Art. adviser (previously deceased P.V. Shenshina) 4. P.V. Shenshina deeply revered Smaragd and especially loved his solemn services, which is why, when she was in Orel, she tried to live close to the cathedral and attended all the bishop’s services. Friendly relations continued with the Shenshins even after the transfer (June 5, 1858) of Smaragd to Ryazan, as evidenced by the letters we publish. Pelageya Vasilyevna often visited Ryazan and even lived here in a special room in the bishop’s house. She was a fairly well-known figure in this city and for some reason was known there under the name “Princess.” Usually her visits to Ryazan were unexpected and short-lived. Only in 1863 did the stay drag on for a long time, and Pelageya Vasilyevna was directly at the very death of Smaragd and closed his eyes, but was forced to urgently leave Ryazan and was not present at the burial. She was a devoted admirer of Smaragd’s entire personality, especially admiring his always attractive services. To clarify the letters below, we inform you that in the family of Alexander and Pelageya Shenshin there were the following children: 1) Vladimir, born on December 25, 1836, after graduating from higher education in St. Petersburg, he was an engineer in Tula, but, having lost his father, he left the service and settled in the village. Krivchikov, which he inherited after the death of his mother. He has been the Kromsky district leader of the nobility for 42 years without a break. 2) Alexandra, born April 19, 1838, was married to Ratynsky, first a censor, and then a member of the Main Directorate for Press Affairs; Now both are dead. 3) Nikolai, born May 7, 1839, now also deceased. 4) Sergei, born in 1840, died in infancy. 5) Mary, born April 12, 1841; deprived of sight, now lives in the village. Krivchikov. 6) Vasily, born on October 12, 1842, died in the early sixties and was buried in St. Petersburg, where he arrived after completing a course in the Oryol Bakhtin Corps to enter the Konstantinovsky Military School. Vladimir and Vasily were the most beloved sons for their parents, and Smaragd himself had a special affection for the first, to whom he even presented his panagia, which he has kept to this day. So far, only four letters from the archbishop have been found. Smaragda to P.V. Shenshina, but there were more than 5 of them. These letters, published by us, are of a private, even intimate, nature and serve as important material for characterizing the everyday, “cell” life of the Reverend. Smaragda, dispelling different rumors and many prejudices that circulate about him almost to this day. For official-external circumstances, letter II-e, dated April 22, 1859, is of particular value, because it significantly clarifies a very painful point in Smaragd’s biography - about his acquisitiveness through bribery. Apparently, Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow also believed the rumors on this score, 6 who was embarrassed by the inheritance found after Smaragd’s death, 7 because “in terms of the amount saved, it was difficult for everything to come through the legal route, unless some accidents were assumed” 8 . Archbishop Innokenty (Borisov) back on March 6, 1842, sharply put forward Smaragda’s “incredible lack of conscience” on this subject 9, and after that similar accusations were enshrined in the famous Oryol “akathist” with exclamations: “Rejoice Smaragda, great lover of money!” – This rumor was put into wide circulation by † N. S. Leskov in “Trifles of Bishop’s Life” (chap. X and X), and, finally, a decisive sanction was given by Smaragd’s former student in the 10th year (1829–1833) of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, then its professor D. I. Rostislavov († 1877, II, 18). Unclear at the beginning, this rumor gradually acquired the force of traditional certainty, but to this day remains completely dark in all the most important respects and is not justified by the relevant facts. Therefore, others are more willing to transfer these accusations from Smaragd himself to his associates, especially to Ivan Andreevich Bonch-Bruevich, who was taken in Mogilev to the role of a household man, but by the Oryol period he had achieved the status of an influential secretary under the archbishop. Archim. Hierotheus (Dobritsky), who was intimately close under Smaragda for more than 21 years (from March 4, 1837 to July 8, 1858), directly states that it was in Orel that bribery began to develop under this ruler, attributing such a regrettable crisis to the disastrous participation of the cell attendant, from the former Vanka who had now turned into Ivan Andreevich, and even with an aristocratic surname (i.e. Bonch-Bruevich) 10. And Met. Filaret heard about the “importance of the secretary” Smaragdov 11, but in fact N.S. Leskov already slandered him under the name of the “terrible Bruevich”, into whose hands it is scary to fall 12. Of all these witnesses, the most authoritative is, of course, Archimandrite. Hierotheus, who, speaking unfavorably about Bruevich 13, notes his abuses in the sense of “throwing nets into the depths of beggars’ pockets” 14 and acquiring houses in Orel, God and people know by what means 15. However, until now it was possible to suspect an exaggeration here due to the natural antipathy towards the new bishop's favorite from the previous one, who lost his close proximity to Smaragd after the transition of Fr. Hierotheus to Mtsensk on the occasion of his appointment (March 17, 1847) as rector of the Peter and Paul Monastery, from which time he “no longer takes upon himself the responsibility to speak” about his archpastor with complete determination 16. Under such conditions, a free space opened up for the rehabilitation of Bruevich. And, indeed, the archbishop. Nikanor (Brovkovich) categorically protested against criticism of the latter and characterized him on the good side 17, but other people spoke equally favorably about him, sometimes referring to their “priestly conscience” 18. Now all misunderstandings and disputes have been significantly eliminated, with the tilt not at all in Bruevich’s favor. Smaragd himself writes about him on April 22, 1859, that “the worthless grass is out of the woods,” and in his successor “he hopes to find a disinterested man, instead of a greedy and predatory wolf” and to have in him “an assistant in business, instead of a lazy and reckless ignoramus,” and he also gives an example of the selfish scams of the “most ungrateful Bruevich,” who pursued his own species and selfishly cared about pompous departures. This directly exposes Smaragd’s abuse of trust and proximity to him. Although the evidence in question dates back to the Ryazan period, it is clear that at that time Bruevich was already a skilled businessman with a long experience. We have the right to assume that he began to demonstrate and exercise these qualities back in Orel. Based on all that has been said, it is necessary to agree that there were people around Smaragd who selfishly took advantage of their position, if it is also reported about Ivan Ivanovich, unknown to us, that he had to be driven away, “because a lot of mischief, liberties and dishonesty were discovered behind him, which would be completely harmful for the future, for the interest and peace of mind” of Smaragd. The latter was not involved in this, but under him there were exploitative financial abnormalities, of which Smaragdov’s “secretary” was also guilty. There is still a poor memory of him in this regard in the Oryol province. They say that Bruevich made a good fortune. In the city of Orel he had two houses, one of which he even wanted to adapt for Smaragd’s stay when, on the occasion of his transfer to Ryazan, the archbishop was thinking of retiring 19 . Each of the five sons was given by Bruevich an estate in different districts of the Oryol province. So, in Kromskoye, the youngest son, and now his minor granddaughter, received more than 500 dessiatines, another - Nikolai - owned more than 200 dessiatines there, the third - Andrey - had the same amount in Dmitrovsky district, the other two were equally rewarded in Bolkhovsky district. However, this good, as someone else’s, was of no use, according to the well-known rule of conscientious folk wisdom. We were not able to trace the fate of I. A. Bruevich and his family; We know only a few facts, and they speak of a complete decline in financial “well-being.” The Oryol house was sold long ago, and I. A. Bruevich himself recently lived and died in poverty in Kyiv. Of the five sons, two have already died, and the daughters-in-law are in Orel. The children living today do not have independent material security and earn money by far from easy labor in the provincial invisible service (for example, one in Kharkov in the postal department, another in Kyiv at the city water supply). Nevertheless, we cannot deny what Smaragd himself claims - and on the issue of bribery, letter II outlines the true situation where hitherto we saw either malicious slander against the archpastor, or his personal acquisitiveness, greed, which in unrestrained fantasy grew to fantastic proportions 20. This alternative is now losing its sharpness, because bribery - although not grandiose - was committed not by Smaragd, but only under Smaragd - through the abuse of some of his trusted people. The fact is not joyful, but, unfortunately, quite common and - alas! – not archaeological at all... Professor N. Glubokovsky Essentuki, Terek region, 1910, VII, 23° – Friday. To the most virtuous Lady Pelageya Vasilyevna - we testify to our sincere goodwill, and, for all her activities, both material and mental, we ask for God’s all-pervading blessing! We are greatly delighted by your writing dated March 22nd, testifying to your success in your inner Christian life. Truly, you have found for yourself two very solid supports, with which your life is and will be greatly supported, which, as you yourself explain, is not without sensitive sorrows. Patience and hope! What strong supports! Patience is such a consolation in all the misfortunes of life that these latter ones lose at least three shares of their cruelty from the first. The soul that adheres to patience will not be slow to feel its benefits. No matter how heavy our cross may be, it cannot completely depress us until patience fails us. What about hope? - oh, she revives the most dull spirit! As long as hope accompanies a person, he cannot fall. The obstinacy, bitterness and various disgusts that we endure from others delight in the hope that they will certainly come to an end. And, if some are consoled even by unrealistic expectations (they hope against hope): then hope should be all the more delightful when there are sufficient signs of a change in fate. - And so, continue, continue to be strengthened by courageous patience and expectation, with the help of God, for the best, and you will undoubtedly triumph over bad happiness. But you are already triumphant; for what does that constancy mean, with which your virtue is crowned? In a weak body, in a meager vessel, it is nevertheless unshakable, like a stone mountain against which fierce waves crash... Thanks be to the Lord, who gives you firmness amid the troubles of life. Continue to stick to the same path you have taken, remembering that without consistency, no business ends well. We ourselves, with God’s help, adhere to this same rule, and feel great benefit from it. What can I tell you about our life? – Since our last notification, nothing new has happened to us. Thank God everything is fine. My health is not bad. Things are going well. Elder Lyudmila 21 brought me a lot of consolation, constantly taking care of our external comfort. She herself feels freer here, after the Bolkhov communal crowded conditions 22 . She tells and it is clear from everything that the community sisters are not happy with her leaving the community; because they expected to get constant profit from her. That's what friends are like! Bolkh is also true. The 23rd community adheres to the old proverb: Love your friend as long as he can give you anything!!! Where is the nobility? But now many, not without reason, claim that there is hardly any true friendship in the world, and that friends are valued only by their benefits... Oh woe! Shouldn't a community that exists on such foundations soon collapse? She deserves contempt and destruction! It is heard that her notorious boss has already returned from S.P. Burg. I asked for 800 rubles. Ser. And the debt on the community is almost more!? But let's leave it. For this I turn with prayer to the Heavenly Physician of souls and bodies, may He, the All-Good One, preserve your health in unharmed strength, and your spirit in peaceful tranquility. Hello and continue to be kind to us! Always honoring you: S.A.R. Ilyin’s letter 24 about the carriage is not without use for us. He hasn't done anything yet, and his money is disappearing. If a trustworthy cook is found anywhere in your province, we ask you to recommend him to us as a person we really need 25. To the most virtuous Mrs. Pelageya Vasilyevna we send our heartfelt greetings and sincere well wishes, and express our sincere gratitude for the Kromsk letters dated 9° and 17° April. Both were received correctly at the same time yesterday. Having given thanks to God for your health and all possible peace of mind, we inform you, O soul of Christ! And about some of our circumstances: thanks to Heavenly Providence! health is in a fairly satisfactory state, and peace of mind changes like a barometer, and rarely goes back to “bau tems” 27. – Recently, unpleasant news was received here that the required amount 28 has been allocated for the necessary works and renewal of our House; that a lot can serve to strengthen my health; because last winter, due to the dilapidation of the House, in which there was wind and draft everywhere, I was always in danger of a fatal cold. Now this danger must end. “A change has occurred between my servants and others around me. Ivan Ivanov is no longer with me. I couldn’t keep him with me any longer; because a lot of mischief, liberties and dishonesty were revealed behind him, which would be completely harmful for the future, for my interest and peace of mind. He now lives in the city and is looking for a place for himself. However, I am trying to place him in Moscow as a clerk, with a rich merchant, a local native, to whom I have already written about this, and am expecting an answer in the next few days. Iv. Andr. 29 Although he is still here, he is already getting ready to go on his way. Useless grass out of the field! – In his place, by May 15th, I expect the arrival of my brother, Semyon Petrovich 30, from Kyiv. I have already sent him a monetary allowance (for he is very poor), necessary for his journey and movement with his wife (Ekaterina Evgenievna 31) and small children: Vladimir and George 32. And he writes to me that he will try his best to arrive here as soon as possible. I hope to find in him a selfless person, instead of a greedy and predatory wolf... I hope to have an assistant in business, instead of a lazy and reckless ignorant... - Here comes spring, the queen of leaves and flowers, is already opening its march! Previously, I thought at the beginning of spring, and precisely from May 15°, to go to review the subordinate department, but now I think to postpone my trip until June 20° 33, and even further, as circumstances allow. And at home there is a lot of work that needs to be completed; Moreover, I am expecting the arrival of one person, with whom I really need to meet and talk about necessary matters: all this keeps me in residence until an indefinite time. – Regarding the cook 34, I will tell you that, for myself, I am very pleased with our Philip. But when I have people over, then I feel quite a bit of difficulty in preparing better and more delicate dishes; I don’t want to keep the metro-hotels here. For taking the boy into the kitchen, I offer you my special gratitude, hoping that, at least in a few years, he will become a good cook who can serve me in some way. Karetnik Ilyin’s letter is no longer needed for us 35. He has already sent us an excellent barrel organ, which, however, is of little use to us, but we needed a simple droshky. He did all this without permission, and against my wishes, the most ungrateful Br...vich 36, having his own plans and envisioning his own trips, which, however, did not come true.. I hear that Moscow has been renewed with a new Governor-General Serg. Grigor. Count Stroganov, and Gr. Zakrevsky left 37 .. The news, especially for Moscow, is very important! I will still write to you, and I will expect news from you. But it’s a pity and annoyance that your letters now sometimes take 10–12 days to reach here (and mine also to you). This is what the post office is like these days! But there is nothing to do! - Peace to your pure soul. Your most benevolent S.A.R. Whenever this charter reaches you, I am writing it on the memorable 30th of July - on the longed-for day of your birth, 39, on which I greet you with all my soul. Reviewing the past series of years, you, of course, will thank the Lord your Savior. It was He, the All-Good One, who sometimes wet you with tears, but also wiped them away with consolations; sent you bitter trials, but also replaced them with happy events; fatherly humbled, but also had mercy on you with his clearly tangible goodness. Oh, sing to Him a thousand times: “Bless my soul the Lord” 40. And I will add: “Lord be with her!” forever, and may Your providential blessing rest upon her! – I rejoice immensely and thank God when I saw 41 from your letter that you are not moving on your chosen spiritual path. And for my questions about steadfastness on this path, please forgive me generously. My questions did not arise from doubt about anyone’s changeability, but in order to receive a favorable answer, all the more have spiritual consolation, and all the more sincerely glorify God, who affirms all human paths. Truly, your path is difficult, but isn’t the Lord strong, and perhaps soon, to level the steepest and highest mountains with destinies known to Him alone? At the same time: what feats are valued more highly? Are they those that cost us nothing, or those that we accomplish with the sacrifice of our best strength, to the best of our ability? Without a doubt, these last exploits, and they alone, are worthy of heavenly and earthly reward. And so, why fall into lack of faith, hesitation, doubt? - if a mortal, but noble person pays his neighbor for good - with kindness, for services - with services, for diligence - with gratitude: then even more so the Lord always corresponds to the believing soul - with his favor, his help, his love and its eternal glorification: Those who glorify Me, I will glorify 42. He never forgets the soul that seeks Him, but He Himself always seeks, always calls upon it, until He calls to Himself, finds it, unites with it, and makes it a participant in His eternal bliss. In what kind of fidelity should we always remain in relation to our Lord? “Since our last notice, everything has been fine here.” General and private health is good. So (it’s a good time to say) it’s good that something like this hasn’t happened for a long time. This probably happened from the former movement, or from medications, which, as Doctors say, do not act suddenly, but are slowly absorbed into the blood and eventually bring the expected benefit. – There was a public exam in our shelter not long ago (6 p.m.) 43 . The children made good progress in science and arts and crafts. But it’s a pity that the latter’s mentor is Alec. Pavel. Likhachova turned out to be not entirely trustworthy. It is learned that she is fighting with children in the classroom. For such a reckless temper, she was given a severe reprimand, after which, if she does not correct herself, she will have to say goodbye to her elegant art. It will be a great pity! 44 Mrs. Lyudmila 45 now reveals her zeal for us by preparing jams, pickles and all kinds of ...nya 46; and Ekaterina Tikhonovna 47 was very unwell the previous week. She is completely better now. I don’t know: did she answer your wonderful letter to her? - Circumstances serve as an excuse for her slowness, which she will no doubt correct. May the peace of God be in your pure soul! Best wishes to you: † We sincerely welcome the most honest and well-behaved Lady Pelageya Vasilievna, and send her our blessing! Thank you to the Lord, who helped you to successfully complete your last journey, so necessary and useful for your youngest daughter! 49 In truth, you do not spare any labor or little of your property for her benefit (as well as for all your children), and if you manage to correct her vision, then what a great reward is being prepared for you in heaven, for your intense, maternal care for her! You now intend to live for some time in your village 50. Good deed! “Happy is the one who is far from the bustle of the city, “As in the old days, when there was an ancient light, “On his own horses he fertilizes the land, "Does not owe anyone 51, remains at peace; “He doesn’t need to know all the places present, “And nobles visit stone chambers, etc. God only grant that village life will replenish your poor health and keep you in the desired peace! O peace, peace! “I also remembered some student poems about this subject, which I think would not be superfluous to serve you as well: “Listen! – what makes our life blissful? "Whoever has troubles 52 and does not know court cases 53, “He who is weighty, joyful, always without change; “He has a friend who has intact limbs; “Not much gold, no discord; “There are not many dishes, and only natural, simple ones. “In his actions he is not bound and free, “His sleep is not long, so he is always calm; “He doesn’t complain about fate, he’s happy with it, “There is no pride in happiness, no groan is heard in trouble, “This one looks at death itself with indifference, “He does not shudder, just as he does not desire 54. Isn't it true that the person described can truly be called happy? But another question: Are there such lucky people anywhere in the world? At least I haven't seen them anywhere. Everyone grumbles and complains, one about this, the other about something else. So I grumble. From what? – Because, despite all the medical efforts of Mr. Doctor Lunin 55 , I have not yet returned to a primitive state of health, and there is nothing to talk about peace of mind; in this regard, everything we do contradicts the content of the above verses. Be that as it may, for everything we are obliged to thank the Lord, who attracts us to Himself by renouncing all worldly comforts and lures. I don’t think about moving anywhere until the 25th of June; and there, even if I go somewhere, it will be for no more than 10 days. Write to us about yourself in detail; I’m talking about this because in your last letter (dated on the 3rd) we did not find the desired detail and certainty, probably due to the hasty production of the onago, separation from Vassenka 56 and, perhaps, some other troubles.. – We willingly cross out our note from the calendar (and there was none in our hearts at all). But forgive me if I say that you should always act in such a way that you don’t regret the past and don’t be afraid of the future! Blessed are your tears; they, of course, do not come from weak nervousness, and are not like water flowing in vain and uselessly; for “he who scatters with tears reaps with joy” 57 . This is enough for your understanding mind and well-behaved heart... Accept also the assurance of my true respect, with which I remain unforgettably: Certain. At this hour, news has been received that V. Prince Konstantin Nikolaevich has given birth to a son: Dimitri 59. His first wife, Varvara Nikolaevna, was the daughter of Kyiv Archpriest Nikolai Ivanovich Florinsky (†1900, VII, 12), married to Smaragd’s niece Ekaterina Gavrilovna (†1898, X, 11), the daughter of his elder brother, Archpriest Gabriel Petrovich Kryzhanovsky (1†836, I, 10). See prof. N. N. Glubokovsky, Genealogy of Smaragd (Kryzhanovsky), Archbishop of Ryazan, in “Readings at the Society of Russian History and Antiquities at Moscow University” 1911, book. I, dept. IV, pp. (22–25). We largely use information about her and her family that was kindly provided to us by Vl. A. Shenshin, although we bring information from other sources. See about him in the book “Historical description of churches, parishes and monasteries of the Oryol diocese,” vol. I: Bolkhov - Kromskaya district (Orel 1905), pp. 457–458. See “Historical description of churches, parishes and monasteries of the Oryol diocese” I, pp. 462–464. From the notes of the Right Reverend Leonid, Archbishop of Yaroslavl, in “Soulful Reading” 1896, p. 356, where it is reported that Met. Filaret told Leonid after Smaragd’s transfer from Orel to Ryazan that “he plundered one diocese, and will plunder another.” See Letters of Metropolitan. Philaret to the Highest Persons and Various Other Persons II (Tver 1888), p. 205: “It’s not a bright feature that the one who introduced himself [Archbishop Smaragd] left about 100,000 rubles. Maybe it will brighten up if a will is found about them that is generally useful.” (Letter to Chief Prosecutor A.P. Akhmatov dated November 21 1863) 222: “The information about the late Right Reverend Smaragd is very sad. Here they remember him as a sensible and kind man when he was the rector of the Bethany Seminary. He was like that in St. Petersburg, when Metropolitan Seraphim took him to the rector of the St. Petersburg Academy and to the vicar I proposed. he wanted to dismiss the Most Reverend Smaragd from service: but I don’t know why this was postponed.” (To him on January 22, 1864). Ibid. II, page 210: “About the inheritance of the Right Reverend Smaragd, I heard the conclusion from his notes that nothing was acquired in Ryazan, but everything was acquired in the dioceses that were under his control before. Probably, significant savings could have been in Astrakhan. There are multi-income church estates there. However, in terms of the amount of savings, it was difficult for everything to come by legal means, unless we assume some accidents. There will be no publicity favorable: one relief is possible - a good will. God willing, it would be found." (Letter to Chief Prosecutor A.P. Akhmatov dated November 29, 1863). See “Readings in the Society of Russian History and Antiquities” 1869, book. I, dept. V, page 99. See “Oryol Diocesan Gazette” 1906, No. 20, pp. 597–601, as well as in “Christian Reading” for 1911, letters from Smaragd to Archimandrite. Hierotheus, No. 54. See letter from Metropolitan. Philaret Smaragda dated April 18, 1859 in “Readings in the Society of Lovers of Spiritual Enlightenment” 1871, book. XIII, page 48: “The Nets from your former Diocese [Oryol] told me about the hotel you built for housing the clergy, not without compensation, and about the importance of your secretary. If it’s fair, then it’s not advisable for you to allow something like this to happen at your new duty station” [in Ryazan]. See “Trifles of Bishop's Life” according to the publication of “Niva” (St. Petersburg, 1903), p. 66. Probably, the confusing message of Mr. P. I. Bartenev (in the “Russian Archive” 1907, book III, p. 480) applies to Bruevich that “even the severity of Smaragd was not successful: the ruler of his consistory (sic!?) He became so rich that the beautiful Oryol village of the famous I.V. Lopukhin came into his possession.” See “Memoirs” about Smaragd by Archimandrite. Hierotheus on page 79 vol. – 81 rev.; and especially about the Oryol period - l. 47 rev. – 48 according to the Kyiv edition and l. 80–83 et cf. 47. 127 Ryazan edition. Ibid., l. 127 rev., 128 approx. Kyiv. ed. See in “Christian Reading” for 1911, letters from Smaragd to Archimandrite. Hierotheus, No. 54. See also “Memoirs” of Fr. Hierotheus only according to the Kyiv edition, l. 47 rev. – 48: “Orel and the entire Diocese [of Oryol] now see with their own eyes, they know and point their fingers at those who abused their proximity to the Archpastoral Person and some power of attorney. – there is no need to pay attention to the unworthy: it, as it were, laughs before the Light with its audacity. The darkness of deeds has the durability of its colors: nothing can wash it away. At the same time, the immaculate personality of the Lord is only reflected more brightly” [Smaragda]. "Memory" about. Hierothea L. 42 Kyiv. Ed. And l. 42 rev. Ryazan. ed. See “Church and Public Bulletin” VI (1879), No. 27, p. 4. See, for example, the Astrakhan archpriest N. Vasilkovsky and I. II. from Enotaevsk in the “Church and Public Bulletin” VI (1879), No. 46, p. 6c; No. 47, p. 7a. See in “Christian Reading” for 1911, letters from Smaragd to Archimandrite. Hierotheus, No. 54. So, even we heard that Smaragd (in Orel) always had his monastic hood on the table in the reception room, into which each petitioner - for the success of his petition - was obliged to make an appropriate contribution. This legend reminds us of another fable, as if in the hallway of the Voronezh Consistory there was a “bear” with a mug and a plate in its paws for the same purpose; but when we arrived there (in 1890) for service and checked everything on the spot, it turned out that this “bear” was only in the dense forest of human gossip, especially biased about bribery in the Consistories and towards the clergy in general. See Letter III-e on page 131. Mother Lyudmila, in the world the widow of General Nadezhda Anufrievna Grevs, first entered the Sevsky Monastery, and then settled in Orlovsky, where she even acquired her own cell, but - after Smaragd was transferred to Ryazan - she could not get along with the new abbess (from the bourgeoisie) and moved temporarily to Bolkhov to a friend of hers Bolkhovskaya abbess S.I. Trubitsyna (see note 2). When Smaragd settled down in the new diocese, he himself summoned Lyudmila to him, and she (being assigned to the Kazan monastery?) lived in the bishop's house, managed some household affairs there, was constantly present at the services of the bishop and unofficially monitored the order in the shelter (see p. 130, d). She stayed in Ryazan until Smaragd’s death, after which she returned to Orel, where there was a new abbess “from the noble”, college educated, Antonia, who was already disposed towards her. Now mother Lyudmila lived a short time and died, lamenting the loss of the archbishop. Smaragda, whom she deeply revered as a spiritual father. (Community according to information from the current Bolkhov abbess Ilaria with some additions from other sources). Of course, the Bolkhov monastery, which was founded in 1851 and existed since 1856 as a community, having received the All Saints Cemetery Church for its use, was converted into a communal monastery in 1875, which was elevated to the second class in 1901; it is now located half a mile from the city of Bolkhva and is called the Bolkhovsky Mother of God-All (ex) Saints Convent. The founder was the general’s daughter, Tula landowner Sofya Iosifovna Trubitsyna (née Kadeus), who donated 6,000 rubles. and worked in every possible way to establish a monastery, for which she asked the city for concessions of empty land, petitioned (in 1859) for the allocation of a forest plot (see in the Archives of the Holy Synod, cases 1857 No. 1694; 1859 No. 1983), etc. She managed to erect two churches and cells for sisters, numbering up to 200. Having accepted monasticism in 1875 with the name of Vera, she was an abbess and died at the age of 81 (or 79 ½ years) on January 15, 1885 as schema-abbess Sophia (see Archives of the Holy Synod, case 1885, No. 99). See † G. M. Pyasetsky, Historical sketches of the city of Bolkhov (Eagle 1875), pp. 134–170. L. I. Denisov. Orthodox monasteries of the Russian Empire (Moscow 1908), pp. 640–641; “Additions to the Church Gazette” 1901, No. 49, p. 1192, as well as letters from Smaragd to Fr. Hierotheus No. 21 in “Christian Reading” for 1911 That is, Bolkhovskaya, S.I. Trubitsyna (see above). Karetnik: see letter II, see below. See letter II to this, see below. Correctly it should be like this: beau temps, i.e. good weather. In general, Smaragd took care of maintaining the dilapidated historical building of the bishop's house (see also † Archip. Nikanor [Brovkovich], Biographical Materials I, Odessa 1900, p. 249, and cf. Smaragd’s letter to Count D.N. Tolstoy in the “Russian Archive” 1899, book VI. p. 218 and † Nik. P. Barsukova. Life and works of M. P. Pogodin, book XXXI, St. Petersburg, 1907, pp. 184–185), as the former palace of the appanage princes of Ryazan (cf. also in A. Dittel in “Readings in the Society of Russian History and Antiquities”, 1859, book III, section I, p. 108–109). See also “Christian Reading” for 1911 in Smaragd’s letters to Archimandrite. Hierotheus. Ivan Andreevich (Bonch)-Bruevich. He died in Ryazan near Smaragd on September 6, 1860: see in “Christian Readings” for 1911, letter 60 from Smaragd to Archimandrite. To Hierotheus, December 31, 1860 This incorrect patronymic is corrected in ink by another hand: Tikhonovna, just as Smaragd himself calls the wife of his brother Semyon in letter III, see below. About this Smaragd brother and his family, see N. N. Glubokovsky: Genealogy of Smaragd (Kryzhanovsky), Archbishop of Ryazan, in “Readings in the Society of Russian History and Antiquities” 1911, book. I, dept. IV, pp. 25–27. The original does not write clearly, so you can read: July. Count Arseny Aleksandrovich Zakrevsky († January 11, 1865) was dismissed from the post of Moscow Governor-General on April 16, 1859, and on the 17th Count Sergei Grigorievich Stroganov († March 28, 1882) was appointed in his place: see letters from the Metropolitan. Philaret to the abbot of the Holy Trinity Lavra Anthony, part IV (Moscow 1884), p. 179; the dismissal of the first was unexpected, and M. Filaret says on this occasion that “this is how the image of this world suddenly passes away.” According to some probability, this letter dates back to the same 1859, when Smaragd was expecting his brother and his wife Ekaterina Tikhonovna in Ryazan on May 15 (see above), and the latter, according to this letter, turns out to be already with Smaragd. Inserted below by Smaragd’s hand: “(from your letter of July 18).” See I Sam. II, 30: Only those who glorify Me will I glorify. By “shelter” here we mean the School for Girls of the Clergy, founded in 1852 by the predecessor of Smaragdov, Archbishop. Gabriel (Gorodkov, † April 7, 1872), and now the Diocesan Women's School. His bosses were: 1) the widow of Archpriest Tatiana Polikarpovna Svetlova from October 31, 1852 to June 1856; 2) widow of the priest Alexandra Ivanovna Guseva from October 1, 1856 to August 1, 1861; 3) widow of the priest Alexandra Matveevna Smirnova from August 14, 1861 to August 6, 1877. Reverend. Smaragd, during his administration of the Ryazan diocese, was concerned with streamlining the structure of school life and finding persons who best met the service requirements. Thus, in 1859, he discharged novice Evfemia Soyutina from the Orlovsky Vvedensky Monastery (who entered there on February 23, 1853 from the peasants of Tauride Gubernia, being 38 years old) and enrolled her in the ranks of the novices of the Ryazan Kazan Convent, but ordered her obedience to take place at the Ryazan School of Girls of the Clergy “at his direct discretion.” It is believed that this was done because Smaragd wanted to have a loyal official in the school, who, not being connected with other employees by ties of kinship or close acquaintance, could secretly observe the general course of school life and sometimes inform him of various incidents in the school. Alexandra Pavlovna Likhacheva, a girl from the nobility, completed a course in the house of industriousness and was appointed to the “orphanage” as a teacher of needlework in 1858 - to fill a vacant position, following dismissal in 1856. the same teacher Lyudmila Svetlova, the daughter of the first head of this “orphanage”. A.P. Likhacheva was dismissed in 1859 at the request submitted according to the proposal of the archbishop. Smaragda. See letter I–e on page 125, 1. That is, all kinds of supplies of the same kind: jams, pickles, cookies, etc. It is said in Smaragd “...nya,” as we sometimes say about “nigliists and other ...ists.” Wife of Smaragdov's brother Semyon Petrovich Kryzhanovsky: see letter II–e on page 128. That is: Humble Smaragd, Archbishop of Ryazan and Zaraisk. That is, Mary: see page 119. That is, of course, in the village of Krivchikov. These words are emphasized in the letter by Smaragd himself. Smaragd liked to quote various “poems”, for example, in letters to the archbishop. Innocent Borisov (see "Ryazan Diocesan Gazette" 1896, No. 20, p. 699) and Archimandrite. Hierotheus (No. 59 in “Christian Reading” for 1911), and he even composed an epitaph for himself in the form of a quatrain, which still adorns his grave in the Ryazan Archangel Cathedral (see I. S. [ladkope Vtsev] in “Additions to the Ryazan Diocesan Gazette” 1865, No. 7, p. 187). We don’t know where the real poems come from. According to the instructions of Prof. Alexander Iustinovich Malein, the first of the poems is a close translation from Horace and specifically the 2nd episode: Beatus ille, gui procul negotiis, Ut prisca gens mortalium, Paterna rura bobus exercet suis Forumgue vitat et superba eivium Potentiorum limina, etc. The second poem may resemble a paraphrase of the following epigram of Martial (X, 47): Vitam guae faciant beatiorem, Jocundissime Mortalis? Haec sunt: [Res non parta lobore, sed relicta; Non ingratus ager, focus perennis.] Lis numguam, toga rara, mens guieta: Vires ingenuae, salubre corpus, Prudens simplicitas, pares amici; Convietus facilis, sine arte mensa, Nox non ebria, sed solute curis, Non tristis torus, et tamen pudicus, Somnus, gui faciat breves tenebras: Quod sis, esse velis nihilgue malis, Summun nec metuas diem, nec optes. Doctor Lunin was a practicing doctor in Ryazan and was the house doctor of the Reverend. Smaragda. That is, son Vasily, who left for St. Petersburg. See Psalm. 125:5: Those who sow tears will reap with joy. He was born on June 1, 1860.