Gomel City - one of the oldest centers of settlement in Russia and in modern Belarus.Its roots are lost in the depths of history, but we know that in the ninth century the territory of modern Gomel region were subordinated to the Kiev prince.Therefore, after the baptism of Rus to Christianity was spread quickly here.This eventually led to the fact that the region formed an independent Diocese of Gomel, where you can see the photos in the review.
Ancient History of the Diocese
first archaeological evidence to prove the existence of Christian communities in the Gomel region belong to the eleventh century.However, when it first appeared adherents of the Church in this area is hard to say.It is possible that before the year 988, the official date of adoption of Christianity in the area of the settlements functioning of the mission and the community of believers.
In 1054, when the formed principality of Chernigov, Gomel entered into its structure as one of the most important fortified cities.And in the church concerning its parishes and monasteries ruled Chernigov bishop.In addition, a number of territories, which are now also nourishes Gomel diocese were subject Turov and Smolensk departments.
Diocese from the XIV to XVIII centuries.
about church life of this period is known not so much.In the 30s of the fourteenth century Gomel joined the Lithuanian principality.
The documents of different ages are mentioned various Orthodox churches of the city.It Nicholas Cathedral end of the fourteenth century, the temple and then Prechistenskiy Trinity Church beginning of the sixteenth century.
In the eighteenth century, work began on the construction of religious school, and a few months later, in 1772, due to the partition of Poland Gomel passes under the control of the Russian crown.In this case the Orthodox Church on its territory under the jurisdiction of the diocese of Minsk.
Department in the XIX century
Gomel So there until the middle of the nineteenth century, when it became a district center as part of Mogilev province.At the same time on its territory erected new temples - in honor of Peter and Paul and the Holy Trinity.Just in the middle of the nineteenth century in Gomel it operated five Orthodox churches and one monastery.Needing to satisfy the spiritual education of seminary.
independent management Gomel diocese still had, all its affairs directed Mogilev archbishop.This situation continued it long enough, up to the twentieth century.It was caused by the fact that the number of Orthodox population was not so great for the establishment of an independent department.
Gomel diocese in the XX century (until 1990)
situation changed in the early twentieth century.Due to increase in population and the construction of a number of new churches Gomel Diocese acquired some weight.As a result, in 1907 as part of the Mogilev diocese was established Gomel vicariate.This status was maintained and the area after the 1917 revolution.Only in 1924 the Department of vicarious came from the care of the Bishop of Mogilev and gained independent status.First it became the ruling bishop Nikon (Degtyarenko).
But along with the independence of the Diocese of Gomel was faced with opposition from the authorities.In 1925, the second ruling bishop Tikhon (Sharapov) was arrested a few months after his appointment to the chair.Though legally he remained its head until 1934, the actual control necessary to realize other bishops.A little later, with the closing of the Cathedral of Peter and Paul in 1935, the diocese ceased to exist at all.
brief period of thaw came in the days of the Second World War.At that time, it functioned Gomel Diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, which retained the status of autonomous structures.After the war, she had ceased to exist.
Gomel Diocese since 1990
full-fledged revival of church life in the region was only in the 90s.twentieth century.Officially Gomel Diocese was restored in 1990 in the status of an independent department, whose canonical territory coincides with the boundaries of the field.The first bishop, designed to manage the newly opened diocese, became Bishop Aristarchus (Stankevich) with the title of "Gomel and Mozyr."
After two years from the diocese in an independent structure was derived Mozyr Department.As a result, the second center of the diocese became Zhlobin.
In 2007, within the Department of Gomel by the decision of the Holy Synod formed Rechitskoye vicariate, which, however, did not last long - until 2012.
After the death of Archbishop Aristarchos department was headed by Bishop Stephen (Neshcheret).
Gomel Diocese: parishes and deaneries
Today the territory of the department occupies a large area and has a large number of believers, whereby the direct leadership of the church structures in the field of the city center is difficult.Therefore Gomel Diocese, parishes which are dispersed in many parts of the region, is divided into ten districts, deaneries, which oversees the management of all parish activities and communicates communities with the administration of the ruling bishop.
total currently in the department, there are about 140 temples.In addition, there are four of the monastery, three of which (Tikhvin, Assumption and Korma) are female and one (St. Nicholas) male.
interaction of church and society in Gomel
between the various sectors of civil society and church structures is carried out by contact of ten specialized departments, which are located in the building of the diocesan administration.In addition to these functions several commissions on various issues concerning the life of the diocese.
With regard to church education, on the territory under the jurisdiction of the department are two youth fraternity - diocesan and monastery of St. Nicholas.In the same monastery for lay people regularly read lectures on spiritual education, local history and other relevant topics, the children's Bible study group Studio and the Gospel to young people and adults.
at diocesan level as a variety of events, such as the February tournament of intellectual games "Favor", which has international status, or a series of events dedicated to the Day of Orthodox books.
Youth fraternity engaged in work related to the children's homes.A number of priests of the diocese is working in prisons.Also, from time to time in the field carry out charity and other events.
Pilgrimage Tours
important place in the life of the department of the Gomel takes pilgrimage activities.On the part of the church leadership her department oversees the pilgrimage.The programs offered by the Diocese of Gomel - pilgrimages to holy and memorable for the Orthodox places of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.Also, the group regularly go abroad, for example in Italy.Every year, believing the youth goes to France in interfaith Teze monastery.But the most popular program that provides Gomel diocese - a trip to Jerusalem to the temple of the Holy Sepulchre.However, it provides routine visit other Christian holy sites located on the territory of modern Israel.
