To name Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) constantly attracted the attention of the political press in Russia.Some consider it almost a "gray eminence", dictating its will to Vladimir Putin, others believe that the President of the Russian Federation rather constant communication with the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, the Orthodox duhovnikom.Odnako wise thinking, going back to the name of the Orthodox preacher Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunova), will certainly want to note that this is a very smart and shrewd modern man who keenly feels responsible for the fate of his people and Motherland, a monk who has taken on a very serious commitment to God.
The history of monasticism
Christian monasticism is a community life that begins with the moment when the people of their own accord renounces all worldly goods, and begins to live according to certain statutes, which always followed a vow of chastity, humility and total obedience.
first became a Christian monk of St.Anthony the Great, who lived in ancient Egypt in 356 BC.e.It was not a poor man, but he sold all his possessions and gave the money to the poor.And then he settled near his home and began to lead a reclusive, spending all the time in unceasing prayer and the reading of the Holy God. Scripture.This served as a model for other hermits who began to settle in their cells near it.Over time, this type of community began to emerge almost all over central and northern Egypt.
emergence of monasticism in Russia
In Russia the appearance of monasteries associated with the 988 year time the Baptism of Russia.Greek monks who came near the city of Vyshgorod Spassky Monastery was founded.Around the same time, St. Anthony brings Ancient Rus Athos monastic vows and becomes the founder of the famous Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, which would become the center of all religious life in Russia.Now St.Anthony of the Caves is revered as the "chief of all Russian churches."
Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov).Biography.The path to monasticism
Prior to the adoption of monasticism, he was Grigory Shevkunov.Future Archimandrite was born in a family of doctors in Moscow in the summer of 1958.As an adult, he entered VGIK on scriptwriting and film history department, which has successfully graduated in 1982.After graduation, he became a novice of the Holy Dormition Pskov-Caves Monastery, where later his fate thus decisively influenced ascetics and monks, of course, good and holy confessor Archimandrite John (Krestiankin).
In 1986, Gregory begins his career with work in the department of the Moscow Patriarchate Publishing, which was led by Metropolitan Pitirim (Nechaev).It was during these years, he is working on a study of all the historical facts and documents about the origin of the Christian Orthodox Church and the life of holy men.By the millennium of the Baptism of Russia Grigory produced a huge number of films with religious and educational plan, where he acted as a writer and as a consultant.Thus, in the life of the atheist Soviet citizens gaining momentum a new round, leading to the knowledge of the true canons of Christian orthodoxy.And at the same time engaged in the reissue of the future Archimandrite Ancient Paterik and other spiritual books.
adoption of monasticism
summer of 1991 Gregory Shevkunov takes monasticism in the Donskoy Monastery of Moscow, where he was dubbed Tikhon.During his service in the monastery, he participated in the acquisition of the relics of St. Tikhon, who were buried in the Cathedral of the Don in 1925.And soon it becomes a monastery abbot of the Pskov-Caves Monastery, located in a building of ancient Sretensky Monastery in Moscow.I am sure it is worth noting a feature that has Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) where he is, there's always felt his true purpose and firmness of belief.
Life Archimandrite
in 1995 was ordained a monk's abbot, and in 1998 - the rank of Archimandrite.A year later he became the rector of the Higher Orthodox Sretensky monastery school, which was later transformed into the seminary.About Sretensky Monastery, Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) always speaks with great affection and gratitude.
Then together with the brothers from 1998 to 2001 he repeatedly visited the Chechen Republic, which brings humanitarian aid.And actively participates in the process reintegrate the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (ROCA).From 2003 to 2006, Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) was a member of the Commission on the preparation of dialogue and act on canonical address.Then he gets the post of secretary of the Patriarchal Council for Culture and becomes the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Committee for Cooperation with the museum community.
In 2011, Archimandrite Tikhon - already a member of the Supreme Church Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as a member of the board of trustees of the charity Foundation of St. Basil the Great, the Academy of Natural Sciences and a permanent member of the club Izborsk.
Archimandrite church has a number of awards, including the Order of Friendship for the preservation of spiritual and cultural values, handed to him in 2007.His creative works can be admired.A conversation with Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) are always very lively, interesting and understandable for everyone.
film "Monastery.Pskov-Pechora monastery »
impossible to ignore the amazing and unique work of its kind, which is called" The Monastery.Pskov-Pechora monastery. "This film Gregory Shevkunov withdrew in 1986 amateur camera, when there was Archimandrite Tikhon, and had just graduated from the Institute of Cinematography.After graduation he went to the Pskov-Caves Monastery, where he spent 9 years of novitiate at the elder Jonah (Krestyankin) and later took monastic vows.
main theme of the film is devoted to the Pskov-Caves Monastery, which is known to the Russian church that has kept elders.It is the only monastery, which never closed, even in Soviet times.Before the 30s, he was on the territory of Estonia, so the Bolsheviks did not have time to destroy, and then came the war.In fact, many elders and ministers of the monastery were at the front.
Many lumped in his archive was still future Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) photo and video monastic life brethren.In the film, he shows the most expensive and important to the heart of the monk's place, one of which is a special miracle created by God - the cave in which during the existence of the monastery is buried 14 thousand people.When you come into the cave, it is surprising that there is not felt absolutely no smell of decay.Once a person dies, after three days the smell there, but once introduced into the body of the cave, he disappears.This phenomenon is still no one can explain, even scientists.This sense of spiritual feature of the monastery walls.
Love of the Pskov-Pechersk monks
astonishing life story of an old man Melhisideka, one of the most amazing companions monastery, which says Gregory Shevkunov.Looking into his eyes, you know that it's a real ascetic, confessor and the prayer book, which has been at war since come to the monastery and worked as a turner.He did his own hands lectern ark and crosses.But one day he had a stroke, and was pronounced dead.But John (Krestiankin), who was the spiritual father of the entire fraternity and which is also a lot of writing in his stories, Archimandrite Tikhon began to pray for his father Melhisideka, and the miracle happened.After a while, the old man came to life and began to cry.After that, he took vows as a schema rank and became even to pray to God.
Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) later recalled that one day he asked the elder Melhisideka about what he saw when he was dead.He said he was on a meadow near the ditch, which was all he was doing with his hands - it was the ark, analogia and crosses.And then he felt that he was worth the Virgin, who told him: "We were waiting for you to prayer and penance, and that's what brought you to us."After that the Lord brought him back to life.
In his vision of the future Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) shows remarkable and elders Theophanes, who was also in the war and lost an arm there.He told me that he always carried out the orders of their commander, but he kill people, thank God, did not have to.He has numerous awards and decorations.Now he is - the very gentleness, charm and love.
Such stories do not count in the monastery.When overcame a modest life and permanent work of the monks, everything seems very dark and gloomy, but affects their kindness and concern for each person, sick or healthy, young or old.After the movie is very bright and warm feeling of peace and tranquility.
book "unholy saints»
Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) "unholy saints" dedicated to the great ascetics with whom he had to live and socialize in the monasteries.With some love and care, he writes about all openly, without lies and without embellishments, with humor and kindness ... especially touching describes his mentor Ion Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov)."Unholy saints" contains a story about how a confessor for healing body and soul drew a huge number of parishioners and for all, he always found the words of calm, all is encouraging many people praying oneself, and some warned of the dangers.In Soviet times, he spent many years in prison and exile, but nothing could break his divine faith and the joy of life on Earth.
film "The Fall of the Empire.Lesson of Byzantium »
Documentary film" Fall of the Empire ", Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) devoted 555 anniversary of the fall of Byzantium and Constantinople.
It is not just the history of medieval Byzantine Empire, is held here absolutely clear parallel problems of Byzantium and modern Russia.Empire may be different, but the problems are often the same.What could ruin such a powerful cultural and developed Byzantium?As it turned out, the main global issue was the frequent change of political direction, lack of continuity and stability of state power.Part of me emperors began to carry out its new policy, which is often exhausting the people and weaken the economy.In the film, the author describes it brilliantly, and in that talent to his credit.In this regard, there are some interesting sermon Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov), which he read to the young seminarians and parishioners.
About Putin
Whatever it was, but today, according to Archimandrite Tikhon, Russia is experiencing a new rebirth, it may even die, it is possible to create a strong thriving empire, primarily Empire spirit and patriotism.
On the one hand, it is constantly threatened by Islamic terrorism, on the other - someone is trying to impose worldwide and total American hegemony with their own laws.
Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov) about Putin says: "He who truly loves Russia can only pray to Vladimir, the Providence of God delivered by the head of Russia ...»
