Vorkuta and Syktyvkar Diocese: description, history, features and interesting facts

Spiritual life has always occupied a prominent place in the lives of Russians. On the territory of our country there is a huge number of monasteries, churches, churches, which are never empty. There are always a lot of parishioners in them. Even in the northernmost regions of Russia, spiritual life is at a high level. In particular, in Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese.

general information

In the Republic of Komi, the center of spiritual life is the city of Syktyvkar. He makes a huge contribution to the religious life of the region. Syktyvkar and Vorkuta Diocese was founded in 1995. On its territory there is a large number of churches, monasteries and temples. Its head from the moment of foundation to the present time is Bishop Pitirim.

Vorkuta and Syktyvkar diocese is active in many state and private organizations on the territory of the republic, in the Armed Forces, places of deprivation of liberty, orphanages. She tries to raise not only the spiritual, but also the cultural level of her parishioners, to bring them closer to Orthodoxy, to make them more kind and human. Recently, in April 2016, it was decided that Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese would be divided.

A variety of activities are held regularly with the participation of clergymen. They are attended not only by ordinary residents of the Komi Republic, but also by its leadership and top officials of Russia.

History

Syktyvkar and Vorkuta Diocese, whose history is several hundred years old, is one of the oldest in the North of Russia. Orthodoxy was born in this territory in the late 14th century thanks to the activities of Stephen of Perm. He led an active spiritual and educational activity among the local population. Stephen Permsky translated several books for worship and composed Zyryan alphabet.

His first sermon was held in the village of Pyras (modern Kotlas), and a few years later he headed only the newly created Perm diocese. Its center was the city of Ust-Vymi.

Year after year, the diocese developed, became stronger. New churches, temples and monasteries were built. Over time, its center was Syktyvkar, which at that time was called Ust-Sysolsk and was also the main city of the Vologda province.

After the Communists came to power, this diocese, like everyone else, fell into disrepair. All the existing spiritual objects were closed or adapted for worldly needs, persecution of clergymen began. Only after the end of the Great Patriotic War the leadership of the USSR gave permission to open three previously inactive temples.

The beginning of restoration of activity of a diocese falls at the end of 80th years of 20 centuries. Began to open churches, monasteries and temples, which were previously closed, again began to be held regularly services. Spiritual life in the Republic of Komi, as in the whole country, began to revive.

In 1995, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church established the Vorkuta and Syktyvkar Diocese, which had previously been part of the Archangel Church. Thanks to this, the spiritual life in the Republic of Komi began to revive rapidly.

Monasteries

On the territory of the diocese there are not only many churches and temples, but also women's and men's monasteries. Hundreds of novices live and pray in them, not only spiritual but also educational activities are conducted.

On the territory of the diocese there are the following women's and men's monasteries:

• Kyltynovsky Cross Exaltation.
• The Trinity-Stefanovo-Ulyanovsk.
• Votchinsky Stefano-Afanasyevsky.
• Ust-Vymsky Michael the Archangel.
• Pechora Bogoroditsky Skoroposlushnichetsky.
• Vazhkursky of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.

All the above-mentioned monasteries have a long history and have achieved considerable success during their time.

Consecration of the main temple

The spiritual center of the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese is the St. Stephen's Cathedral, which was consecrated in 2001. It is a majestic structure with golden domes. Its height is more than 80 meters.

The opening of the cathedral was eagerly awaited by all the parishioners of the diocese, and it became the most beautiful temple in the entire North of Russia. It regularly hosts worship services, it is visited daily by hundreds of parishioners. Various Orthodox relics are brought to the church so that believers can worship the holy relics and miraculous icons.

In addition, during the existence of the diocese, many churches were built. In particular, in such localities as Letka, Arhipovka, Kortkeros, Zimstan and many others. Thanks to this, the number of parishioners in the diocese is steadily growing.

Religious processions

A good tradition in the diocese was the holding of annual religious processions. The first of them begins on May 9, the day of memory of Stephen of Perm, and lasts 2 days. Participants in the procession walk from Syktyvkar to the Seraphim convent. In the church of St. Stephen the Bishop holds a prayer service.

In addition, an annual religious procession is held in honor of Russian confessors and new martyrs, who suffered during repressions against clergymen. It has been held for 22 years. The procession begins on July 12, when the day of the apostles Peter and Paul is celebrated. Believers move on foot to Votchinsky Stefano-Athanasievsky Convent. The course is also on the day of the founding of the city, which is celebrated on June 12. Parishioners walk through the streets of Syktyvkar.

Education of youth

One of the main duties of the diocesan ministry is the spiritual enlightenment of the youth of the Komi Republic. To this end, Sunday schools are open in churches and churches in many areas, where clergymen and laymen with pedagogical education conduct classes. The educational program of each of the schools is individualized, taking into account the recommendations of the Education Department of the Moscow Patriarchate. Pupils often go to various shrines on pilgrimage trips.

Every year a lot of students of Sunday schools celebrate together with the spiritual leadership of the Diocese such holidays as Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas. For children, they arrange various performances and give presents.

Spiritual Activity in the Armed Forces, Colonies and State Institutions

Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese (phone: +7 (8212) 44-12-32) pays much attention to spiritual work with military men and prisoners who are on the territory of the Komi Republic. The priests regularly attend parts and colonies, and some of them are there permanently. Also do not forget about the sick, the poor and the lonely.

Since 2003, the Vorkuta and Syktyvkar diocese began to engage in active work in spiritual education of medical workers. For this purpose, a special department was created by the diocese, headed by Archimandrite Philip.

Separation of the Diocese

During the session of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, which was held on April 16 this year, it was decided to support the request of Bishop Pitirim and to divide the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta diocese into two parts. As expected, due to this their activities will only improve.

During its existence the Vorkuta and Syktyvkar dioceses made a great contribution to the development of spiritual life not only in the Komi Republic, but throughout Russia. Many churches, temples, monasteries were built and renovated, and Sunday schools were opened. A huge work is being done among the parishioners.