Orders in the Orthodox Church in ascending order: their hierarchy.

Every Orthodox person meets with clergy who speak publicly or conduct services in the church. At first glance, you can understand that each of them wears some special rank, because it’s not for nothing that they have differences in clothes: different color robes, headdresses, some have jewelry made of precious stones, while others are more ascetic. But not everyone is given to understand the ranks. To find out the main ranks of clergy and monks, consider the ranks Orthodox Church Ascending.

It should immediately be said that all ranks are divided into two categories:

1. Secular clergy. These include ministers who may have a family, wife, and children.
2. Black clergy. These are those who accepted monasticism and renounced worldly life.

Secular clergy

The description of people who serve the Church and the Lord comes from Old Testament. The scripture says that before the birth of Christ, the prophet Moses appointed people who were supposed to communicate with God. It is with these people that today's hierarchy of ranks is connected.

Altar boy (novice)

This person is a lay assistant to a clergyman. His responsibilities include:

If necessary, a novice can ring bells and read prayers, but it is strictly forbidden for him to touch the throne and walk between the altar and the Royal Doors. The altar boy wears the most ordinary clothes, he puts a surplice on top.

This person is not elevated to the rank of clergy. He must read prayers and words from scripture, interpret them ordinary people and explain to children the basic rules of the Christian life. For special zeal, the clergyman may ordain the psalmist as a subdeacon. From church clothes, he is allowed to wear a cassock and a skuf (velvet hat).

This person also does not have a holy order. But he can wear a surplice and orarion. If the bishop blesses him, then the subdeacon can touch the throne and enter the altar through the Royal Doors. Most often, the subdeacon helps the priest perform the service. He washes his hands during divine services, gives him the necessary items (tricirium, ripids).

Church orders of the Orthodox Church

All the ministers of the church listed above are not clergymen. These are simple peaceful people who want to get closer to the church and the Lord God. They are accepted to their positions only with the blessing of the priest. We will begin to consider the ecclesiastical ranks of the Orthodox Church from the lowest.

The position of a deacon has remained unchanged since ancient times. He, just as before, must help in worship, but he is forbidden to independently perform church services and represent the Church in society. His main duty is to read the Gospel. At present, the need for the services of a deacon disappears, so their number in churches is steadily declining.

This is the most important deacon at the cathedral or church. Previously, this dignity was received by the protodeacon, who was distinguished by a special zeal for service. To determine that you have a protodeacon in front of you, you should look at his vestments. If he is wearing an orarion with the words “Holy! Holy! Holy," then it is he who is in front of you. But at present, this dignity is given only after the deacon has served in the church for at least 15–20 years.

It is these people who have a beautiful singing voice, know many psalms, prayers, and sing at various church services.

This word came to us from Greek and in translation means "priest". In the Orthodox Church, this is the smallest rank of priest. The bishop gives him the following powers:

• perform worship and other sacraments;
• carry the teachings to people;
• conduct communion.

It is forbidden for a priest to consecrate antimensions and conduct the sacrament of ordination of priesthood. Instead of a hood, his head is covered with a kamilavka.

This dignity is given as a reward for some merit. The archpriest is the most important among the priests and concurrently the rector of the temple. During the celebration of the sacraments, the archpriests put on a robe and stole. In one liturgical institution, several archpriests can serve at once.

This dignity is given only by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' as a reward for the most kind and useful deeds that a person has done in favor of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is the highest rank in the white clergy. It will no longer be possible to earn a rank higher, since then there are ranks that are forbidden to start a family.

Nevertheless, many, in order to get a promotion, give up worldly life, family, children, and go permanently into the monastic life. In such families, the spouse most often supports her husband and also goes to the monastery to take a monastic vow.

Black clergy

It includes only those who have taken monastic vows. This hierarchy of ranks is more detailed than those who preferred family life monastic.

This is a monk who is a deacon. He helps the clergy conduct the sacraments and perform services. For example, he takes out the vessels necessary for rituals or makes prayer requests. The most senior hierodeacon is called "archdeacon".

This is a person who is a priest. He is allowed to perform various sacred ordinances. This rank can be received by priests from the white clergy who have decided to become monks, and those who have undergone ordination (giving a person the right to perform the sacraments).

This is the rector or abbess of the Russian Orthodox monastery or temple. Previously, most often, this rank was given as a reward for services to the Russian Orthodox Church. But since 2011, the patriarch decided to give this rank to any abbot of the monastery. At the consecration, the abbot is given a staff, with which he must go around his possessions.

This is one of the highest ranks in Orthodoxy. Upon receiving it, the clergyman is also awarded a miter. The archimandrite wears a black monastic robe, which distinguishes him from other monks in that he has red tablets on it. If, moreover, the archimandrite is the abbot of any temple or monastery, he has the right to carry a wand - a staff. He should be addressed as "Your Reverend".

This dignity belongs to the category of bishops. When they were ordained, they received the Most High Grace of the Lord and therefore they can perform any sacred rites, even ordain deacons. According to church laws, they have equal rights, the archbishop is considered the eldest. According to ancient tradition, only a bishop can bless a service with the help of an antimis. This is a square scarf, in which part of the relics of a saint is sewn.

Also, this clergyman controls and takes care of all the monasteries and churches that are located on the territory of his diocese. The common address for a bishop is "Vladyka" or "Your Eminence".

This is a spiritual dignity of high rank or the highest title of a bishop, the most ancient on earth. He submits only to the patriarch. It differs from other ranks in the following details in clothing:

• has a blue mantle (the bishops have red ones);
• cowl white color with a cross trimmed precious stones(the rest have a black hood).

This dignity is given for very high merit and is a distinction.

The highest rank in the Orthodox Church, the chief priest of the country. The word itself combines two roots "father" and "power". He is elected at the Council of Bishops. This dignity is for life, only in the most rare cases is it possible to depose and excommunicate from. When the place of the patriarch is empty, a locum tenens is appointed as temporary executor, who does everything that the patriarch should do.

This position bears responsibility not only for itself, but also for the entire Orthodox people of the country.

The ranks in the Orthodox Church in ascending order have their own clear hierarchy. Despite the fact that we call many clergy "father", each Orthodox Christian should know the main differences between ranks and positions.

The abbot of the monastery is a person who has devoted himself entirely to serving God and his community. It is difficult to describe in words all the hardships and duties that fall on the shoulders of a monk who has assumed this position. Nevertheless, they never lose heart, because all their work is aimed at saving as many souls as possible - to bring them out of the darkness of this mortal world.

So, who is the abbot of the monastery? What are his responsibilities? And how big is the difference between the clergy of the Orthodox and Catholic faiths?

The emergence of the first monasteries

After the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven, his followers dispersed throughout the world with a single mission - to carry the word of God. Years passed, the power changed faster than the wind in the field, and with it the attitude towards Christians. Either they were driven from everywhere, then they were received as dear guests. And yet, eventually, most of Europe accepted the new doctrine, which allowed Christians to preach without fear.

However, many believers were embarrassed by the debauchery and godlessness that reigned in the cities. Therefore, they decided to leave them and live away from worldly fuss. Thus, at the beginning of the 4th century, the first Christian monasteries appeared in Europe.

Naturally, such a structure required someone to manage it. Therefore, it is not surprising that such a position as the abbot of the monastery appeared. Initially, among Catholics, this rank bore a different name (abbot), and the Pope or the bishop consecrated him. This happened for the first time around the 6th century.

Catholic monasteries

Over the years, the role of monasteries in the Catholic world has changed dramatically. From an ordinary monastery of monks, they turned into important administrative units. It also happened that the abbot of the monastery could manage all the lands that were part of his inheritance. Such power was the envy of many representatives of the local nobility, and therefore they tried with all their might to seat their man there.

It even got to the point that the royal families themselves appointed abbots. In particular, this practice took place during the reign of the Carolingian dynasty from the 7th to the 10th century. However, over the years, she regained power, which made it possible to re-appoint the abbots of the monasteries at her own discretion.

Abbot of a monastery in Kievan Rus

For Kievan Rus 988 became a great year - it was then that Prince Vladimir baptized his people. A few years later, the first monasteries appeared, serving as a haven for all those who wanted to devote themselves to God.

How did the abbot of a monastery in Kievan Rus differ from his colleague from the Catholic Church? First of all, we note: the Orthodox system, borrowed from Byzantium, did not provide for the presence of a system of orders and holy warriors. Russian monks were simple believers leading an ascetic lifestyle.

Therefore, the main task of the abbot of such a monastery was to maintain the moral and material condition of the monastery. That is, spiritually, he followed how the monks performed their duties (whether they observe fasting or the sacrament of prayer), and so on. As for the material side of the issue, the abbot of the monastery had to keep records of expenses, monitor the condition of buildings, stock up on supplies, and, if necessary, negotiate assistance with the synod or the local prince.

Modern hierarchy in Orthodox monasteries

And although many centuries have passed since the founding of the first monastery, their role in the spiritual enlightenment of believers has remained unchanged. Therefore, it would be very appropriate to talk about who the abbot of an Orthodox monastery is today.

Now the priests who manage the temple or monastery are called abbots. This is a very honorary rank, and it can be received only with the consent of the supreme clergyman who manages the diocese to which the monastery belongs. If the hegumen establishes himself as a wise ruler and shows his faith, then over time he will be given a higher title - archimandrite.

But the priest of a higher rank can also be the abbot of the monastery. Moreover, the management of the laurel is often placed on the shoulders of the ruling diocese or even the patriarch. For example, it is under the patronage of the Holy Archimandrite Kirill.

Duties of the abbot of the monastery

Today, the duties of the abbot of the monastery, like hundreds of years ago, are very extensive. Both the spiritual and material problems of his wards fall on him. In particular, the abbot of the monastery performs the following tasks:

• conducts a ceremony of initiation into monks;
• monitors compliance with the rules established in the temple;
• controls the life of monks - directs them to work, reminds them of the approach of fasting, monitors cleanliness, and so on;
• conducts sacred services in his temple;
• deals with legal issues (signing contracts, paying bills, keeping the seal of the temple);
• appoints monks to various positions required by the monastery.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the duties performed by the rector are slightly different from those that fall on the shoulders of the manager of the convent. In particular, abbesses do not conduct sacred rites, since in the Christian faith a woman cannot be a priest.

The rector of the temple is Archpriest Alexei Uminsky, a member of the editorial board of the journal "Alpha and Omega", the confessor of the St. Vladimir Orthodox Gymnasium. Since recently, he has been conducting the TV show "Orthodox Encyclopedia" 8.30 TVC Saturday. On the rector's page you can get acquainted with his articles, talks and sermons.

I was born on July 3, 1960 in Moscow in an ordinary Soviet family: my father is an engineer, my mother is a teacher. My parents were people far from the Church, but with real deep moral foundations, and naturally laid in me the concepts of truth, justice, love, kindness, necessary for every person. At that time, children were brought up on the one hand in an atheistic way, but on the other hand, many still kept the memory of the moral foundations of Russian society.

As usual in the life of every person - he studied at school, was a pioneer, a member of the Komsomol. By the way, I was a very active member of the Komsomol, apparently some organizational skills, I advanced along the Komsomol line, was the chairman of the Komsomol headquarters of the Perovsky district, and even had awards from the Central Committee of the Komsomol. My parents already thought that I would follow this line, but I did not follow this line, but entered the Krupskaya Pedagogical Institute at the Faculty of Romano-Germanic Languages. My mother was a French teacher, and since childhood I spoke French quite well.

At the institute, among my fellow students there were spontaneously believing people, I began to read the Gospel and many other books previously unknown to me, and gradually began to turn to God. In 1980 I was baptized and by the end of the institute I was already a conscious Christian.

After graduation, I went to work at a school as a French teacher and worked there for about ten years, although at first I really didn’t like working at a school. I even went to the Pskov-Caves Monastery to Father John Krestyankin to ask his blessing not to work at school, but to find something else for myself. But Father John somehow very gently blessed me to stay, and I accepted it as the will of God and then worked well and consciously at school, and I even liked it.

At the end of the 1980s, when perestroika began, I already consciously chose the path of the priesthood for myself, went to the Pskov-Caves Monastery, and Father John blessed me. I was ordained in 1990. First, he served for several months as a deacon in the city of Klin in the cemetery church, and then he was rector of the Assumption Cathedral in the city of Kashira.

It was a difficult time, the temple was seized by the Mother of God Center, I had to liberate it, literally win it back, and then somehow establish parish life in it. Until now, I maintain relations with my parishioners from Kashira, to whom I am very grateful for their unchanging memory and love.

And after three years of my service, I transferred to Moscow and became a clergyman of the church of St. Prince Vladimir and at the same time - the director of the Orthodox St. Vladimir Gymnasium. I remained director for six years, and now I am the confessor of the gymnasium.

In 1994, I was also appointed acting rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Khokhly, and from that moment I have been taking care of our parish. During this time, regular services have resumed in the temple, a community has formed, a Sunday school has opened, talks are held about the spiritual life and history of the church, and much more, which you can learn about on our website.

At the same time, I am a member of the editorial board of the Alpha and Omega magazine, the author of numerous articles on Orthodox pedagogy, and I work on television. First, on the Culture channel, I hosted the program "Everyday Matters", and then the TV series dedicated to the lives of the saints "Narrow Gates". Recently, I have been the host of the Orthodox Encyclopedia program on the TVC channel.

Married. I have two children.

1. A parish is a community of Orthodox Christians, consisting of clergy and laity united at the church.

The parish is a canonical subdivision of the Russian Orthodox Church, under the supervision of its diocesan bishop and under the direction of the priest-rector appointed by him.

2. A parish is formed by the voluntary consent of believing citizens of the Orthodox faith who have reached the age of majority, with the blessing of the diocesan bishop. To get a status legal entity parish is registered government bodies in the manner determined by the legislation of the country where the parish is located. Parish boundaries are established by the diocesan council.

3. The parish begins its activities after the blessing of the diocesan bishop.

4. The parish in its civil law activities is obliged to comply with the canonical rules, the internal regulations of the Russian Orthodox Church and the legislation of the country of residence.

5. The parish without fail allocates funds through the diocese for general church needs in the amount established by the Holy Synod, and for diocesan needs in the manner and amount established by the diocesan authorities.

6. The parish in its religious, administrative-financial and economic activity subordinate and accountable to the diocesan bishop. The parish executes the decisions of the diocesan assembly and the diocesan council and the orders of the diocesan bishop.

7. In the event of separation of any part or withdrawal of all members of the parish meeting from the composition of the parish, they cannot claim any rights to parish property and funds.

8. If the parish meeting decides to withdraw from the hierarchical structure and jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church, the parish is deprived of confirmation of belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church, which entails the termination of the parish as a religious organization of the Russian Orthodox Church and deprives it of the right to property that belonged to the parish on the rights of ownership, use or on other legal grounds, as well as the right to use the name and symbols of the Russian Orthodox Church in the name.

9. Parish churches, prayer houses and chapels are built with the blessing of the diocesan authorities and in compliance with the procedure established by law.

10. The management of the parish is carried out by the diocesan bishop, rector, parish meeting, parish council, chairman of the parish council.

The diocesan bishop owns the highest administration of the parish.

The auditing commission is the body of control over the activities of the parish.

11. Brotherhoods and sisterhoods are created by parishioners only with the consent of the rector and with the blessing of the diocesan bishop. Brotherhoods and sisterhoods aim to attract parishioners to participate in the care and work of maintaining churches in proper condition, to charity, mercy, religious and moral education and upbringing. Brotherhoods and sisterhoods at parishes are under the supervision of the rector. In exceptional cases, the charter of a brotherhood or sisterhood, approved by the diocesan bishop, may be submitted for state registration.

12. Brotherhoods and sisterhoods begin their activities after the blessing of the diocesan bishop.

13. In carrying out their activities, brotherhoods and sisterhoods are guided by this Charter, the decisions of the Local and Bishops’ Councils, the determinations of the Holy Synod, the decrees of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', the decisions of the diocesan bishop and the rector of the parish, as well as the civil charters of the Russian Orthodox Church, the diocese, the parish, under which they are created, and by their own charter, if the brotherhoods and sisterhoods are registered as a legal entity.

14. Brotherhoods and sisterhoods allocate funds through parishes for general church needs in the amounts established by the Holy Synod, for diocesan and parish needs in the manner and amount established by the diocesan authorities and parish priests.

15. Brotherhoods and sisterhoods in their religious, administrative-financial and economic activities through parish priests are subordinate and accountable to diocesan bishops. Brotherhoods and sisterhoods carry out the decisions of the diocesan authorities and parish priests.

16. In the event of the separation of any part or the withdrawal of all members of the brotherhood and sisterhood from their composition, they cannot claim any rights to brotherly and sisterly property and funds.

17. If the general meeting of the brotherhood and sisterhood makes a decision to withdraw from the hierarchical structure and jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church, the brotherhood and sisterhood are deprived of confirmation of belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church, which entails the termination of the activities of the brotherhood and sisterhood as a religious organization of the Russian Orthodox Church and deprives them rights to property that belonged to the brotherhood or sisterhood on the basis of ownership, use or other legal grounds, as well as the right to use the name and symbols of the Russian Orthodox Church in the name.

1. Rector

18. At the head of each parish is the rector of the temple, appointed by the diocesan bishop for spiritual guidance believers and management of the clergy and the parish. In his activities, the rector is accountable to the diocesan bishop.

19. The rector is called to bear responsibility for the regular performance of divine services, in accordance with the Church Charter, for church preaching, the religious and moral state and the appropriate education of members of the parish. He must conscientiously perform all liturgical, pastoral and administrative duties determined by his office, in accordance with the provisions of the canons and this Charter.

20. The duties of the rector, in particular, include:

a) leadership of the clergy in the performance of their liturgical and pastoral duties;

b) monitoring the condition of the temple, its decoration and the availability of everything necessary for the performance of divine services in accordance with the requirements of the liturgical Charter and the instructions of the hierarchy;

c) taking care of correct and reverent reading and singing in church;

d) concern for the exact implementation of the instructions of the diocesan bishop;

e) organization of catechetical, charitable, church-social, educational and educational activities of the parish;

f) convening and chairing meetings of the parish meeting;

g) if there are grounds for this, suspension of the execution of decisions of the parish meeting and the parish council on issues of a doctrinal, canonical, liturgical or administrative nature, with the subsequent transfer of this issue to the consideration of the diocesan bishop;

h) monitoring the implementation of the decisions of the parish meeting and the work of the parish council;

i) representing the interests of the parish in public authorities and local government;

j) submission directly to the diocesan bishop or through the dean of annual reports on the state of the parish, on the activities carried out in the parish and on one's own work;

k) carrying out official church correspondence;

l) maintaining a liturgical journal and keeping a parish archive;

m) issuance of certificates of baptism and marriage.

21. The rector may receive leave and leave his parish for a time only with the permission of the diocesan authorities, obtained in the prescribed manner.

2. Pritch

22. The clergy of the parish is determined as follows: priest, deacon and psalmist. The number of members of the clergy can be increased or reduced by the diocesan authorities at the request of the parish and in accordance with its needs, in any case, the clergy must consist of at least two persons - a priest and a psalmist.

Note: the position of a psalm reader can be replaced by a person in holy orders.

23. The election and appointment of clergy and clergy belongs to the diocesan bishop.

24. To be ordained a deacon or priest, you must:

a) be a member of the Russian Orthodox Church;

b) be of legal age;

c) have the necessary moral qualities;

d) have sufficient theological training;

e) have a confessor's certificate that there are no canonical obstacles to ordination;

e) not be under an ecclesiastical or civil court;

g) take an oath.

25. Members of the clergy may be moved and dismissed from their places by the diocesan bishop at a personal request, at a church court, or at church expediency.

26. The duties of the members of the clergy are determined by the canons and orders of the diocesan bishop or rector.

27. The clergy of the parish is responsible for the spiritual and moral state of the parish and for the fulfillment of their liturgical and pastoral duties.

28. Members of the clergy cannot leave the parish without the permission of the church authorities, obtained in the prescribed manner.

29. A clergyman may take part in the celebration of a divine service in another parish with the consent of the diocesan bishop of the diocese in which the parish is located, or with the consent of the dean or rector, if he has a certificate confirming his canonical capacity.

30. In accordance with Canon 13 of the IV Ecumenical Council, clergy may be admitted to another diocese only if they have a letter of leave from the diocesan bishop.

3. Parishioners

31. Parishioners are persons of the Orthodox confession who maintain a living connection with their parish.

32. Every parishioner has the duty to participate in divine services, regularly go to confession and receive communion, observe the canons and church prescriptions, perform deeds of faith, strive for religious and moral perfection, and contribute to the well-being of the parish.

33. It is the responsibility of the parishioners to take care of the material maintenance of the clergy and the temple.

4. Parish meeting

34. The governing body of the parish is the parish meeting, headed by the rector of the parish, who ex officio is the chairman of the parish meeting.

The parish meeting includes clergymen of the parish, as well as parishioners who regularly participate in the liturgical life of the parish, who, in their commitment to Orthodoxy, moral character and life experience, are worthy to participate in resolving parish affairs, who have reached the age of 18 and are not prohibited, and also not prosecuted by an ecclesiastical or secular court.

35. Admission to membership in the parish meeting and withdrawal from it is carried out on the basis of a petition (application) by the decision of the parish meeting. If a member of the parish meeting is recognized as not corresponding to the position he occupies, he may be removed from the parish meeting by the decision of the latter.

When members of the parish meeting deviate from the canons, this Statute and other regulations of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as if they violate the charter of the parish, the composition of the parish meeting may be changed in whole or in part by decision of the diocesan bishop.

36. The parish meeting is convened by the rector or, by order of the diocesan bishop, the dean, or another authorized representative of the diocesan bishop at least once a year.

Parish meetings dedicated to the election and re-election of members of the parish council are held with the participation of the dean or another representative of the diocesan bishop.

37. The meeting is held in accordance with the agenda presented by the chairman.

38. The Chairman directs the meetings in accordance with the adopted rules.

39. The parish meeting has the right to make decisions with the participation of at least half of the members. Decisions of the parish meeting are adopted by voting by a simple majority, in case of equality of votes, the vote of the chairman is decisive.

40. The parish meeting elects from among its members a secretary responsible for compiling the minutes of the meeting.

41. The minutes of the parish meeting are signed by the chairman, secretary and five elected members of the parish meeting. The minutes of the parish meeting are approved by the diocesan bishop, after which the decisions taken come into force.

42. The decisions of the parish meeting may be announced to the parishioners in the temple.

43. The duties of the parish meeting include:

a) maintaining the internal unity of the parish and promoting its spiritual and moral growth;

b) adoption of the civil Charter of the parish, amendments and additions to it, which are approved by the diocesan bishop and come into force from the moment of state registration;

c) acceptance and expulsion of members of the parish meeting;

d) election of the parish council and the audit committee;

e) planning the financial and economic activities of the parish;

f) ensuring the safety of church property and taking care of its increase;

g) adoption of spending plans, including the amount of deductions for charity and religious and educational purposes, and submitting them for approval by the diocesan bishop;

h) approval of plans and consideration of design estimates for the construction and repair of church buildings;

i) consideration and submission for approval by the diocesan bishop of financial and other reports of the parish council and reports of the audit commission;

j) approval of the staffing table and determination of the content for the members of the clergy and the parish council;

k) determining the procedure for disposing of the property of the parish on the terms determined by this Charter, the Charter of the Russian Orthodox Church (civil), the charter of the diocese, the charter of the parish, as well as the current legislation;

l) concern for the availability of everything necessary for the canonical celebration of worship;

m) concern for the state of church singing;

n) initiation of parish petitions before the diocesan bishop and civil authorities;

o) consideration of complaints against members of the parish council, the audit committee and their submission to the diocesan administration.

5. Parish Council

44. The parish council is the executive body of the parish and is accountable to the parish assembly.

45. The parish council consists of a chairman, assistant rector and treasurer.

46. ​​Parish Council:

a) carry out the decisions of the parish meeting;

b) submit for consideration and approval of the parish meeting business plans, annual expenditure plans and financial reports;

c) is responsible for the preservation and maintenance in due order of temple buildings, other structures, structures, premises and adjacent territories belonging to the parish land plots and all property owned or used by the parish, and keep records of it;

d) acquires the property necessary for the arrival, maintains inventory books;

e) solve current economic issues;

f) provides the parish with the necessary property;

g) provides housing to members of the clergy of the parish in those cases when they need it;

h) takes care of the protection and splendor of the temple, the maintenance of deanery and order during divine services and religious processions;

i) takes care of providing the temple with everything necessary for the magnificent performance of divine services.

47. Members of the parish council may be removed from the parish council by decision of the parish meeting or by order of the diocesan bishop, if there are proper grounds.

48. The chairman of the parish council, without a power of attorney, exercises the following powers on behalf of the parish:

• issues instructions (orders) on hiring (dismissing) employees of the parish; enters into labor and civil law contracts with employees of the parish, as well as agreements on material liability (the chairman of the parish council, who is not a rector, exercises these powers in agreement with the rector);
• manages the property and funds of the parish, including on behalf of the parish concludes relevant agreements and makes other transactions in the manner prescribed by this Charter;
• represents the parish in court;
• has the right to issue powers of attorney to exercise on behalf of the parish the powers provided for by this Article of the Charter, as well as to communicate with state bodies, local governments, citizens and organizations in connection with the exercise of these powers.

49. The rector is the chairman of the parish council.

The diocesan bishop has the right, by his sole decision:

a) release, at his own discretion, the rector from the post of chairman of the parish council;

b) appoint an assistant rector (church warden) or another person, including a cleric of the parish, to the post of chairman of the parish council (for a term of three years with the right to appoint for a new term without limiting the number of such appointments), with his inclusion in the composition of the parish assembly and the parish advice.

The diocesan bishop has the right to suspend a member of the parish council from work if such member violates the canons, the provisions of this Statute or the civil statute of the parish.

50. All documents officially issued by the parish are signed by the rector and (or) the chairman of the parish council within their competence.

51. Banking and other financial documents are signed by the chairman of the parish council and the treasurer. In civil legal relations, the treasurer acts as the chief accountant. Treasurer keeps records and storage Money, donations and other receipts, draws up an annual financial report. The parish maintains accounting records.

52. In case of re-election by the parish meeting or change by the diocesan bishop of the composition of the parish council, as well as in the event of re-election, removal by the diocesan bishop or death of the chairman of the parish council, the parish meeting forms a commission of three members, which draws up an act on the availability of property and funds. The parish council accepts material values ​​on the basis of this act.

53. The duties of the assistant chairman of the parish council are determined by the parish meeting.

54. The duties of the treasurer include accounting and storage of money and other donations, maintaining income and expense books, performing financial transactions within the budget at the direction of the chairman of the parish council, and compiling an annual financial report.

6. Audit Commission

55. The parish meeting elects from among its members a parish audit committee, consisting of a chairman and two members, for a term of three years. The audit committee is accountable to the parish meeting. The Audit Commission checks the financial and economic activities of the parish, the safety and accounting of property, its intended use, conducts an annual inventory, revises the transfer of donations and receipts and the expenditure of funds. The audit committee submits the results of inspections and relevant proposals for consideration by the parish meeting.

In case of detection of abuses, the audit commission immediately informs the diocesan authorities about it. The audit commission has the right to send the act of verification directly to the diocesan bishop.

56. The right to audit the financial and economic activities of the parish and parish institutions also belongs to the diocesan bishop.

57. Members of the parish council and the audit committee cannot be closely related.

58. The duties of the audit commission include:

a) a regular audit, including checking the availability of funds, the legality and correctness of the expenses incurred and the maintenance of account books by the income;

b) conducting, as necessary, checking the financial and economic activities of the parish, the safety and accounting of property belonging to the parish;

c) annual inventory of parish property;

d) control over the removal of mugs and donations.

59. The Audit Commission draws up acts on the inspections carried out and submits them to a regular or extraordinary meeting of the parish meeting. If there are abuses, lack of property or funds, as well as errors in the conduct and execution of financial transactions, the parish meeting makes an appropriate decision. It has the right to bring a claim in court, having previously obtained the consent of the diocesan bishop.

Archpriest Alexander Kolychev,

1. The first rector of the temple of the village of Bogorodskoe

1891 - 1907

In 1891, Dean Alexander Tikhonovich Kolychev, Honored Archpriest, was appointed to the Transfiguration Church. He was consecrated to the priesthood in 1863 by Metropolitan Philaret (Drozdov).

According to old-timers, he was strict and demanding of rich people; to the poor, he showed gentleness and condescension. Under the rectorship of Father Alexander, the temple was expanded by adding two side chapels in the form of galleries to it - the right one in the name of the Tikhvin Icon Mother of God and the left one in the name of St. Alexis, Met. Moscow, and the holy prophet Elijah. In 1907, the first rector, Archpriest Alexander Kolychev, died after serving in our church for 16 years. He was buried at the Bogorodsk cemetery. Later, according to his will, with the funds left by him, a chapel was built over his grave in the style of ancient Novgorod buildings.

Archpriest

Mikhail Alexandrovich Suvorovsky

1907 - 1917

Archpriest, Dean Father Mikhail Alexandrovich Suvorovsky was appointed the second rector of the temple. It was sent from Bronnitsy. Having a high academic education, he was distinguished by simplicity and goodwill in dealing with people. He especially loved children. Old-timers say: “Father Mikhail used to ride in a cab to school, from school, or on some other business - only one beard sticks out, and cheerful children’s heads are all around.”

During the reign of Father Mikhail, a two-story stone house was built for the religious and moral education of parishioners, for giving lectures, and showing foggy pictures.

spiritually educational activities Fr. Mikhail has been repeatedly celebrated with both church and secular awards.

Archpriest

Alexy Dobroserdov
1917 - 1949

His last name, Father Alexy constantly embodied in life: he had a truly kind, compassionate, sympathetic heart of a shepherd. During the most difficult years, he wisely led his flock along the stormy waves of the sea of ​​\u200b\u200blife. He won love and respect from all the inhabitants of Bogorodsky. People, even far from the church, seeing him slim figure in spiritual clothes, which he never took off anywhere, involuntarily stopped and greeted him. Some came up and asked his blessing right on the street. And he, taking off his hat, as it should be, regardless of anyone or anything, earnestly gave a blessing. Father Alexy gave all his strength and energy to his flock, and the flock loved him very much.

The Lord honored him to be the rector until his death, and in total he served in our church for 47 years. Literally everything Bogorodskoye buried him. His coffin was carried on their shoulders, a huge procession filled Bolshaya Bogorodskaya Street, so that the trams were stopped. At the gates of the cemetery he was met by the clergy with icons. He was buried not far from sovni.

Archpriest

Simeon Vasilievich Kasatkin

1949 - 1953

Father Simeon was born in 1869 in Moscow. After graduating from the Moscow Theological Academy, he worked for some time as a proofreader at the Synodal Printing House. In 1906 Father Simeon accepted the priesthood and was appointed to the Church of the Intercession Holy Mother of God that on the Yauza. Then he served in the church at the Semyonovsky cemetery, in the church of the prophet Elijah, in Cherkizovo, and then in September 1941 he was assigned to the church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in the village of Bogorodskoye. He was a man of high spiritual culture. Thanks to this, he also earned himself the love and respect of the parishioners. He died in 1953, having served the Church of God without blemish in the priesthood for 47 years. He was also buried at the Bogorodsk cemetery.

Archpriest Vasily Studenov

1953-1954

Father Vasily Studenov acted as rector until 1954.

Archpriest Vasily Skvortsov

1954-1955

On August 14, 1954, under the leadership of Father Vasily, there was a big fire in the church. Miraculously, the entire church did not burn down. The inside of the temple - the iconostasis, icons, wall paintings, even plywood paneling - everything burned down. The rich brocade sacristy was badly damaged by fire. Only the image of the Mother of God of Tikhvin and the image of St. Nicholas nearby remained intact.

“I remember it as at the Transfiguration,” recalled an eyewitness of those events, Father Alexander Yegorov, “Father Vasily spoke a deeply moving word about the temple and the misfortune that befell it, and, ending, he called out: “Orthodox, shall we restore the temple?” — “Let's restore…” — the parishioners within the walls of the burnt church responded with a mighty echo. And they kept their word. Large donations, as they say, flowed like a river. What is especially touching, some pensioners gave away their entire monthly pension at once. “If only the temple would be restored as soon as possible, and somehow we need a lot,” they said. Icons and cloth were also donated. - who could.

Archpriest

Arkady Stanko

1955-1957, 1978-1981

In 1955, due to illness, Father Vasily was forced to leave the state, and Priest Arkady Stanko, who had just graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy, was appointed to the vacant position. With the burning and zeal inherent in his young age, he began to restore the splendor of the temple. On his initiative, the temple was again upholstered with expensive plywood, painted over and painted. The iconostasis and other icons have been renovated. The heating has been replaced.

Thus, with the help of God, the diligence, diligence and help of our parishioners, in a short time the temple was completely restored in the best possible way.

In 1978, Father Arkady was again transferred to the rector of our church.

Archimandrite

Sergiy Saveliev

1957-1959

In 1957, Archimandrite Sergiy Savelyev became the rector of the temple. Archimandrite Sergius zealously worked to glorify the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, miraculously preserved in the fire. It was he who began to serve as a conciliar weekly on Tuesdays, a solemn evening service with the singing of an akathist to the Mother of God and an obligatory sermon. In general, Archimandrite Sergius was very fond of the solemnity and splendor of divine services, and thus attracted many people to the church. Sergius also worked hard on the improvement and beautification of the temple.

Archpriest

Anatoly Novikov

1959-1978

In 1959, Archpriest Anatoly Vasilievich Novikov, who graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy, was appointed rector of our church, and he began to zealously continue the solemn service of Archimandrite Sergius, further decorating it with his posture and charm of preaching. All solemn divine services were accompanied by the singing of the wonderful right choir under the direction of Moscow's oldest regent, Serafim Ivanovich Vinogradov.

Archpriest

Gennady Nefedov

1981-1991

Archpriest Gennady Nefedov worked for a long time in our church. The future shepherd was brought up in the family of his grandfather, Andrei Kozmich Nefedov, who at one time was the treasurer of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Bogorodskoye. After the family moved to live in Bogorodskoe, Gennady served as a sexton in our church.

On November 18, 1981, by decree of His Holiness Patriarch Pimen, he was appointed rector of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Bogorodskoye, "with a proposal to restore full order in the Church of the Transfiguration." Many people collected his lively and heartfelt sermons. Household work was also carried out: the internal space of the temple was re-planned, trade was moved to the side aisles, and a new vestibule was built. Thanks to the labors of the rector's father, the church community grew significantly, a youth part of the community arose, which gathered in the church from all over Moscow. In 1990, after the changes in public life in our church, Father Gennady organized a Sunday school for children, where he himself taught.

Subsequently, Father Gennady was rector of the Cathedral of the Epiphany b. Epiphany Monastery in Kitai-gorod and dean of the Pokrovsky district of Moscow, rector and teacher of the regency singing seminary at the Church of the Epiphany. Archpriest Gennady reposed in the Lord on July 28, 2017.

Archpriest

Victor Petlyuchenko

1991-1992

Archpriest Victor briefly served as rector in our church when he carried out his obedience as Deputy Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Currently, Archpriest Victor is the rector of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the city of Odessa and a teacher at the Odessa Theological Seminary.

Archpriest

Damian Kruglik

1992 to present

The ministry of Father Damian since 1992 has been inextricably linked with our church.

After the celebration of the millennium of the Baptism of Rus', it can be said that a new era began in the life of our people. Many people brought up in atheism began to come to churches and receive Holy Baptism. At this amazing time, God judged Father Damian to be the rector in our church.

And the rector, with all the energy inherent in him, set about his new obedience, responded to the tasks and opportunities of this new era.

It was necessary to create a Sunday school, to unite people who want to help the temple, Special attention give to the preaching of the Word of God, work with youth, social service of the parish.

Father Damian put a lot of effort in this field, and with dignity he answered the set goals, which earned him the love and respect of the parish and even the entire region.

Memoirs about the temple and pastors were compiled by Archpriest Alexander Yegorov (+2000). Former old parishioner of the temple in Bogorodskoye. His father, Nikolai Nikiforovich, working as a turner at the Krasny Bogatyr factory, was a reader of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Bogorodskoye and an assistant to the headman. Father Alexander at one time received a blessing from Archpriest Alexy Dobroserdov to enter the seminary, and married his wife in our church in 1947. By the centenary of the temple, in 1980, Father Alexander compiled his memoirs about the temple, which were published in samizdat.