Nikon (Vorobiov)
Hegumen Nikon (secular name Nikolay Nikolayevich Vorobyov, Russian: Николай Николаевич Воробьёв; May 4, 1894, village Mikishino, Bezhetsk county, Tver Province - September 7, 1963, Gzhatsk, Smolensk oblast) was a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church (since 1956 in the rank of hegumen) and spiritual writer.
He is known for his numerous letters to his spiritual children, the majority of which is published in the book "Нам оставлено покаяние".
Biography
Born in peasant family, had six brothers. Ever since childhood, he excelled in seriousness, impeccable honesty, remarkable warmth, concern for everyone, and an unquenchable thirst for ultimate truth, a thirst to comprehend the purpose of human existence.
In 1914, he graduated from school in Vyshny Volochok and enrolled in the Neurological Institute in St. Petersburg. During his studies at the Institute read a lot, to educate ourselves, trying to find answers to the eternal questions. After the first year decided not to continue their education.
In the summer of 1915 Nicholay has experienced a profound spiritual crisis and found faith in God. In 1917, he entered the Moscow Theological Academy, but the lessons there were soon discontinued because of the outbreak of the revolution. In the next few years he taught math in Volochok high school. Then he moved to Moscow and served as a reader in the Church of Sts Boris and Gleb.
In March 1931, in Minsk he was tonsured monk Bishop Theophan (Semenyako) with the name Nikon. December 26, 1932 was ordained to the priesthood.
March 23 1933 he was arrested and sent to Siberian camps for five years. He was released in 1937.
After returning from the camp, Nikon lived in Vyshny Volochok. Since the beginning of the Great Patriotic War and the opening of temples Father Nikon began priestly ministry.
In 1944, the Archbishop of Kalinin and Smolensk Basil, he was appointed rector of the Church of the Annunciation in Kozelsk, where he served until 1948.
In 1948 he was transferred to Belyov, then - in Efremov (both - the Tula oblast), and after - in Smolensk. From Smolensk was sent to the parish in Gzhatsk.
In the Easter of 1956, father Nikon was awarded the dignity of hegumen by bishop Michael (Chub).
Father Nikon died September 7, 1963. He was buried in the town of Gzhatsk (now called Gagarin).
Sayings
- Fight with all, with very small sins. He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. And the devil inspires: "It's nothing, it's a trifle" - and about more important: "Where do we deal with it? This is for the "ascetics"."
- Let us thank the Lord for what He has chosen us out of this world, separated from it, and took in his portion. Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee, O God! Lord, prolong Thy mercy to the end! - Separete and after the death us from Thine enemies, even though we do not deserve it, but for Thy mercy is not dismiss us from Thy presence! Vouchsafe us and with all the saints throughout the ages to thank and praise Thee for unfathomable Thy mercies to the human race and we, indecent Thy servants!
- There is no heroism in us all. All of us are small, all are afraid of the big sorrows. We must pity everyone, sincerely wish and do more good. For with the same measure that we mete withal it shall be measured to us both here and in the future.
- What is the essence of Christianity? In that the Almighty, the Omniscient Creator of the universe loves and pities the person so concerned about him and his salvation, that he gave His only begotten Son to shame, the cross and death.
