Nikon (Vorobiov)
Hegumen Nikon (secular name Nikolay Nikolayevich Vorobyov, May 4, 1894, village Mikishino, Bezhetsk county, Tver Province, Russian Empire - 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. 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 in most high school math Volochok. Then he moved to Moscow and served as a reader in the Church of Sts Boris and Gleb temple.
In March 1931, in Minsk he was tonsured monk Bishop Theophan (Semenyako) with the name Nikon. December 26, 1932 was ordained to the priesthood.
In 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.