Hello. Vis-À-Vis and Zvezda TV channel send you all Christmas and New Year greetings. We wish you all happiness and great spirits. Our guest today is His Beatitude Yuvenaly, Metropolitan of Krutitsy and Kolomna. Nice to see you, Your Beatitude.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Nice to see you.
Oganessian
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. What’s good about it is that it’s not the first time that you come here. There are so many, so various questions we would like to ask you. My question is a bit closer to tradition. What do you do to celebrate Christmas? Not just the church services, but, what so you do special?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
The Church has an direct relation to the holidays you mentioned. We pray for all people, that the holidays give them spiritual strength to carry on. I’m happy to send greetings on the occasion of Christmas and New Year to the Voice of Russia listeners, to people living in all corners of the world; it’s great to have this opportunity to meet the audience during the holidays.
What do I do on Christmas? I start preparations with 40 days of fasting before the feast. Then, we commemorate the Chosen who preserved the faith in the expectation of Christ’s coming to earth. We clean our soul with repentance. We should do this as we sin all the time. If we accumulate too much sin, the door of heaven will be shut to us. So, we diminish our sins with prayer and repentance. We cap the process with attendance at the Christmas Eve service, and spiritually we go back to the days of the advent of Christ the Saviour.
Oganessian
The holiday lightens our souls. People see the new-born. It evokes affection, they look back at childhood, remember the past. Let me remember the words of greetings that you had sent us and Zvezda channel. It went like this: God comes down not as a fierce warrior to bring death, but, rather he is a new-born that brings along hope, teaches us not to put ourselves over others, not to worship our gifts, but, rather be humble in front of yourself and others. Great words.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
If these wishes are fulfilled, then, we’ll have God’s kingdom on earth.
Oganessian
That is, it shall make for less sin. So, let’s go to the listeners’ questions.
Listener’s question: Elena, philologist, Moscow.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. An extremely important event took place in 2007… the Russian Orthodox Church united with the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. Is it possible for the whole Orthodox congregation to become one? Thank you.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Can the congregation be unified? The answer is yes. The Faith unites us all. We perceive all Orthodox believers as brothers. We all know how conflict started in the days of Patriarch Nikon, and that conflict has not been solved for more than 300 years. It divides us. Not animosity, but, division. For many years, the Church Abroad closed its doors against us. Now, with God’s help, we came to reconciliation. It has happened, thanks be to God. It was on Ascension Day in Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow. Now, we’re one, be it in Sydney, New York, London, or Moscow. Our delegations visited dioceses and parishes of the Church Abroad. With tears in their eyes, our people prayed together.
Oganessian
Thank you. Peace on earth, and generosity of soul. That’s what is especially touching for us Russians.
Listener’s question: Bob Horshaw, Toronto, Canada, journalist.
Your Beatitude, how did the Russian Church managed to preserve its faith in the Soviet times? One more… do you find it advisable to intensify your international humanitarian activities? Thank you.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Politics is for politicians. The church has nothing to do with it; we’re not the Foreign Ministry. But, we cannot stand aside from the tide of international events. Since 1946, a Department of External Church Relations has existed within the structure of the Church. It deals with other religious organisations. Religious values and peace are priority items on our agenda. We stand against terrorism, and we oppose the loss of moral standards. For instance, abortion and “trial marriage”, those are sins to the church. We should have our say concerning those issues.
Oganessian
What about maintaining the faith in the Soviet times?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
You look at me like I am a fossil because I come from the twentieth century. I must be getting old.
Oganessian
Certainly not, Your Beatitude.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
I’m happy that in this century you’re free to express your views and have faith. For a long period of time the mission (of the communists) was to have it over and done with having faith in people’s hearts. But, Christ’s words are everlasting, I shall build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.
Oganessian
You hit the nail right on the head.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
It was the fulfilment of God’s Word. The Old Testament mentions people who refused to kneel before idols; in the Soviet times, there were people who chose death rather than betray Christ. In 2000, many of the New Martyrs were canonised. Our grandmothers are the ones who preserved faith for us.
Oganessian
White satin.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
They kept their faith in the church. They braved the powers that be and went to services. There were few churches, but, those were the seeds that grew and became the huge tree that covers Russia today.
Oganessian
Before the program you quoted President Putin’s interview for Time magazine. He said 80 percent of Russia’s population have links with the Orthodox Church one way or another. That is very impressive after those clamp-downs in the Soviet times.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
During the last 15 years, the restoration has been in full swing. But, what’s more important is that we have reached people’s hearts. People go to receive baptism… Russia is going through a period of moral revival. I especially liked the words of the President when he stressed that moral standards and faith go together.
Listener’s question: Nadezhda, Moscow.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I wish you good health and long life. Our society is subject to spiritual ills, there is still prejudice against the church, and the church is not always victorious. Atheism dominates our children’s upbringing. The problems of everyday life, emotional problems, family problems.., all are solved without the church. Most often, TV wins. How does the church help us to find the true way, the way to the spiritual revival of our society? Thank you.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Thank you, Nadezhda. My hearty congratulations and greetings. We all know the ills of our society. But, the one looking for truth always finds a way to church. TV is one thing, but, time for church-going can always be found. We care a great deal about the upbringing of our children. We founded Orthodox kindergartens, church Sunday schools, and not just for children only, for adults too. Teaching is on our agenda. Some are afraid of clericalism. But, the church and state are divided. We tackle only the issue of spiritual revival. To bring children up takes a lot of effort. But, we won’t back down. We use only spiritual means to cure the ills of our society.
Oganessian
Harry Walker from the USA wants to know if the Russian Orthodox Church is involved in external missionary activities.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
We mainly focus on pastoral care for Orthodox believers. There are more that 300 parishes in the world sponsored by our Church. That’s our missionary activity. We conduct internal missionary activities, too. There is a special school in Belgorod where specialists in the field are trained.
Oganessian
This facilitates the resurrection of ancient religious traditions. The acknowledged ones. (In the ancient Church,) people devoted years to get to know the subtleties of baptism. Half a life devoted to study, and then people become baptised. Moral maturity is a must.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
In many places, children are instructed before baptism. It’s a complex process.
Oganessian
This activity is widely supported. The Church leadership pays great attention to Sunday schools and work with children. There are a lot of orphanages the Church takes care of. (Its work) includes helping the children from poor families. The Church carries out its mission in deeds, not words.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
We don’t have enough time for a detailed discussion on that issue. There was a diocesan gathering two days ago. About a thousand clergymen were present. I was demanding, but, very grateful because there are so many industrious people who are actively involved in the missionary and educational activities of the Moscow Diocese.
Oganessian
Thank you.
Listener’s question: Rodrigo Gonzales, Lima, Peru.
I got three questions. What’s the number of Christians in Russia? How many years of service are required to become a clergyman? What’s the number of Russian Orthodox Church clergymen?
Oganessian
Let’s remember President Putin’s figure, about 80 percent (of the Russian population).
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
That’s the most substantiated figure. The number of clergymen is about 30,000.
Oganessian
Strictly speaking, you mean Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church’s parishes abroad, in the Ukraine, Byelorussia, all together, some 30,000 clergymen.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Exactly.
Oganessian
Thank you. One more question. How many years of service are required in the church to be a reader or a choir director? Or, are there are no rules established?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
We have spiritual schools, theological academies. It takes five years and then two more in a postgraduate professional institution to receive a seminary education. The students are Orthodox Christians with a proper reputation. They serve for a long time (before being ordained).
Oganessian
This is for spiritual growth and self-development?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
And for receiving a spiritual education.
Oganessian
Next question.
Listener’s question:
Your Beatitude, please, bless me. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’m Anastasia. I belong to the Assumption parish. I have the following questions for you. The supposed remains of members of Tsar St Nicholas’ family were found recently. What’s the Church’s attitude towards this discovery? And my second question is, will the Russian Orthodox Church support the transfer of the remains of New Martyr St Yelizaveta from Jerusalem to Russia? The difficulty is that the remains still belong to the Orthodox Church Abroad. God bless you!
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Concerning the remains, we’re still waiting for the scientists to say their final word. Up to now, we have not heard that the testing is over. When we do, we’ll make our position known.
Oganessian
And the remains of St Yelizaveta?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
As we know, the Grand Princess wanted to be buried alongside her husband.
Oganessian
That was her wish.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
The (Martha and Mary Convent) is soon to have its 100th anniversary. The exterior is being renovated and its social service is starting again. I hope these questions will be resolved jointly with the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad.
Oganessian
Especially after the reconciliation.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
We’ll consider the issue together with the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad.
Oganessian
There was a very touching story. During her honeymoon with Sergei Aleksandrovich, going up the Mount of Olives from the Garden of Gethsemane, the Grand Princess said, “I wish I could be buried here”. And, it’s a wonder. Her body came through Siberia, then, to Harbin in China. The Russian Consul said it was undamaged, unlike others, despite the heat. To cover such a long way to be buried on the Mount of Olives!
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Such issues should be solved in peace and love.
Oganessian
Indeed. It’s in respect for a great lady.
One more question from Germany.
Listener’s question: Erich Rosenger, professor, Germany.
I heard that before the 1917 revolution, 400 nuns lived in a monastery in the city of Serpukhov. What happened to them? Are there any functioning monasteries in the city? And one more. What’s the difference between Orthodox Christmas and Western Christians Advent? Thank you.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Almost all monasteries in Russia were closed, they became desolate, and the monks were dispersed or became martyrs. Today, when the oppression is ended, and Russia lives in freedom and tries to follow its traditional ways, the monasteries are open again. The Moscow diocese has 24 monasteries, two of them in Serpukhov. The one you mentioned was one of that number. A few years back, it was like a place that suffered heavy bombing. Buildings wrecked. No roofs. Now it’s alive again. Not so many people live there, but, the completion of the restorations is in sight. It’s a beautiful place now. A convent, actually.
Oganessian
Is it the one situated on the riverbank?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Yes. Right there, in Serpukhov, the Bisotsky monastery is rebuilt. The tradition of the Inexhaustible Chalice is still alive. And the icon is venerated. Pilgrims come from all parts. They hardly believe that a few years back the place was in ruins. That’s how far the revival in Russia has come.
Oganessian
Thank you. Now, (can you answer) the other part of the question?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
The Christmas preparation is 40 days. On Christmas Eve, believers observe the sky until a star appears like the one in Bethlehem… the one that led the willing to the Cave in Bethlehem to show their respects.
Oganessian
And the last question, please.
Listener’s question: Anna, a pensioner, Moscow.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. What is the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian State? What is religious life in the regions like? Is it different from what we have in the Centre? Is there mutual understanding between the Church and local powers? Thank you.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
The questions are intertwined. The activities of religious organisations throughout all of Russia are regulated by law. We stand in the ruins restoring holy places. The picture is different in different places. Moscow city and Moscow oblast do more. They want to do something nice for the Patriarch. And he gives a lot of attention to the people who take part in the rebuilding. The original construction of Christ the Saviour Cathedral took 40 years and it was rebuilt in five. There are 253 new monasteries built in Moscow oblast, over a thousand parishes restored. There are governors who give much attention to the importance of spiritual life. Unfortunately, there are others, who are not so enthusiastic.
Oganessian
People are different.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Absolutely.
Oganessian
Does this go down to mayor’s offices and small towns?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
There is mutual respect between the church and the state. There is a creative process going on. We feel like spiritual partners with the state helping us to revive spiritual life.
Oganessian
As you said, the Church is protected by God and the state like if it were a shield. You spoke about the excesses of confrontation between the church and the state that took place in history. Human suffering, losses of life, repressions… it all has taken place.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
I think God allowed us to be tempted, and people lost common sense. It was a struggle against your own people, and centuries-old traditions were jeopardised. They wanted to destroy the old world, but, they failed to build a new one.
Oganessian
Yes, it was a kind of self-destruction. The attitude of the powers-that-be and people to faith is important. It may not be outright repression, but, it can be reluctance and a nasty attitude, an unwillingness to meet you halfway, that’s what takes place from time to time. There was a place. It had great historic traditions. There was a half-destroyed monastery and a splendid one near by. The splendid one was used as a dancing hall for young people. It meant damage to moral standards and to the young people themselves. It’s just an example. What’s your point of view? What is the way to cope with a similar situation?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Thanks be to God, there has never been a case of confrontation during my 30 years experience of heading the Moscow diocese. God was kind to me, probably because I’m an old and sensitive man. In the Moscow oblast we have a governor who has run the region for seven years, and it has always been benevolent cooperation, never intrusion into each other’s affairs. We also work with young people. The Moscow oblast government and the Church have appropriate organisational bodies that have agreements concluded, as well as with the ministries of education, social affairs, and so on. And now we face the problem of accommodation: clubs, culture houses, concert halls. There are big stadiums built around Moscow, each for a few thousand people. We use these places to meet with children. It’s not propaganda. I can prove it, I have a video tape.
Oganessian
Thank you, Your Beatitude, I do believe you.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
I have a videotape devoted to the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture in Kolomna this year. There was an ice palace big enough for 5,000 children, we gave them an Orthodox spiritual lesson. We did Christmas readings in other places. We went to stadiums again. We celebrated the anniversary of a parish church in Podolsk. The Trinity parish church was built 175 years ago on the occasion of the victory in the war against Napoleon in 1812. It was not a “martyred church”, but, rather a “hero church” because it never closed its doors in its 175-year history, the Soviet period included. So, the jubilee was celebrated, and we told the story to 5,000 children gathered in the stadium.
Oganessian
It’s important. That’s the way to work with children; at least they won’t go to church like if it were a dancing club or a discotheque.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Exactly. Good-sense is the right attitude. In Moscow oblast, we don’t have a single club operating in a church building, they have all become church properties again.
Oganessian
Thank you, Your Beatitude.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Thank you, I was happy to meet you again, as I’ve told you, I’m nearly 73, now…
Oganessian
Are you feeling old?
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Don’t forget this old man. If God gives me life and health, I’ll always be willing to come to see you.
Oganessian
Thank you, Your Beatitude.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Now, on entering a new faithful year and Christmas, I send you all my greetings and hearty blessings, I wish you peace and well being. God bless you all.
Oganessian
Lord, have mercy on us. On the part of our listeners and TV viewers and me, personally, I send you greetings on the occasion of New Year and Christmas, I wish you spiritual strength, and I wish we had more such outstanding meetings. I wish you all the best.
His Beatitude Yuvenaly
Goodbye.
Oganessian
Goodbye. Today, our studio guest was His Eminence Yuvenaly, Metropolitan of Krutitsy and Kolomna.
Voice of Russia World Service
Russia vis-à-vis the World
http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=20835&cid=71&p=27.12.2007 (in Russian and English)
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