Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky): Ministry and Destiny

Abstract

The article delves into the biography of the future Patriarch Sergius (Stragorodsky) and the circumstances of his life that shaped the personality of the primate, making him one of the most prominent church figures of the twentieth century. The article examines the principal milestones of his pastoral ministry, theological contributions, missionary efforts, and administrative endeavors undertaken for the benefit of the Church. The article also outlines the circumstances surrounding Metropolitan Sergius’ dramatic involvement in the Renovationist schism and his eventual departure from it through a public act of repentance. The focus of the article is the history of relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Soviet government in the 1920s and 1930s, with Metropolitan Sergius playing a pivotal role as one of the key participants. The most challenging period for the Church in the twentieth century was the span from 1925 to 1943, marked by the absence of patriarchal authority and characterized by numerous intrigues and administrative pressure from the Bolshevik government. The article argues that the policy of Metropolitan Sergius was a direct continuation of the path that Patriarch Tikhon embarked on in the last years of his tenure. The author of the article concludes that Metropolitan Sergius deliberately chose a compromise with the authorities, embracing the path of martyrdom and self-abasement for the sake of preserving the Church. In 1927, Metropolitan Sergius, along with members of the convened Provisional Patriarchal Holy Synod, signed the “Message to Pastors and Believers”, which served as a memorandum of the Church’s political loyalty to the Soviet government. The article pays significant attention to Sergius’ press conference in front of Soviet and foreign journalists, which served as a response to numerous accusations leveled against the Soviet government for its oppression of the Church. The author of the article concludes that Metropolitan Sergius’ ministry is primarily characterized by martyrdom. Consciously opting for personal dishonor to safeguard the Church stands as a genuine act of courage by Patriarch Sergius, an undeniable merit appreciated by all believers.