The Origins of Catastrophe and Our Last Mohicans. Hegumen Nikon (Vorobyov)

Abstract

This article narrates the life journey, theological ideas, and pastoral practices of one of the eminent Orthodox ascetics in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church — Hegumen Nikon (Vorobyov) (1894–1963). In his youth, influenced by the spirit of the time, he was initially an atheist, fervently studied various sciences and philosophy. However, not finding what he sought in philosophy, he ardently turned to faith. In the “borderline state”, his soul experienced a somersault, and God revealed Himself to the one who sought Him with all the strength of his soul. In Minsk in 1930, Nikolai took monastic vows. He was given the name in honor of Hegumen Nikon of Radonezh, and later was ordained as a hieromonk. At that time of persecutions, this step was a true renunciation of the world and a direct path to Golgotha. In 1944, he was appointed the abbot of the Annunciation Cathedral in the city of Kozelsk. Here, he lived in an apartment held bynuns and kept a truly ascetic lifestyle. In a small room, he spent all his free time in prayer. His sermons made a strong impression on the believers, as he explained the Gospel, taught how to pray correctly, what humility and repentance meant as the foundations of spiritual life. In 1948, Father Nikon began to be driven from one parish to another: initially transferred to Belyov, then to Efremov, and further to Smolensk. His excellent sermons made many people restless, including, quite often, his fellow brethren. In 1948, from Smolensk, he was sent to the city of Gzhatsk (now Gagarin) — according to the father, in exile. Father Nikon led a strict monastic life. He had the gift of unceasing prayer, which was discovered accidentally. Hegumen Nikon’s constant readings included patristic writings, the Fathers of the Philokalia, the lives of saints, sermons, expoundings, and rarely — scientific, theological and philosophical works. Especially diligently and constantly he re-read and studied the works of St. Ignatius (Bryanchaninov), whom, being a truly spiritual father, he strongly recommended to all his spiritually close ones. The essence of his instructing was beautifully expressed in his letters, which were repeatedly published under various titles: “Repentance Is Left to Us”, “Letters on Spiritual Life”, “Give Heed to Yourself”, and others. He spoke and wrote about the essence of the Savior’s preaching, calling for spiritual and moral self-change through recognizing the damaged nature of humanity and its inability to heal itself from passions, primarily from the most foolish one — pride. Through this self-awareness, true repentance could be accomplished, turned to Christ the Savior, Who heals us.