Icon of St. Mitrofan of Voronezh. Prayer to Mitrofan of Voronezh for employment, health and other needs. The saint of God spent half of his life in the world: he was married, had a son, John, and served as a parish priest in the village of Sidorovsky

The people will always remember the loving and merciful bishop, and the line of admirers of his memory, flowing to the holy grave, will never be interrupted. The rows of prayer books at the holy tomb do not decrease, but only increase, thanks to the miraculous help of the saint.

The righteous life of St. Mitrofan of Voronezh marked the beginning of his open glorification.

The life path of the future miracle worker

Mitrofan (in the world Michael) was born into the family of a priest in 1623. Until the age of 40, he had a respectable wife and son John, served as a clergyman in the parish. In 1663, his wife died, this sad event served as a kind of impetus for taking monastic vows, which he took in the Assumption Desert near Suzdal.

Icon of St. Mitrofan of Voronezh

But what was Voronezh in those troubled years? It was located on the very outskirts of the Ryazan diocese, the city had a very difficult life. The fact is that this previously fertile land was devastated for several centuries by a wave of the Mongol-Tatar invasion. Moreover, in modern times, some reservoirs and settlements still bear Tatar names.

Despite the fact that Voronezh was restored after the devastation that occurred during the reign of the descendant of Ivan the Terrible Theodore Ioannovich, the city was still subjected to new devastation. For example, it is known that in 1624 the urban population was only 100 people. The inhabitants fled the city because the Tatars and the Polish-Lithuanian robbers destroyed Voronezh, and the townspeople themselves were captured for the purposes of the slave trade. The town was surrounded by a small wooden wall, in its center stood the Church of the Annunciation of the Mother of God.

Restless times gave rise to vacillation and depravity. The absence of temples and monasteries as a result of their destruction gave rise to the poverty of the spiritual and moral state of the people. Gangs of bandits robbed on the roads, and peasants, townspeople and schismatics gathered on the banks of the Don, wanting a free life and depravity.

In such a miserable and impoverished state, Mitrofan Voronezhsky got the chair. But the saint was not afraid of difficulties.

Interesting! During the 20 years of his bishopric, the wonderworker built many churches in the diocese, but he did not even build a separate dwelling for himself. For two decades he lived in an inn.

Church ministry

He began his activity with the distribution of a message in which he called on the people to correct the fallen morality of clergy and laity.

Peter the Great and Saint Mitrofan

He called people to:

a good life and unceasing prayer;
acceptance of Baptism, repentance;
attention to the sick;
frequent communion and anointing with holy oil.

The Voronezh saint diligently took care of his flock: he eradicated unrest in the monasteries, established life in them according to the monastic rule, consoled the weeping, patronized widows and orphans, interceded for the offended.

In his house he received wanderers, here the saint built a hospital for the sick, and in free time and at night he offered prayers for the living and for the departed Christians.

Firm faith did not allow Mitrofan to appear at the invitation of Tsar Peter I in his chambers, because there were pagan statues. The miracle worker was not at all afraid of incurring the wrath of the imperial person, although he was threatened with disgrace for disobeying the will of the king. But Peter ordered the destruction of the statues and from that moment imbued Mitrofan with even greater respect.

Interesting! The miracle worker possessed high patriotism and, thanks to his authority, contributed to the transformations of Peter I, donating his funds for the good of the Motherland and the improvement of the fleet.

The saint came to Christ on November 23, 1703, at a ripe old age. Shortly before his death, he took the great schema with the name Macarius. At the funeral, the coffin with his body was carried by Tsar Peter I himself.

Finding relics

In 1831, the restoration of the cathedral in Voronezh was carried out, it was necessary to replace the floor and measure the strength of the building's foundation. When dismantling the platform, a crypt was discovered. Through a hole at the top, the restorers examined a coffin with a lid that had decayed from time to time, in which the imperishable body of St. Voronezh rested.

The emperor was informed about the "find". He immediately appointed a meeting of the Holy Synod, whose members created a commission to examine the relics, which concluded: despite the excessive dampness of the burial place, the body of the saint remained incorruptible, and the vestments were completely unharmed.

In 1831, Saint Mitrofan of Voronezh was glorified in the Face of Saints, and His memory is celebrated on November 23 on the day of repose and on August 7 on the day of glorification.

Miracles through prayer

A special church book contains stories about miracles through prayers to St. Mitrofan.

Icon "The Life of Saint Mitrofan of Voronezh. Miracle Worker"

Ivan Ladygin, a landowner from Lipetsk, became very ill after suffering a severe family misfortune. The disease intensified, soon he could not get out of bed and even move, could not sleep, only occasionally dozed off. He was brought to the tomb of the saint and a miracle happened - the man felt relief from the excruciating pains, was able to raise his head and sat down on his own, and soon began to step over several steps on crutches.

A year later, Ladygin's daughter fell ill with a fever, fell into a coma, and the girl's death was felt to be approaching. In a dream vision, Mitrofan himself appeared to her in a bishop's robe and blessed her. From that moment on, the child began to recover rapidly.

The 18-year-old girl suffered from seizures, and soon a huge growth appeared on her nose and grew all over her face. The patient, deeply believing in the help of the Lord through the prayers of the miracle worker Mitrofan, came to the cathedral to the grave of the saint, ordered memorial services for Mitrofan, and prayed to the Mother of God. One day she came home after the service and lay down to rest. Half asleep, she dreamed of a saint who promised her a speedy recovery. The next day, the ministers of the church laid the mantle of the saint on the girl, and her growth began to fall off, and a week later she had a terrible seizure, which, fortunately, was the last in her life.

The blind peasant regained his sight after a memorial service at the tomb of the saint. The man twice anointed his eyes with oil from the lamp in front of the icon of the Virgin and received his sight.

The serf woman of one of the landowners suffered from a disease of her hands: they were covered with abscesses and were very sick, so she could not work. Having gone on a pilgrimage to Voronezh, the woman with faith anointed her sick hands with oil from the lamp over the coffin of the miracle worker. Over the next 4 days, her hands completely cleared of abscesses and stopped hurting.

The deacon's wife named Agafya suffered from fits of demonic possession and tried to commit suicide. Her husband forcibly brought her to the cathedral to the tomb of the saint. The woman resisted terribly, and when the mantle of the saint was placed on her, she fell into unconsciousness. When she woke up, she felt great relief and healing from terrible torment.

An 8-year-old girl fell ill with a terrible disease known as Witt's dance. The doctors could do nothing to help the poor fellow. The child lost his arms, legs, his tongue was numb. Her relatives prayed to the Mother of God and ordered a memorial service at the burial place of the miracle worker Mitrofan. For 3 days the ministers of the church laid the hierarch's mantle on the child. Suddenly, the girl felt relieved and fell asleep for half a day. In a dream, she saw an old monk sitting by her bed. After 3 weeks, the child completely got rid of the disease.

Prayer requests

Each person throughout life encounters various obstacles, which, as it sometimes seems, cannot be overcome. And then Mitrofan of Voronezh comes to the rescue, who will always help and console.

Saint Mitrofan, Annunciation Cathedral

He can pray:

During the Soviet era, the godless people tried to beat him up, covered him with garbage, and arranged a city dump. But miracles always happen and the holy spring made its way in one place or another.

Many people flowing to him with faith in the Almighty received and still receive the covenant healing through the intercession of the miracle worker Mitrofan of Voronezh to Christ.

Prayer Rules

In order for the miracle worker Mitrofan to hear a prayer request and help a person, some rules must be observed:

the text of the prayer should be read sincerely, pretense in "such matters" is unacceptable and offensive to the saint;
it is necessary to concentrate and drive away any thoughts from yourself, except for prayer ones;
you can’t read prayers “by obligation”, the text should be read sincerely and from the heart, and not at someone’s direction;
a prayer request must be read with humility and a calm voice;
you should not ask for high material success in prayer, you need to dwell on what will bring peace to your soul.

Advice! Before starting prayer work, it is advisable to visit the church, confess, take communion and receive a blessing from the priest for reading prayers. Usually a cleric blesses a person for a 40-day prayer work.

Saint Mitrofan of Voronezh is a great righteous man and miracle worker, who worked help and miracles both during his earthly life, and did not stop the flow of miracles after his death. Just a touch on his vestment was enough to heal from all kinds of ailments, and today prayers to the great saint do not leave the lips of Orthodox Christians around the world.

Mitrofan of Voronezh

Mitrofan of Voronezh

Saint Mitrofan, the first Bishop of Voronezh, was born on November 6, 1623 in the Vladimir land (the village of Antilokhovo, now the Savinsky district of the Ivanovo region), into the family of a priest. The secular name of the future saint was Michael. His parents belonged to a spiritual rank, in the words of the saint himself, "I was born into this world from pious parents and brought up by them in the immaculate piety of the Eastern Church, in the Orthodox faith."
The saint lived half his life in the world, was married and had children. Information has been preserved about the solicitude of Saint Mitrofan in the upbringing of his son Ivan.
The future bishop was for some time a priest in the village of Sidorovsky, Suzdal diocese.
At the age of 40, he became a widow and decided to devote his life to God. He chose his place of residence not far from Suzdal (Ivanovo region, Teikovsky district, the village of Zolotnikovskaya Pustyn), where he was tonsured a monk with the name Mitrofan.
Here the saint of God began monastic asceticism, distinguished by deep humility. His strict monastic life became known among the monastic community. Three years after entering the Zolotnikovsky monastery, the brethren of the neighboring Yakhroma Kosmin monastery, which at that time did not have an abbot, began to ask the local spiritual authorities to deliver Mitrofan to the abbot. The request was fulfilled. At first, the ascetic was ordained to the priesthood, then in 1665, despite his reluctance, he was elevated to the abbot (the village of Nebyloye, Yuryev-Polsky district, Vladimir region).
During his rectorship, a new Church of the Savior was built in the monastery, which was supplied with all the necessary church utensils.
When Patriarch Joachim of Moscow and All Russia found out about the zeal of the ascetic, he entrusted him with the larger Unzhensky monastery, founded in the 15th century. Reverend Macarius Zheltovodsky in the Kostroma land. Since 1675, Mitrofan was hegumen of the Unzhensky Trinity Monastery, which was patronized by the reigning house of the Romanovs.
In 1677, on behalf of Patriarch Joachim, hegumen Mitrofan examined the churches in the Vetluzhsky villages, and also replaced old printed liturgical books in the churches of Galich and Yuryevets Povolzhsky with districts with new ones.
In 1680, simultaneously with the rectorate at the Unzhensky monastery, he was appointed a tithe - manager of the Unzhensky tithe, which included 94 churches.
Under his leadership and in this monastery was built new temple- stone in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a refectory and a bell tower - consecrated in 1680. Many wonderful icons were painted.
The monastery of hegumen Mitrofan attracted the attention of not only the Patriarch, but also Tsar Theodore Alekseevich, who visited the monastery and often talked with the rector. At court, the saint was treated with special reverence.

Mitrofan of Voronezh (19th century icon)

In 1682, by decision of the Moscow Church Council of 1681, a new Voronezh diocese was formed, Tsar Theodore proposed to appoint hegumen Mitrofan as its first bishop.
April 2, 1682 Mitrofan was appointed Bishop of Voronezh. The episcopal consecration was headed by Patriarch Joachim.
Previously, it was part of the Ryazan diocese, but the local bishops did not visit Voronezh and its environs, which were located on the deep periphery of their vast diocese. Many local residents did not have respect for religion, the educational level of the pastors was extremely low, there was great influence in the region, whose representatives fled to the then outskirts of Russia from persecution. There were only 182 churches on the territory of the diocese, which did not correspond to its scale and constantly increasing population. Monastic life was in decline; lay donors often intervened in the internal life of the monasteries. According to Bishop Mitrofan, “we have a Ukrainian place, and people of every rank have become accustomed to live beyond their control, according to their own will” (Ukrainian in this case meant marginal).

At the end of August 1682 the bishop arrived in his diocese.
Saint Mitrofan had to witness the rebellion of the schismatics in July of the same year and attend the "debate about faith" between the Old Believers and the Orthodox in the Palace of Facets. This event made a strong impression on him and subsequently affected his hierarchal affairs. Saint Mitrofan gained fame as an accuser of schism and an associate of the patriotic undertakings of the reformer tsar. Saint Mitrofan considered the clergy as a force capable of influencing the population in the most beneficial way.
In the life of St. Mitrofan, the following assessment of his activities as the ruling bishop is given:
As an experienced owner, taking care of church property, he strove to increase the funds of his poor diocese and carefully streamlined its external, church-household. But the main concerns of the saint were concentrated on pastoral care for the salvation of the souls of the verbal flock entrusted to him by the Lord. Saint Mitrophan appeared to be a true shepherd, with the fear of God he fulfilled his ministry: with love and mercy, the saint plowed the field of human hearts in order to sow on them the saving seeds of the word of God; only in extreme cases did he turn to severe punitive measures to eradicate vices.

When Bishop Mitrofan was Bishop of Voronezh, the boundaries of the diocese were finally defined and expanded. Instead of the dilapidated Annunciation Cathedral in Voronezh, a new, five-domed stone church was built in honor of the Annunciation Holy Mother of God, also consecrated by 1692 in honor of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos and at that time became the largest building in the city. Saint Mitrofan loved church splendor and invested huge sums in the construction of the cathedral.
The number of churches in the diocese increased to 239. Two new monasteries were founded, one skete was transformed into a monastery. The monasteries of the diocese were subject to hierarchical supervision, financial discipline was established in them. The bishop took measures to raise the moral level of both monastics and the white clergy, took care of their authority, and protected the priests from harassment by the laity. He was a strict but fair archpastor. He actively fought against the influence of the Old Believers, preached a lot, opened schools in the villages, in which immigrants from Little Russia who knew the letter taught.

The life of the saint was more than modest. He did a lot of charity work, according to the Bishop's biographer, "his bishop's house was a house of refuge for all the mourners, a hotel for wanderers, a medical clinic for the sick, a place of rest for the miserable."

Bishop Mitrofan supported Peter I, who organized a shipyard in Voronezh for the construction of a fleet that participated in the campaign against Azov in 1696.
When in 1696 the Russian troops defeated the Turks near Azov, Peter I commanded Saint Mitrofan, as if as a reward for participating in this victory, to be called Bishop of Voronezh and "Azov".
In his sermons, Mitrofan supported the undertakings of the tsar, as the ruling bishop, contributed to the construction of ships, donated large sums for shipbuilding, and considered it possible to borrow technical knowledge from the West. The tsar, in turn, respected the saint; for some Voronezh monasteries, at the request of Bishop Mitrofan, state duties were reduced (which was uncharacteristic for Peter I, but was explained by his good relations with the master).
At the same time, Saint Mitrofan could not approve of the tsar's too close contact with foreign gentiles and thoughtless perception of their customs.
The life of the saint describes his conflict with Peter I during one of the tsar's trips to Voronezh:
The emperor wished to see Saint Mitrofan and ordered him to come to the palace. The saint immediately went to the king on foot. But, entering the courtyard leading to the palace, he saw the statues of the Greek gods and goddesses, set up as decorations by royal order. The saint immediately turned and went home. This was reported to the emperor, who, not knowing why Saint Mitrofan returned back, sent a second messenger to him with the order to appear. But the saint replied: “Until the sovereign orders to remove the idols that seduce all the people, I cannot enter his palace.” Enraged by these words, Peter ordered to convey to the saint: "If he does not come, then by disobedience to the powers that be, he will subject himself to the death penalty." To this threat, Bishop Mitrofan replied: “In my life the sovereign is powerful; but it is indecent for a Christian sovereign to set up pagan idols and thereby tempt simple hearts.

The conflict ended in reconciliation - the king forgave the bishop and ordered the removal of the statues, after which the lord came to the palace to thank the sovereign. Subsequently, he did not change his negative attitude towards European customs and included in his spiritual testament a sharp warning from Patriarch Joachim against rapprochement with foreigners. Despite this, until his death, he enjoyed the favor of the king, whom he met for the last time in 1702.

In August 1703, Bishop Mitrofan fell seriously ill. On August 10, he was tonsured into the schema with the name Macarius, in honor of the Monk Macarius of Unzhensky, the founder of the monastery, in which he was abbot before his episcopal consecration. In his will, in particular, he wrote: “But I don’t have money in my cell ... I’m not an imam in my cell, neither gold nor silver, what to give for the remembrance of my sinful soul.”

On November 23, 1703, Saint Mitrofan died; at his burial on December 4 of the same year, Tsar Peter I was present, who planned to visit the Voronezh shipyard, but hastened his arrival upon learning of the death of the bishop. After the funeral service, Peter I said to all those present: “We will be ashamed if we do not testify our gratitude to this beneficent shepherd by giving him the last honor. So let's take his body out ourselves."
The tsar personally carried the coffin of the lord, and after the funeral, turning to those close to him, he said: “I don’t have such a holy elder.”
Vladyka Mitrofan was buried in the Annunciation Cathedral in Voronezh.

The saint's favorite reflection was the remembrance of death, the afterlife, the ordeals; favorite prayer is the prayer for the dead.
Not being familiar with the widespread in the XVII century. Latin scholasticism, Saint Mitrofan knew perfectly well Holy Bible and patristic writings. In his " Spiritual testament St. Mitrofan edified: “For every person, this is the rule of wise men: use labor, keep moderation - you will be rich; drink temperately, eat little - you will be healthy; do good, flee evil, and you will be saved.”

Canonization

During the renovation of Blagoveshchensky cathedral the relics of the saint were transferred twice (in 1718 and 1735). Each time, the incorruption of the body of St. Mitrofan. Since that time, reverent veneration of St. Mitrofan and the miraculous manifestations of God's help at his grave increased.
Since 1820, the number of admirers of the prayerful memory of St. Mitrofan especially increased, and records of miracles began to appear at the cathedral on his tomb.
In 1831, an official report of this to the Synod followed, by decision of which on August 7, 1832, the solemn opening of the coffin took place, and then the canonization of the saint followed.
In 1832, Bishop Mitrofan was canonized as a saint.
From his holy relics, by the grace of God, there were numerous healings of those suffering from bodily and mental ailments, the obsessed, the paralyzed.

Days of Remembrance:
June 23/July 6 at ,
July 9/August 1,
August 7/20 (Undertaking of relics),
September 4/17 (Second acquisition of relics and the Cathedral of the Voronezh Saints),
November 23/December 6.

Adoration of the relics of St. Mitrofan of Voronezh

In 1836, the Annunciation Mitrofanov Monastery was established at the Annunciation Cathedral in Voronezh.
On February 3, 1919, in the Mitrofanov Monastery, a special commission composed of representatives of the provincial executive committee, the city executive committee, representatives of the congress (two from each county), the city health department, the editorial office of Izvestia and other institutions, chaired by the secretary of the provincial emergency commission Bessmertny, performed an autopsy shrines of Mitrofan of Voronezh. According to the conclusion of the commission, the relics consisted of a crumbling skull with alien hair attached to it, several bones of a different origin, and the bulk was made up of covers and a rag doll stuffed with decayed material. At the opening of the relics, the Archbishop of Voronezh and Zadonsk Tikhon (Nikanorov) was present and signed the act of opening.

veneration of a saint

The first temple in the name of St. Mitrofan was Gateway Mitrofanievskaya Church in the Khotkovsky Monastery, which was consecrated on June 29, 1833 by Metropolitan Filaret.

In Moscow, there is a temple of Mitrofan of Voronezh, built in 1895 at the orphanage of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna in Petrovsky Park.
In the Paveletsky railway station, from which trains leave for Voronezh, there is a chapel in the name of the saint, consecrated in 2001.

In St. Petersburg in 1847, the church of Mitrofan of Voronezh was built on the territory of the Tentelevsky cemetery, in connection with which the cemetery itself became known as Mitrofanevsky. This temple was demolished in 1929.

Mitrofan of Voronezh at the Monument "1000th Anniversary of Russia" in Veliky Novgorod

On the territory of Karelia, on the banks of the Vazhozero, there is the Mitrofanevsky Hermitage of the Petrozavodsk and Karelian diocese, founded (as a skete) in 1904 and revived in 2000.
In the Pskov diocese in the village of Lositsy (Plus deanery) in 1856, the temple of Mitrofan of Voronezh was consecrated.

In 2003, a temple was built in the name of the saint on the territory of the Voronezh Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

Monument to Mitrofan of Voronezh in Voronezh

In 2003, a monument to St. Mitrofan was erected in Voronezh.
To collect donations for the construction of the Annunciation Cathedral in the city, the Foundation of St. Mitrofan of Voronezh was founded.
In Voronezh, there is an Orthodox gymnasium in the name of St. Mitrofan of Voronezh.
In September 2007, on the basis of the Faculty of History of the Voronezh state university an interregional scientific and practical conference "175th anniversary of the glorification of St. Mitrofan of Voronezh - an outstanding church and statesman". Speaking at them, the acting rector of the Voronezh Theological Seminary, Hieromonk Innokenty (Nikiforov) said:
Saint Mitrofan gave us not only an example of spiritual life, but also the image of a Christian who loves his Fatherland and strives for its good. In the difficult time for our country of the Peter the Great reforms, he turned out to be higher than the reformist politicians, who set the goal of changing everything in Russia in a Western manner, and the schismatic Old Believers and their supporters who strived for isolation and isolation. He managed to be a faithful child to the Heavenly King and an uncompromising loyal subject to the earthly king.

Saint Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh

Troparion to Saint Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh, Tone 4

The rule of faith and the image of meekness / in word and life to your flock, Father of the humble and wise Mitrofan, was thou. / The same and in the light of the saints / the sun shone more brightly, / we decorate with a crown of incorruption and glory, / pray to Christ God // our country and your city in the world be saved.

Kontakion to Saint Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh, Tone 8

Having enslaved the body to the spirit by continence, / having created the soul equal to the angels, / you were dressed in saintly clothes, like a crown of priesthood, / and now, standing by all the Lord, / pray, all-blessed Mitrofan, to die and save our souls.

Troparion to Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov, Mitrofan and Tikhon, Bishops of Voronezh, Tone 8

As anciently in Vostocech three great saints, / strong in word Basil, / the depth of Theology Gregory and Chrysostom John, / so today in the country of midnight / three newly-appeared luminaries of faith in the firmament of the church vostekosh: / the pillar of faith Mitrofan, / the word of truth in the person of the king confessing , / and Demetrius, the accuser of the schism, / cut all his machinations with a sharp sword, / and Tikhon, a full vessel of anointing, / calling the sinner to repentance with the quietness of his words. / O great and three saints of the Russian land, / pray to Christ God, pleasing Him quickly, / save our souls.

Kontakion to Dimitry, Metropolitan of Rostov, Mitrofan and Tikhon, Bishops of Voronezh, Tone 3

Even in our late birth and in the last times / overwhelmed by the anxiety of worldly passions and the coldness of unbelief of the ailing / consoled in sorrow of soul and warmed with the warmth of your faith, / the three newly-appeared saints of Russia, / Demetrius, Mitrofan and Tikhon, / affirm us on the stone of Orthodoxy / and , like fathers who love children, // your spiritual child, guide the path of the commandments of the fathers into the Kingdom of Christ after yourself.

During his lifetime, Mitrofan became famous for his great compassion, mercy, kindness, and, even being in the rank of Bishop of Voronezh, he was accessible both to high-ranking persons and to ordinary people. Saint Mitrofan helped the poor and the destitute, visited the sick in hospitals, admonished those imprisoned in dungeons, and comforted those who were suffering. His house was a haven for orphans and the poor. The pious elder was a great righteous man who did many good deeds. From one touch to his clothes, miraculous healings of seriously ill people occurred.

November 6th, 1623, in the Vladimir province, a baby was born in the family of a priest. The boy was named Michael and brought up in the spirit of Orthodox traditions in love for the Lord. Michael grew up as an exemplary God-fearing child, he studied well at school. After training, he married and was appointed a priest in the village of Sidorovskoye. Father Michael in marriage had a son, John, was known as a caring husband and loving father. By the age of forty, he became a widow, suffered the death of his wife hard and decided to take the vows.

He settled in the Zolotnikovsky Monastery and renounced this world. In 1663 he took monastic vows and was named Mitrofan. The novice Mitrofan was strict with himself and those around him, enjoyed the respect and love of all the brethren. In 1665 he was elevated to the rank of hegumen in the Yakhroma monastery. Here he served as pastor for 10 years. In 1675, Mitrofan became the head of the Unzha monastery and ruled it for almost 7 years. During the years of his reign, the Unzhensky Monastery reached its prosperity.

Sovereign Fyodor Alekseevich (Romanov) often visited the monastery and often talked with the rector. At court, hegumen Mitrofan was treated with respect. In 1682, Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich recommended appointing hegumen Mitrofan as bishop in the newly formed Voronezh diocese

The newly-made bishop cared in every possible way for the well-being and organization of church life, as well as for the welfare of the state. In those days, many Christians bore pagan names, drank, lived in vice. Church attendance was very rare. The region demanded constant work and expenses to improve the church structure. Bishop Mitrofan understood this well. In Voronezh, the Annunciation Cathedral was erected in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. In 1692, the cathedral was consecrated and it became a favorite place for parishioners.

Vladyka of Voronezh was known as a strict but fair archpastor. He preached a lot, did charity work, organized schools in which they taught literacy and theology. Having a large income, he distributed all the money to the needy, while living very modestly.

A special relationship developed between the bishop and Tsar Peter the Great. Vladyka Mitrofan supported many undertakings of the young monarch, was his teacher and mentor. He helped Peter organize shipbuilding in Voronezh to build a fleet. The tsar treated the bishop with great respect and even, at his request, reduced the duties from some monasteries.

In 1703, at the age of eighty, the pious elder fell seriously ill. A few years before his death The saint left a spiritual testament:

Pray for the dead;
Keep peace with each other;
Honor those in power;
Keep the commandments of the Lord.

Before his death, the bishop wished to accept the schema. On August 10, he was tonsured and named Macarius. On November 23, 1703, Mitrofan died quietly. Vladyka was buried in the Annunciation Church in Voronezh. In 1832, Mitrofan of Voronezh was canonized as a holy saint of God.

relics of a saint

During the repair of the cathedral, the relics of the Holy Wonderworker were transferred twice, and each time their incorruptibility is attested. Even after the death of the elder, his relics retained the gift of miraculous healing.

With the coming to power of the atheists, many monasteries and temples were plundered, destroyed and demolished. The Cathedral of the Annunciation was also damaged. The relics of the saints kept in it were destroyed. The healing spring, located in the monastery, was repeatedly tried to fall asleep, but each time it found its way through the layer of earth. The relics of St. Mitrofan were preserved and transferred to the local history museum, where they lay for 60 years.

In 1989, the relics of the Wonderworker of Voronezh were returned to the Orthodox Church. On September 16, the holy relics, covered with an ancient veil, were placed in the altar of the Intercession Cathedral in Voronezh in a prepared place. They, as before, continue to heal the sick and suffering. Christians from all over the world make pilgrimage to this place.

Prayers to Mitrofan

Before the icon of the saint, the parishioners pray:

About help in finding a job;
About creating a family for children;
About the well-being of the son;
About healing a sick soul;
About getting rid of poverty;
About getting a promotion;
About receiving God's forgiveness and mercy.

When offering his petition to the saint, the believer must read the holy text sincerely, from the bottom of his heart. For prayer to be heard you need to follow some simple rules:

Prayer to say without any pretense;
When praying, one should think about asking and not be distracted by extraneous thoughts;
The words of the prayer are spoken calmly in a quiet voice;
A prayer read simply out of obligation will not be useful and may anger the saint;
It is not good to ask for material goods;
It is necessary to visit the temple, be cleansed of sins and prepare for prayer.

Prayer to Mitrofan of Voronezh for work

O Holy Father Mitrofan! Accept this prayer from us, sinful servants of God (names), who come running to you, and with your warm intercession, beg our Lord, Jesus Christ, to give us forgiveness of our sins and deliver us from sorrows and troubles, from sorrow and illness of the soul and body that torment us. Let everything that is necessary for the benefit of our present life; and grant us the end of life this temporary repentance and may it vouchsafe us, unworthy and sinful of His Kingdom of Heaven, and with all the saints to glorify His infinite mercy, with His Beginningless Father and His Life-giving Holy Spirit, forever and ever.

Prayer for the life arrangement of children

O holy father Mitrofan, by the incorruptibility of your miraculous relics and the good deeds done and created by you, who with faith give you, who are convinced of your grace from our Lord, we all humbly bow down and pray to you: pray for us to our God, Jesus Christ, that he may send to all who honor Your holy memory and diligently resort to You, rich in Your mercy.

May he establish in His holy Orthodox Church a living spirit, the right faith and piety. Spirit of peace and love and joy in the Holy Spirit, that all its members are clean from carnal lusts and worldly temptations and the actions of evil spirits, worship Him in truth and spirit and take care to keep all His commandments for the salvation of their souls. May they give their shepherds a holy zeal of care for the salvation of the souls of people entrusted to them, may they enlighten the unbelievers, instruct the ignorant, enlighten those who doubt, and turn those who have fallen away from the Orthodox Church into her holy depths.

Those who believe in the faith will be observed, sinners will be moved to repentance, the penitent will be strengthened and consoled in the correction of life, the reformed and repentant and affirmed in the holiness of life: and they are also led by the path indicated by God to His eternal kingdom prepared for all. Holy Hierarch of God, having arranged with your prayers all the blessings to our souls and bodies: yes, we will also glorify in our souls and bodies our Lord our God, Jesus Christ, His Father and the Holy Spirit, from now and forever and ever. Amen.

Legacy of the Voronezh Wonderworker

Many churches were built in honor of St. Mitrofan and monasteries throughout Russia. Following the example of the great miracle worker and benefactor, church institutions organized Sunday schools, various circles, teenage clubs. Many parishes provide assistance to low-income parishioners. Charity groups have been set up at churches. They provide care for seriously ill and elderly single people.

Orthodox educational institutions were created (at the Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos in Petrovsky Park). In Voronezh there is an Orthodox gymnasium named after Mitrofan of Voronezh. Museums are open in parishes and monasteries, Orthodox magazines are published, there are church libraries (the Church of the Icon of the Sign of the Mother of God in Kuntsevo).

Archbishop Mitrofan showed the entire Christian world an example not only of spiritual life, but also image of the true Orthodox Christian striving for the good of his people and fatherland. He managed to remain faithful to his Lord in heaven and king on earth.

Saint Mitrofan of Voronezh, according to his own recollections, came from a pious Christian family. He was born on the territory of the Vladimir province, November 6, 1623.

Little is known for certain about the childhood and youthful years of the life of Saint Mitrofan. In the world he was called Michael, he was brought up within the framework of Orthodox traditions, in the spirit of kindness, love for God and trust in the Church. Having reached adulthood, he married, had a son, Ivan, had warm paternal feelings for him. Left without a wife, at the fortieth year of his life he renounced the vanity of this world and entered the Zolotnikovsky cenobitic monastery, located near the city of Suzdal. It is assumed that Michael's own father belonged to the clergy.

Having made a choice in favor of monasticism and entering a monastery, Mitrofan humbly and zealously fulfilled the obediences assigned to him, prayed a lot, and God was to help him. Over time, the fame of Mitrofan's exploits and virtues went beyond the monastery and spread throughout the district.

The brethren of the neighboring monastery, Yakhroma, understanding him as a zealous, spiritually experienced ascetic and not having a rector at that time, began to ask the church authorities to appoint him as hegumen over them. This request was also supported by the monastic peasants. The management, having found a rational grain in this, went to meet them halfway.

Abbot's activity

In 1663, Mitrofan was raised to the priesthood and consecrated to the abbot. In this position, he showed himself as a caring, loving mentor, a kind leader. Being engaged in the spiritual education of the brethren, he paid much attention to the improvement of the monastery.

In the first year of his reign at the monastery, Father Mitrofan acquired a richly decorated gospel. Then, resorting to donations from benefactors, he organized the construction of a new, more spacious church than the existing one.

Pastoral zeal, initiative and good organizational skills of Abbot Mitrofan did not escape the attention of Patriarch Joachim, and he offered him a place as rector in the more famous Zheltovodsky (Unzhensky) monastery. Father Mitrofan humbly accepted this offer. He ruled this monastery for about seven years. During the period of his leadership, the monastery was transformed: the beautiful Annunciation Church was rebuilt, with a bell tower and a meal; many icons were painted. But the main thing: his activity favored spiritual transformation brethren.

Sovereign Feodor Alekseevich, having respectful feelings for Father Mitrofan, had communication with him. Some representatives of the royal court had similar feelings towards the abbot.

In 1682, in accordance with the decision of the Moscow Council of 1681, the Voronezh diocese was formed. Since at that time schismatic moods intensified among the people, it was clear that the new diocese should be headed by a firm in conviction, wise and zealous pastor. The tsar chose for this place hegumen Mitrofan, honored by him. The church leadership approved and supported the idea.

Episcopal Way

On April 2, 1682, Patriarch Joachim solemnly consecrated Father Mitrofan as Bishop of Voronezh.

The death of Tsar Theodore, who died soon after this event, was the reason for the delay of St. Mitrofan in the capital. In addition, he was to be present at the wedding ceremony for the kingdom of two Alekseevichs: John and Peter; During the performance of this rite, Saint Mitrofan brought a crown on a platter, which, then, was placed with a prayer on the head of Peter.

In addition, Bishop Mitrofan took part in the Council, organized against the excesses of schismatics that took place in the Palace of the Facets.

Arriving at the place of his episcopal service, the saint addressed through a district message to the subject clergy, where he called on the clergy to strictly observe the faith and a responsible attitude towards the flock. Within the framework of the message, he singled out three most important aspects in the management of Christ's flock: by word, sacred rites and prayers, and personal example.

Considering the scale of rampant schismatic sentiments in the country, from the very beginning of his ministry, St. Mitrofan set the task of fighting for church unity. He saw the basis of unity within the flock in the unity of faith and obedience to the voice of the Church.

Among the first things in his department, Bishop Mitrofan organized the construction of a new stone church in Voronezh. Construction lasted about fifteen years. All this time the bishop served in the wooden church. When the work was nearing completion, to everyone's regret it turned out that during the construction mistakes were made due to the insufficient experience of the masons, and the temple building was recognized as unreliable.

In the spiritual and moral realm, Saint Mitrofan showed himself to be a kind and merciful bishop. It is noted that it was available not only to close and dignitaries, but to everyone, including commoners; business as usual the service for the saint was visiting prisoners in dungeons; in addition, he showed special concern for orphans and widows.

The financial situation of the Voronezh Department left much to be desired. The fact is that the receipt of funds for diocesan needs strongly depended on the number and size of parishes, while the Voronezh diocese was significantly inferior to others in this respect. It happened that conflicts occurred between the authorities of the Ryazan and Voronezh clergy over a number of churches. In this regard, the Ryazan leadership sent complaints to the Patriarch about the unauthorized nursing of individual churches by the Voronezh saint. Reacting to these unpleasant signals, the Patriarch, in 1696, determined by his letter the exact territorial boundaries of the Voronezh diocese and explained to the disputing parties which of the two bishops should own which church.

Later, in 1699, Tsar Peter, imbued with the plight of the Voronezh see, unsubscribed from the Ryazan diocese several cities with their counties and attributed them to Voronezh.

Peter treated Bishop Mitrofan positively. In turn, the saint revered royal authority, called it given by God, and demanded such understanding from the people.

When Peter was building ships at the Voronezh shipyard, the saint told people that this was necessary for the good of the Fatherland, and supported those who were busy at hard work with good pastoral consolation and prayer. Having learned that large sums of money were urgently required for the needs of the Fatherland, the saint, having collected everything that was in the diocesan treasury - 6,000 rubles - immediately transferred the collected amount to the sovereign.

After Tsar Peter took Azov, he immediately sent an envoy to inform Saint Mitrofan that from now on he would be called Bishop of Voronezh and Azov.

In general, the saint more than once rescued the sovereign with money. Meanwhile, Peter appreciated him not only for helping the Fatherland, but also for his monastic virtues. This is evidenced both by his responses and by the very facts of visiting the saint to ask for his blessing.

Once Tsar Peter, staying in Voronezh, for some reason invited Bishop Mitrofan to his place. He went to the king on foot, and when he approached the admiralty, he saw the idols, turned around and retired to himself. The king, having learned about what had happened, became indignant and again sent for the bishop. Returning, the messenger conveyed to the emperor that the saint was ready to come to him, the king, on a visit only on condition that the idols were removed away. The temperamental Peter, hearing such words, blazed with even greater indignation and again sent a messenger, ordering him to convey that if the saint did not immediately appear to him, he would be executed like a disobedient criminal. The saint again ignored the invitation, answering through the royal messenger that although the king could kill his body, but not his soul, which is in the hands of God.

Understanding what was the reason for the "impudence" of the saint, the autocrat managed to extinguish the flame of anger in himself. Meanwhile, the saint himself, not knowing exactly how this situation would end and realizing that the formidable royal word could be fulfilled, indulged in prayer. Soon the king heard the big bell ringing the bell. When he, not understanding what this meant, sent to find out, the returnee reported that the saint was preparing for death and wished to pray in unison for eternal salvation. The king, in a good way amazed at the pastoral firmness and piety, ordered to demolish the idols (in reality they were statues, probably standing as objects of art), to convey to the saint the words of royal mercy and ask him not to disturb the people with a strange ringing.

After these events, the tsar was imbued with even greater respect for Bishop Mitrofan. The saint lived to deep gray hair.

Feeling the approach of death, he compiled for the believers, and at the very end of his earthly life, he took the schema and the new name Macarius, gave orders about his burial. On the day of his death, November 23, 1703, the saint took leave in a Christian way, gave himself up to prayer, and appeared before the Supreme Judge.

Tsar Peter, who arrived in Voronezh that day, wanted to visit his beloved shepherd, but found him already dying. Peter held his hand for a long time, and then closed his eyes.

Troparion to Saint Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh, Tone 4

Kontakion to Saint Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh, Tone 8

Troparion to Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov, Mitrofan and Tikhon, Bishops of Voronezh, Tone 8

Kontakion to Dimitry, Metropolitan of Rostov, Mitrofan and Tikhon, Bishops of Voronezh, Tone 3

AT Church of St. John the Evangelist is a reliquary where the relics of the Saints are kept. Among them are a particle of the relics of St. Mitrofan of Voronezh.

Saint Mitrofan, the first Bishop of Voronezh, was born on November 6, 1623 in the Vladimir land, supposedly in the family of a priest. The secular name of the future saint was Michael. The saint lived half his life in the world, was married and had children. Information has been preserved about the solicitude of Saint Mitrofan in the upbringing of his son Ivan. The future bishop was for some time a priest in the village of Sidorovsky, Suzdal diocese. At the age of 40, he became a widow and decided to devote his life to God. He chose the Zolotnikovsky Assumption Monastery not far from Suzdal as his place of residence, where he was tonsured a monk with the name Mitrofan.

Here the saint of God began monastic asceticism, distinguished by deep humility. His strict monastic life became known among the monastic community. Three years after entering the Zolotnikovsky monastery, the brethren of the neighboring Yakhroma Kosmin monastery, which at that time did not have an abbot, began to ask the local spiritual authorities to deliver Mitrofan to the abbot. The request was fulfilled. At first, the ascetic was ordained to the priesthood, then, despite his reluctance, he was elevated to the abbot of the Yakhroma monastery.

When Patriarch Joachim of Moscow and All Russia found out about the zeal of the ascetic, he entrusted him with the larger Unzhensky monastery, founded in the 15th century. Reverend Macarius Zheltovodsky in the Kostroma land. Here the future saint presided for about seven years, during which the monastery flourished. A temple was built in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, many wonderful icons were painted.

The monastery of hegumen Mitrofan attracted the attention of not only the Patriarch, but also Tsar Theodore Alekseevich, who visited the monastery and often talked with the rector. At court, the saint was treated with special reverence. When in 1682, by decision of the Moscow Church Council of 1681, a new Voronezh diocese was formed, Tsar Theodore proposed to appoint hegumen Mitrofan as its first bishop. The episcopal consecration on April 2, 1682 was headed by Patriarch Joachim.

Saint Mitrofan had to witness the rebellion of the schismatics in July of the same year and attend the "debate about faith" between the Old Believers and the Orthodox in the Palace of Facets. This event made a strong impression on him and subsequently affected his hierarchal affairs. Saint Mitrofan gained fame as an accuser of schism and an associate of the patriotic undertakings of the reformer tsar. Saint Mitrofan considered the clergy as a force capable of influencing the population in the most beneficial way. At the very beginning of his activity, the saint began to build a new stone church in Voronezh in honor of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. Saint Mitrofan loved church splendor and invested huge sums in the construction of the cathedral. The life of the saint was more than modest.

A special page in the biography of Saint Mitrofan is his relationship with Peter I. The saint deeply and sympathetically entered into the fate of the young tsar, tried to contribute to the reforms that were useful for the Fatherland. He approved of the construction of the fleet, undertaken by Peter I in Voronezh, and supported it financially. When in 1696 the Russian troops defeated the Turks near Azov, Peter I commanded Saint Mitrofan, as if as a reward for participating in this victory, to be called Bishop of Voronezh and "Azov". At the same time, Saint Mitrofan could not approve of the tsar's too close contact with foreign gentiles and thoughtless perception of their customs. The saint refused to visit the Tsar's Voronezh palace because of the pagan statues that were in it. When the angry Peter began to threaten him with death, the saint began to prepare for it, preferring to die rather than approve Orthodox person pagan rituals.

The confession of the bishop shamed Peter, in agreement with him, he removed the statues, and peace was restored. The saint of God stayed at the Voronezh pulpit for 20 years, until his very death.

The saint's favorite reflection was the remembrance of death, the afterlife, the ordeals; favorite prayer is the prayer for the dead.

Not being familiar with the widespread in the XVII century. Latin scholasticism, Saint Mitrofan knew the Holy Scriptures and patristic writings very well. In his “Spiritual Testament,” St. Mitrofan edified: “For every person, this is the rule of wise men: use labor, keep moderation - you will be rich; drink moderately, eat little - you will be healthy; do good, flee evil, and you will be saved.” Saint Mitrofan reposed in God in 1703 at a ripe old age. Shortly before his death, the saint took the schema with the name Macarius. He was buried in the Annunciation Cathedral in Voronezh with great honors: the tsar with his own hands helped to carry the coffin of the saint, revered by him as a "holy elder."

Since 1820, the number of admirers of the prayerful memory of St. Mitrofan has especially increased, records of miracles on his tomb began to appear at the cathedral. In 1831, an official report of this to the Synod followed, by decision of which on August 7, 1832, the solemn opening of the coffin took place, and then the canonization of the saint followed. From his holy relics, by the grace of God, there were numerous healings of those suffering from bodily and mental ailments, the obsessed, the paralyzed. In 1836, the Annunciation Mitrofanov Monastery was established at the Annunciation Cathedral in Voronezh.

They pray to the saint for a worthy occupation for adult children, for their well-being in society.

Troparion, tone 4:
The rule of faith and the image of meekness in word and life to your flock, Father of the humble and wise Mitrofan, was thou. The same and in the light of the saints of the sun, thou hast shone brightest, we adorn the crown of incorruption and glory, pray to Christ God for our country and your city in the world to be saved.

Kontakion, tone 8:
Having enslaved the body to the spirit by abstinence, having created the soul equally to the angels. You were dressed in holy clothes, like a crown of priesthood, and now, standing by all the Lord, pray, all-blessed Mitrofan, to pacify and save our souls.

PRAYERS:

Saint Father Mitrofan, the imperishability of your honest relics and many good deeds miraculously done and done by you with faith flowing to you, convinced that you have great grace from the Lord our God, we all humbly fall down and pray to you: pray for us Christ our God, may he descend to all who honor - your holy memory and diligently resorting to you, rich in His mercy: let him establish in His holy Orthodox Church a living spirit of right faith and piety, a spirit of knowledge and love, a spirit of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, that all its members, clean from worldly temptations and carnal lusts and the evil action of evil spirits, worship Him in spirit and truth and diligently bake for the observance of His commandments to the salvation of their souls. May her shepherd give holy zeal of care for the salvation of people entrusted to them, enlighten unbelievers, instruct the ignorant, instruct and assure those who doubt, turn those who have fallen away from the Orthodox Church into her holy bosoms, keep believers in faith, move sinners to repentance, comfort and strengthen the penitent in the correction of life, the repentant and reformed will be affirmed in the holiness of life; and in this way they will lead everyone by the way indicated from him into the prepared eternal kingdom of his saints. To her, the saint of God, may you arrange with your prayers all that is good for our souls and our bodies; Yes, and we will glorify in our souls and bodies our Lord and our God, Jesus Christ, to Him with the Father and the Holy Spirit, glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

About the holy hierarch Mitrofan, here we are sinners, by the incorruption of your honest relics and by many good deeds, miraculously done and done by you, having made sure, we confess, as if you have great grace from the Lord our God, and humbly falling down to your mercy, we pray to you: pray for us Christ our God, yes He will send His rich mercy to all who honor your holy memory and diligently resort to you; may the living spirit of right faith and piety, the spirit of knowledge and love, the spirit of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, be affirmed in His holy Orthodox Church, that all her children, being pure from worldly temptations and carnal lusts and the evil action of evil spirits, worship in spirit and truth Him, and diligently about the observance of His commandments for the salvation of their souls, let them try. May the Lord give her shepherd the holy zeal of care for the salvation of people, to enlighten the unbelieving, to instruct the ignorant, to reason with the doubting, to return those who have fallen away from the Orthodox Church to her, to keep those who believe in the faith, to move sinners to repentance, to comfort those who repent and to affirm life, and so all people to the prepared eternal Kingdom of His saints lead. Pray to the Lord, the servant of Christ: His faithful servants, in sorrow and sorrow, crying out to Him day and night, may the much-pained cry be heard and may our belly be driven out of death. May the good God grant our peace, silence, serenity and abundance of the fruits of the earth to all people in the state, moreover, to the fulfillment of His commandments, care is not lazy; and may he deliver the reigning cities, this city and all other cities and towns, from famine, coward, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners, internecine strife, deadly ulcers and from all evil. To her, the saint of God, may you arrange with your prayers all that is good for our souls and our bodies; Yes, and we will glorify in our souls and bodies our Lord and our God, Jesus Christ, to Him with the Father and the Holy Spirit, glory and power forever and ever. Amen. Second Prayer O Saint Father Mitrofan! Accept this little prayer from us, sinful servants of God (names), who come running to you, and with your warm intercession, pray to the Lord and our God, Jesus Christ, that he may give us forgiveness of our sins and save us from troubles, sorrows, sorrows and diseases of the soul and bodily ones that hold us; let everything that is necessary for the benefit of our present life be given; may he grant us the end of this temporary life in repentance and may he vouchsafe us, sinners and unworthy ones, to His Heavenly Kingdom, in which, with all the saints, glorify His infinite mercy, with His Beginningless Father and His Holy and Life-Giving Spirit, forever and ever.