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Archbishop Theophan died. Died Archbishop of Berlin and German Feofan

On September 11, 2017, at the age of 64, after a long illness, Archbishop Feofan (Oleg Ivanovich Galinsky) of Berlin and Germany reposed in the Lord

The whole life of Archbishop Theophan was an example of sacrificial service to God and the Church. Vladyka was born on July 8, 1954 in Ukraine in the city of White church Kyiv region. After graduating from high school, he studied at the Dnepropetrovsk Institute of Chemical Technology.

In 1972 he entered the Leningrad Theological Seminary, then the Academy, from which he graduated in 1977 with a degree in theology. According to the reviews of teachers, brothers and friends, the future Archbishop of Berlin was one of the most diligent and gifted students, who comprehended theological science with special zeal. After graduating from the Academy, he was appointed teacher and assistant inspector of the Leningrad Theological Seminary.

Already in the first years of his studies at the seminary, Oleg Galinsky discovered a penchant for a monastic arrangement of life. On January 4, 1976, he took monastic vows with the name Feofan, on January 7, Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod Nikodim (Rotov) was ordained a hierodeacon, and on April 17, 1977, Archbishop of Vyborg (now Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia) Kirill - a hieromonk.

After a three-year internship at the Eastern Church Institute in Regensburg (1977-1979), Hieromonk Feofan continued to teach at the Leningrad Theological Schools. In 1980 he was elected secretary of the Council of the Leningrad Theological Academy and head of the department of liturgy. All those who knew Vladyka subsequently noted his deep knowledge church charter, theological disciplines and love of worship. He could talk for hours about certain intricacies of the service, surprising his interlocutors with the breadth of his knowledge.

In January 1985, Hieromonk Feofan was appointed acting inspector, on February 14 he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite, and in August he took the position of inspector of the LDAiS. In the same year, for a short time, he served as rector of the Leningrad Theological Schools.

Since 1985, the period of Vladyka's service in the field of external church connections. By the decision of the Holy Synod of February 7, 1986, he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the DECR. Decree His Holiness Patriarch Pimen and the Holy Synod of December 30, 1986, Archimandrite Feofan was determined to be Bishop of Kashira, Vicar of the Moscow Diocese.

January 10, 1987, Saturday after the Nativity of Christ, at the Holy Spirit cathedral in Minsk, Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Belarus, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, led the naming of Archimandrite Feofan as Bishop of Kashirsky. The next day, the episcopal consecration took place.

All subsequent ministry of Vladyka Theophan proceeded far from the Motherland. On July 19, 1988, he was appointed rector of the Russian Orthodox Church in Karlovy Vary, and on January 31, 1991, he was appointed interim administrator of the Berlin and Leipzig diocese. On March 25 of the same year, Bishop Theophan decided
Holy Synod was released from the rectorship in Karlovy Vary and appointed the ruling bishop of the Berlin diocese. Since December 23, 1992, in connection with the unification of three German dioceses into one, he received the title "Berlin and German". On February 25, 1996, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop.

The period of Archbishop Feofan's archpastoral service in Germany fell on a difficult time. After the unification of the country in 1991, millions of migrants from countries former USSR. Many of them were brought up in Orthodoxy and replenished the number of parishioners of the churches of the Berlin diocese, for the rest Russian Orthodox Church became a spiritual home connecting thread with abandoned homeland. Vladyka was faced with the task of creating new church communities, training the clergy, and establishing parish life. However, Archbishop Feofan saw his main task in "giving people Christ," as he said in an interview.

As a result of such Christ-centered activity, over the course of 25 years of archpastoral service of Vladyka at the Berlin See, dozens of priests were trained and ordained, and the number of parishes exceeded a hundred. As the chairman of the Orthodox Bishops' Conference of Germany, Metropolitan Augustine of Germany, noted, the fact that the number of Orthodox Christians in Germany, who were practically non-existent in the early 1990s, now numbers two and a half million people, "became possible thanks to such people, like Bishop Feofan. For zealous service to the Church and people, Archbishop Feofan was awarded high church and state awards.

Tirelessly testifying to the truth of the Gospel, showing active concern for Christian enlightenment and the spiritual and moral education of his compatriots, Vladyka won the respect and love of the clergy and people of God. Excellently educated, possessing an excellent memory and the broadest erudition, Vladyka found a common language with everyone whom the Lord sent him to life path. Strict and exacting during divine services and invariably simple and sincere in everyday communication, he literally beamed Christian love, was a true father to his flock.

For the past few months, Vladyka has been very ill. But even in this state, suffering physically, he found the strength in himself to communicate with visitors: he consoled, encouraged, urged not to despair, inspired hope. The more difficult for everyone who knew Vladyka Theophan was his death.

Today, the entire Berlin diocese mourns for their father and archpastor. We pray for the repose of the soul of the newly-departed lord and believe that the All-Merciful Lord will accept him into His abode and instill him where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life.

The funeral service for Archbishop Feofan will take place on September 14 at the end of Divine Liturgy in the Resurrection Cathedral in Berlin. According to the last will of the lord, he will be buried in Russian Orthodox cemetery in Tegel.

Condolences of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on the Death of Archbishop Feofan

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed condolences on the death of Archbishop Feofan of Berlin and Germany.

To the clergy and flock of the Berlin-German Diocese

All-honorable fathers, dear brothers and sisters! Dear Evgeny Ivanovich and Natalya Ivanovna!

The news of the death of Archbishop Feofan of Berlin and Germany echoed in my heart with deep sorrow.

The Lord judged me for many years to know well
lord. He was distinguished by sincere faith and devotion to the Holy Church, as well as wide erudition. When I was the rector of the Leningrad theological schools, he worked as my personal secretary, carried the obedience of a teacher, secretary of the Academic Council, and was a talented teacher. From my hands he also received consecration to the rank of presbyter.

Working hard in the field spiritual education, he was called to serve in the dignity of a bishop. A significant part of this ministry took place abroad.

For more than a quarter of a century, Vladyka Feofan headed the Berlin-German diocese, which during his tenure in the department became the largest in the world. Through the diligence of the late archpastor, the number of parishes increased many times over, and the diocese was replenished with new dedicated clergymen. Vladyka devoted all his strength and abilities to the regular performance of divine services, tireless preaching of the word of God, and care for the flock entrusted to his care.

He had remarkable personal qualities: kindness, sensitivity, responsiveness, attentive attitude to others, the ability to empathize with their sorrows and rejoice in their joys. With the totality of his labors, Vladyka Theophan won the respect and love of fellow bishops entrusted to his care of the clergy and flock, for whom he was not only a high-ranking hierarch, but also a caring spiritual father.

In the last months of his life, suffering from a serious illness, the archpastor, with patience and hope in the mercy of God, endured the trials that fell to his lot, while spiritually comforting and supporting his flock.

I mentally give the late archpastor the last kiss and offer up prayers for his repose. May the all-merciful Lord accept the soul of the newly-departed faithful servant of His Archbishop Feofan into the heavenly abode and create eternal memory for him.

With condolences

+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

Condolences of Archbishop Mark on the death of Archbishop Feofan

It is with regret that we learned today of the death of His Eminence Archbishop Feofan. He was always appreciated as an intelligent and warm-hearted person. A quarter of a century has gone by in the care of the life of the Orthodox Church here in Germany.

It so happened that our paths crossed already in 1978, when he worked in the theological library in Erlangen. After being appointed to the cathedra in Berlin, Vladyka that same summer vividly responded to our desire to eliminate opposition. This opened up the opportunity to develop communication, to start interviews between representatives of the two dioceses.

We recall with gratitude these meetings, in which he showed his dynamic character. At the same time, he had a peaceful and penetrating approach, a deep understanding of his interlocutors, and his love for the Holy Church bore abundant fruit: these years of 1993-1997 certainly marked the beginning of the process that culminated in the “Act of Canonical Communion” within the entire Russian Orthodox Church. Churches. So he understood this and rejoiced that the Lord gave us to go this way.

We mourn the loss of a close friend. After this heavy, painful illness - may the Lord accept him in His bright abodes.

We pray for the repose of the soul of His Eminence Theophan.

Kingdom of Heaven to you, dear brother, and eternal memory!

+Mark,

Archbishop of Berlin and Germany

Sermons and Epistles of Archbishop Theophan

About the feat of foolishness

Word of the Archbishop of Berlin and Germany Theophan on the day of memory of St. Blessed Xenia of Petersburg

Holy Blessed Xenia - a simple, modest woman - became the patroness of all Holy Russia. She fulfilled on herself the words of the Apostle Paul, who speaks of Christians that they are "foolish for Christ's sake" (1 Cor. 4:10). What do these words mean? Of course, there is some irony here. Apostle Paul, highly educated, widely a famous person, was not insane from the point of view of the adequacy of human nature. But he left everything - glory, property and other earthly goods for the sake of Christ. And therefore, in the eyes of his fellow Jews, he seemed insane.

The commandments of Christ are very simple and clear. But they oppose the world, make a Christian different from his surroundings. To reject the comfort of the world and follow Christ, to comprehend one's life from the standpoint of faith in God - this is what the apostle calls us to. Many may ask us: why is this necessary? After all, one can live well and comfortably, go to church from time to time, and not disturb anyone in particular… But Christianity is always a challenge to this world. And Blessed Xenia was also such a challenge to her time.

The 18th century is the century of Catherine, the time of comfort and entertainment. And suddenly, against this pampered background, blessed Xenia appears, who refuses to be part of the world. She walks around in men's clothes, helps everyone, does things that are not characteristic of people in her condition. She endures everything for the sake of Christ and becomes a prayer book and quick help to everyone who turned to her during her lifetime and continues to pray to her after her death.

The saint is best glorified by miracles performed through his prayers after his assumption. And we know that the whole history of Church Petersburg is connected with Blessed Xenia. Her help was obvious at all times, and in the 20th century especially during the blockade. In the harsh winter of 1941-42, people gathered at the grave of the saint, prayed to her, looked for and really found help. And if we sincerely ask her for help, she will help us too.

No need to despair

Word of the Archbishop of Berlin and Germany Theophan on the feast of the icon Mother of God called "The Queen"

Today's sermon is a meditation on the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, which we read at the Divine Liturgy: “I remind you, brethren, of the gospel that I preached to you, which you received, in which you were established, and by which you are saved, if you hold back what was given just as I have preached to you, unless you believe in vain. For I first taught you what I myself received, that is, that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures. And that Cephas appeared, then the twelve; then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, of whom most are still alive, and some have died; then he appeared to James, also to all the Apostles; and after all, he appeared to me as to some monster. For I am the least of the Apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am; and His grace in me was not in vain, but I labored more than all of them: not I, however, but the grace of God, which is with me. So whether I, whether they, we so preach, and so you believed” (1 Cor. 15, 1-11).

The Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians that they accepted the gospel faith through the Word of God and fellowship with the apostles, accepted Holy Baptism entered the Church. And by this faith, the labors of piety, and the corresponding conduct, which should distinguish every Christian, they are saved, unless, as the apostle says, "they believed in vain." What is said to the Corinthians applies to each of us. The grace of God given to us through Baptism, the great gifts of faith and the presence of God in our lives, if our faith is not in vain, really contribute to our salvation.

At some point in our lives, we entered the Church of God. Someone was brought up in Her from childhood, someone came in adulthood, someone in old age. It does not matter. It is important how we relate to that divine grace that we have received through Holy Baptism. If we really stand firm in faith, if faith governs our lives, if we are guided by faith in all our affairs, then we, according to the word of the Apostle Paul, are really saved through the gospel of God. We are saved through every divine service, through confession, through communion, through prayer, through every candle that we light before God as a symbol of love for Him. All this is the property of our life in the Church, if only we keep what we have received through participation in the Sacraments.

We can say that it is difficult. Yes, it is difficult for a person to keep the first burning that brought him to the Church, the first joy of entering into the love of God. It is difficult to maintain that special state of mind, as if ascended into heaven, which each of us experienced when he received Holy Baptism, especially if this happened in adulthood. But there is no need to despair. The apostle Paul writes that the Lord died for our sins and rose again. This means that we are saved not only by our deeds and way of life, but, first of all, by the power of the death on the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ. The Apostle Paul humbly says that Christ appeared to him "as to a certain monster," because earlier, before turning to God, he was a persecutor of Christ's church. And despite this, the grace of God made him what he became, an apostle of the Church of Christ, who, by his own admission, worked harder than anyone else.

Therefore, each of us, even if he has lost his love for God, reverence and desire to go to church more often, if faith is no longer the fire that ignites his heart, can put himself in the place of the Apostle Paul. Remember the words spoken by him from the depths of a humble heart and how the Lord, by His grace, raised him to the pinnacle of apostolic ministry.

Today's reading reminds us of the principles of our life in the Church. It is difficult for a person to maintain constancy. Spiritual life - as a vector. It has direction and speed. We either ascend to God, or, having barely reached spiritual heights, we slide down, or, even worse, we fall down. Spirituality is not a constant for us. Each of us either ascends to God, or, unfortunately more often, falls away, grows cold.

In order to reduce such falls, let us keep before our eyes the example of the Apostle Paul and holy people, whose hearts have always been directed towards God. Let us remember that the Lord accepts us in any condition. Let us pray that He will fill us with His grace, which will change us, restore our former burning and renew our feelings. Amen.

No one is rejected by God

Word of the Archbishop of Berlin and German Feofan on Wednesday Holy Week

Judas stretched out his hands to the wicked; she sought remission of sins, but this one took pieces of silver. The sinner brought myrrh to anoint the Lord; the disciple agreed with the lawless. She rejoiced, spending precious myrrh; this one cared to sell Priceless. She knew the Lord, but this one moved away from the Lord. She was freed from sin, and this one became his prisoner.
Saint John Chrysostom

We have just heard a gospel reading that introduces us to the mystery of the death of the Lord. A woman, a harlot, comes to the house where Christ was, and brings with her a precious vessel filled with dear peace - a mixture of fragrant oils. She pours ointment on the feet of Jesus, covers them with kisses and wipes them with her hair. The disciples, seeing this, murmured and said: “Why such a waste? It would be possible to sell this myrrh for a high price and give it to the poor.” And the Lord answers: “Why are you embarrassing the woman? she has done a good deed for me: for you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me; having poured this ointment on my body, she prepared me for burial. Then He forgives her sins. And then Judas goes to the chief priests and elders of the Jews and decides to sell them his Teacher for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26, 6-16).

We also recall this event in the prayer before the communion of St. Simeon the New Theologian: “I have sinned more than a harlot who, having learned where you went, bought myrrh and boldly came to anoint your feet, Christ, Master and my God. Just as you did not reject the one that came from the heart, so do not disdain me, O Word. But let me also hold and kiss Your feet and boldly anoint them with streams of tears as precious myrrh. By pronouncing these words, we emphasize the feat of the gospel harlot, who so loved the Lord that He forgave her all her sins. And here we see a disciple who was with Jesus for three years. And who, for thirty pieces of silver, agreed to betray his Master. Agreed to show the soldiers, who may have never seen Christ, who should be arrested. Here is the fate of these two people. One gets forgiveness and the other goes to hell.

Today's gospel reading shows us that the Lord accepts everyone who comes to him with sincere repentance for their sins. The result of the repentance of the harlot is revealed in the beautiful stichera of this day on "Lord, I cried." In the last stichera we hear these words: "A woman who fell into many sins felt Your Divinity." This phrase indicates that no one is rejected by God. And we know from the Gospel that Christ went into different houses, ate and drank with publicans and sinners, for which he was hypocritically criticized by the Pharisees. He didn't reject a single person.

Of course, this by no means means that the Lord looked down on sin. We remember that when he healed people and forgave their sins, he said: "Go and sin no more." But this means that any person, according to the teachings of the Church, always has the opportunity to return to his Lord. Therefore, the holy fathers teach us that there is no unforgiven sin except the unrepentant sin.

Today we escort our Savior to the Way of the Cross. Let us remember that the Lord died for you and me
and thank Him. Glory to Your patience, Lord. Glory to Thee, Who accepts us sinners, prodigal, unclean, cleanses us with His grace and admits us to the Divine meal. Amen

About complacency

Word of the Archbishop of Berlin and Germany Theophan on the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, the Day of Remembrance of the Seven Youths of Ephesus

Today, during the divine service, we listened to the message of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, which has for all of us great importance. The apostle writes to his brethren living in Corinth: “God judged to be, as it were, sentenced to death, because we have become a disgrace to the world, to angels and men. We are foolish for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are in glory, and we are in dishonor. Even to this day we endure hunger and thirst, and nakedness and beatings, and we wander, and we labor, working with our own hands. They curse us, we bless; they persecute us, we endure; blaspheme us, we pray; we are like rubbish to the world, like dust, trampled down by all until now. I do not write this to your shame, but I admonish you as my beloved children. Therefore, I implore you: imitate me, as I imitate Christ (1 Cor. 4, 9-16).

These are amazing words in which the apostle Paul seems to oppose himself to the Corinthian community. Corinth was a large, commercial, rich Greek city. And the Corinthian community - one of the largest at that time - consisted of noble and wealthy people. The Apostle Paul, seeing that danger may be hidden in this greatness, addresses this message to the Corinthian Christians, the essence of which is the struggle against complacency.

It is important to understand that belonging to the Church is not our merit. This is God's gift. And the Church is Holy not because it consists of holy people, but because its Head is our Lord Jesus Christ. When we enter a church community, we are often disappointed when we see the shortcomings of its members. We are indignant when we encounter injustice here, with hatred, with such sins that “should not even be named” among Christians (Eph. 5:3). It surprises us. But the apostle Paul says that people in this world cannot be perfect. And if a person seeks to criticize everyone in a row, this is evidence of his pride and complacency. The apostle denounces such people by his own example.

The apostles endured need, were persecuted, many did not accept them, It was difficult for them to go into the world preaching about Christ. This is the way of every Christian. Pride is unpleasant both to God and to people. All that we have is God's gift, which the Lord sends to each of us according to our strength. Let us remember that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). And this passage from the letter to the Corinthians is the deepest lesson of humility for all of us.

Forgive and be forgiven

Word of the Archbishop of Berlin and Germany Theophan on the eve of Great Lent

Today's readings from the Apostle and the Gospel introduce us to the mystery of Great Lent. The Apostle Paul writes: “The night has passed, and the day has drawn near” (Rom. 13:12), thereby indicating that fasting is not something sad and depressing. On the contrary, fasting is a joyful period in the life of a Christian, since at this time we are united with God in a special way.

Fasting, prayer and good works are the three main virtues of a Christian. The apostle says that the meaning of fasting is not in the rejection of meat, not in some external forms. They only maintain our discipline. It is important to limit yourself in food, but you should not be limited to this. The basis of fasting is, first of all, a person’s internal reflection on his soul, internal preparation for the Easter holiday. And the main thing you need
avoid - condemnation. “Who are you, condemning another's slave? - we read in the epistle to the Romans. - He stands before his Lord, or he falls. And he will be raised, for God is able to raise him up” (Rom. 14:4). And today's gospel reading directly begins with the words about petition: "For if you forgive people their sins, then the Heavenly Father will forgive you also, but if you do not forgive people their sins, then your Father will not forgive you your sins" (Matt. 6, 14-15).

Forgiveness is the foundation of the Christian life. The Lord created man, but he fell, and today we just remember the expulsion of Adam from paradise. The Church lyrically describes the grief of Adam, who for disobedience to the commandment was deprived of heavenly bliss. And at the same time, he emphasizes that God, who, in theory, should be just, should punish for crimes, in fact, God is merciful. His severity is aimed at correcting a person. It is no coincidence that the word punishment in Slavonic means teaching. The Lord corrects the ways of man. And He has the power, authority and love of man to restore. The prophet Ezekiel says this beautifully: “I live, says the Lord God: I do not want the death of the sinner, but that the sinner turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways; Why should you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:10). This conversion means that a person at some point thinks about his life and radically changes its direction. A vivid illustration of this process can serve as a parable about prodigal son which we read recently. After looking at his life, the son decides to return to his father and does so.

Turning to God is very important in our life, and especially during fasting. We must analyze our lives and consider what separates us from God. What makes us strangers to our loved ones and to ourselves? The condition of forgiveness is very simple - to forgive those who have sinned against us. All in our hands. The sages of ancient Israel thought about this. Jesus the son of Sirach has very moving words. He says that if a person prays to God for the forgiveness of his sins, asks God for mercy, and hates his brother, then his prayer is in vain.

Our forgiveness must be absolute. Just like the forgiveness of God. After sincere repentance on our part, the Lord completely blots out the repentant sin. It's gone, it no longer exists. The man is completely renewed. This is the essence of God's forgiveness. And the only condition for this is our sincere forgiveness of our neighbors. One in which we completely forget about the grievances inflicted on us.

Metropolitan Anthony of Surozh, reflecting on his spiritual path, says that he treated one person badly. And, not wanting to burden his soul with resentment, he prayed in church before the service until forgiveness really came to his heart. Our forgiveness and God's forgiveness are intertwined. The Lord's Prayer says: "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." The word "how" has a double meaning here. Firstly, this is the condition of forgiveness: we forgive, forgive us. Secondly, it is a measure of forgiveness: to the extent we forgive, to that extent the Lord will forgive us. To the extent we condemn, to that extent the Lord will exact from us.

Brothers and sisters, let us remember this condition, which is necessary for our salvation. before us great post. Let us begin it with joy and great hope. I wish all of us to spend the fast in a state of repentance, reasoning and reflection, and in the proper spiritual state to meet Passion Week and the Resurrection of the Lord. Amen.

About prayer and fasting

Word of Archbishop Theophan of Berlin and Germany on Saturday of the 2nd week of Great Lent

Saint John Chrysostom calls prayer and fasting the two wings of faith. “He who prays with fasting has two wings, lighter than the wind itself,” he says.

The Lord hears all our prayers, hears all our secret sighs. Therefore, in the depths of our hearts, we must always feel ourselves standing before God. This is the meaning of any appeal to God, the meaning
solitary conversation with the Creator. This does not mean that God does not value the public, church prayer. He says: “If two of you agree on earth to ask for any deed, then whatever they ask, it will be for them from My Father in Heaven” (Matt. 18, 19). And further: “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Therefore, we are together and pray for the health of people who need God's help, we ask for those who travel, we thank together with those on whom the Lord has poured out His blessings. So both types of prayer - public and internal - are very important and valuable.

We are now in the time of Great Lent. Jesus Christ points us to behavior during fasting. “When you fast, do not be gloomy, like hypocrites,” He says in the Sermon on the Mount, “for they take on gloomy faces in order to appear to people who are fasting. I tell you truly, they already receive their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may appear to those who are fasting, not before people, but before your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:16-18). For a believing Jew, these words sounded very figurative and understandable. The Pharisees are for the most part pious, keeping the law and God-loving people - during fasting they smeared their faces with whitewash to look pale, emaciated. So that people can see that they are fasting. And the head was sprinkled with ashes. Therefore, the Lord says: wash yourself, do not smear yourself with whitewash, do not sprinkle ashes on your head, on the contrary, anoint your hair with oil, pay attention to the internal state, and not to external paraphernalia.

It's been two weeks since the post. Everyone can appreciate how much we have succeeded in prayer. To what extent fasting was our inner doing before the Lord. It is important to understand that we cannot do anything on our own. It is no coincidence that the Church established during Great Lent, when there are no holidays, to celebrate the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts twice a week. Because without communion, without the help of God, all our efforts will be fruitless.

Man cannot sanctify himself. John Chrysostom says: amazing words: “do you think that for forty days you prepared yourself and became better? You're kidding, man. Only the Lord can make you better during this time.” Therefore, we must resort to the help of God, through confession and communion strive to be with God. Then the Lord will strengthen us and we will indeed, growing spiritually, slowly approach the meeting of Easter.

The following Sunday is called Holy Cross Week. We will bow to the Cross as a symbol of the Passion of the Lord and our salvation. Then, on the fifth week, there will be the Standing of Mary of Egypt, then the Saturday of the akathist. And after that we're through Palm Sunday Let us enter into the days of passion and, finally, joyfully meet the Pascha of the Lord. Let us meet this Feast of Feasts not as a remembrance of the events of bygone days, but as a deep reality of our Christian life. Amen.

About the Crucifixion

Word of Archbishop Theophan of Berlin and Germany on the Sunday of the Cross of Great Lent

On this Sunday of Great Lent, we bring out the Cross of the Lord for veneration. This church act is done deep meaning. Worshiping the Cross, we remember the life-giving Passion of Christ, His sacrifice for the human race. We remember Golgotha - the place of the Lord's suffering and the place of redemption. We recall the feat that Christ carried through His whole life, ending it with death for the sins of mankind.

At the same time, the removal of the Cross in the middle of Great Lent, as many holy fathers emphasize, is a consolation for us. A person is tired of fasting, it is difficult for him to cope with himself, it is difficult to fight passions. And the Church, offering the Cross for worship to believers, reminds us that half of our feat before Easter has passed, that many of our spiritual efforts have not been in vain and have borne fruit. The latter is especially important. As St. John Chrysostom noted, “Many, I saw, rejoice and say to each other: we have won, we have overcome; half of the post is gone. I ask those of you not to rejoice at the fact that half of the fast has gone, but to look at whether half of the sins have gone - and then rejoice. This is really worthy of joy, this is what we are looking for, everything is being done for this, so that we correct our shortcomings, so that we leave the post not the same as
entered the fast, but washed themselves and left behind all bad habits, and so they spent the holy feast ”(St. John Chrysostom. Conversation on the saying of the apostle:“ Rejoice in the Lord always ”Phil. 4: 4). The cross is also a consolation because, as the holy fathers say, from the height of Golgotha, we already see bright Sunday Christ's, which is the joy and affirmation of our whole life.

Calling to follow us in the feat of the cross, the Lord warns us. “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for the sake of Me and the Gospel will save it,” He says (Mark 8:35). The soul refers to life, because in Hebrew these concepts are similar. Jesus Christ thus says that whoever wants to “take everything from life”, to have everything that external life gives, can lose eternal life.

There is another meaning in today's event. It consists in the fact that we should connect our small crosses - illnesses, difficulties, rejection of other people, internal conflicts - with the Cross of the Lord. So that we firmly, filled with patience, together with Christ bear the Cross that has fallen to our lot. So that we can gratefully accept and keep everything that the Lord gives us. Finally, so that we can safely complete the remaining field of fasting, meet the week of the Passion of the Lord, go through them and enter into the joy of the Resurrection of Christ.

Not forgiving our neighbor, we reject the mercy of God

After the question of the Apostle Peter about how many times a person should forgive his neighbors, the Lord told a parable about two debtors. One man owed the king ten thousand talents. It was a huge amount, which no one could afford to pay. But in response to his fervent prayers, the king took pity and forgave him all the debt. After that, this man met his friend, who owed him only one hundred denarii. And despite his requests for an extension of the payment period, he not only did not forgive, but ordered his wife, children and himself to be thrown into debt hole. The king, having learned about such an insidious act of his debtor, said: “Evil slave, I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me; Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your friend, just as I had mercy on you? (Matthew 18:32-33). And, angry, the sovereign ordered that he be thrown into prison until he paid off all the debt. And, explaining the meaning of the parable, the Lord said: “So My Heavenly Father will do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart for his sins” (Matt. 18:35).

In this parable, Christ tells us that there is only one way to God and the forgiveness of our sins - a merciful attitude towards our neighbors. We owe God a lot, because instead of reciprocal love for His Saving Sacrifice, our whole life hourly violates the commandments of God, spoils relationships with our neighbors, and, in the end, destroys relationships with ourselves. Whatever we do, the result is always some kind of imperfection, sin, lack. But the Lord forgives us everything if we turn to Him with an open heart and a repentant feeling, which opens up to us God's love, opens the doors to the palaces of our Heavenly Father. But if we do not forgive our neighbor, if we gloat over his misfortune or misfortune, if we constantly carry resentment and a thirst for revenge in our hearts, we thereby reject God's mercy towards us.

It is very difficult to forgive a person right away. It is human nature to be offended, it is characterized by irascibility, the commission of acts that are determined not by faith or reason, but rather by emotions and feelings. It's hard to get rid of it. But we must not despair, but rather ask the Lord to help us and try so that, according to the words of the Apostle Paul, the sun does not set in our anger (Eph. 4:26).

You can often hear about the need for fair retribution. But do we really know what justice is? An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth is the law of the Old Testament. The New Testament speaks of absolute forgiveness. It is not for us to judge, to take revenge, to seek justice. Because our justice is often very subjective. And our judgment is always a truncated, imperfect judgment. Let us therefore forgive and allow the Lord Himself to manage the situation in accordance with His all-good will. And for this, let us remember this parable about the infinite mercy of God, Who is ready to forgive us 10 thousand talents of our sins in response to our forgiveness towards our neighbors.

Greeting speech by Archbishop Feofan of Berlin and Germany to the participants of the conference "Values and interests in a changing world: a Christian approach"

Your Eminences, Eminences! Dear Valery Arkadyevich! Dear participants and guests of the conference! I cordially welcome you within the walls of the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin - the largest cultural representation Russian Federation abroad.

The topic of this forum - Values and interests in a changing world - inevitably leads to reflections on the relationship between the temporal and the eternal in our lives. There is such a thing - "eternal values". They traditionally include love, peace, kindness, mutual respect, honoring parents, sacrifice - in a word, everything that makes up the spiritual and moral treasury of mankind. All these values have their source in the revealed truth expressed in the gospel. It is precisely because of this that, despite the rapidly changing world around them, they retain a timeless, eternal character.

The actualization of these values for more than two millennia has been constantly carried out in the Church. Reading the Holy Scriptures, participating in the Sacraments, striving to live Christian life connect a person to the source eternal values- God, Who is absolute Love and absolute Good. Gradually, as one deepens into spiritual life and approaches God, the Christian himself becomes a translator of eternal values in the world. We call such people saints. Their presence among us serves as a reminder of a higher, spiritual reality in which eternal values receive their perfect, full disclosure and which serves as a guarantee of the preservation of human civilization here on earth.

In the conditions of life abroad, the Russian Orthodox Church, in addition to fulfilling the function mentioned above - the preservation and actualization of spiritual and moral values - also plays an important cultural and social role. It is the consolidating force that rallies Russian-speaking people who are scattered around itself, gives them the opportunity to feel at home even abroad, to touch the thousand-year heritage of Russian church culture. It is very important that in addition to the spiritual nourishment of the parishioners, our parishes conduct an active cultural, educational and social work. Temples operate Sunday schools for children and adults, youth groups, schools of the Russian language and literature, children's parties are organized. The clergy and parishioners develop social projects aimed at helping their neighbors, make pilgrimages together, acquaint the local population with their life and work, and popularize Russian culture in a foreign language environment. In a broader perspective, our Church also acts as a significant factor in the unity of the fraternal Slavic Orthodox peoples who received the light of Christ's Truth from the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles brothers Cyril and Methodius.

The Berlin-German Diocese is the largest among the foreign dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. Today it has over a hundred parishes. And this is not the limit. We regularly receive messages from different cities in Germany with a request to send a priest to perform divine services and improve parish life. It is gratifying that in the vast majority of cases we are dealing with an initiative from below. Previously unfamiliar people unite in communities, they have common goals and interests. They begin to live a full-blooded Eucharistic, parish life, showing in it a reflection of the Heavenly World, those eternal values with which we began our conversation.

In conclusion, I would like to express my deep satisfaction that since recently a number of our projects have received support from the representative office of Rossotrudichestvo in Germany. Only in the coming months we have several cultural, educational, leisure and discussion events planned, which will be held here, on the basis of the Russian House science and culture. Taking this opportunity, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of Rossotrudnichestvo and the Russian House.

Holiday of misunderstanding

Sermon by Archbishop Theophan of Berlin and Germany on the Feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit!

Today we remember a special sacred event in the history of our salvation - the entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. Christ rides on a young donkey into the ancient capital of Israel. The people cut the branches of palm trees and greet Him with cries of "Hosanna to the Son of David." People line the way of the Lord with their garments. But this is a holiday of misunderstanding, a holiday of misunderstanding. The people, accepting Christ, see in him the Messiah, who will restore the former glory of Israel. He will restore the earthly power of this small people, which they had in the days of David and Solomon. People see him as a leader who will organize the people and fulfill the promise given by God to Abraham and his posterity.

But the Lord goes the other way. He does not accept political glory, does not accept the earthly hopes placed on him. Does not accept the earthly kingdom and prosperity. It is no coincidence that Christ, when healing people, often said: “You are healed, do not tell anyone.” Why? In order not to create a crowd of enchanted people who are fascinated today and will be disappointed tomorrow. Like the Jews who, seeing the Lord entering Jerusalem, exclaim "Hosanna", and in a few days they will shout Crucify Him.

This misunderstanding of the spiritual nature of the Messiah led the Jewish people to pass by Christ. As the Lord said: “Behold, your house is left empty” (Matt. 22:38). It was left empty because it was not filled God's love, the divine power that Christ brought. Not only the temple was empty, but also the souls of those who were in this temple. They turned out to be untouched by the life that Christ, as the Living God, gave to all mankind and which changed the world.

Where is the Roman Empire now? That powerful state, on the eastern outskirts of which the story of our salvation unfolded? Only memories remained of him. And Christianity, this little union of brothers and sisters who accepted Christ and were faithful to Him until Calvary, has existed for two thousand years. And no longer a handful of people, but billions, confess Christ as God.

The Lord bequeaths to us the true life in God, which is worthy of man, created in the image and likeness of God. For the sake of this, He assumes our form and is not at all ashamed of it. He is not afraid that His Divine dignity, united with man, will lose something. On the contrary, He heals human nature through His Divinity.

The Lord's entry into Jerusalem a few days later caused deep disappointment for some, while for others it became the entrance to God's kingdom, to Divine power. For some, the house was left empty, while for others it was filled with God's grace. Let us also enter into the joy of our Lord, into His life. Not only externally, but also with our entire inner world. So that everything that we have in us is dear to be united with God, enlightened by God's light and God's power.

Before us is a passionate week. The Lord is already talking about his sufferings. Let us go together with Him, let us reach Calvary, so that together with the whole Church, with all the people of God, we will meet His Bright Sunday.

Faith and Hope

The word of the Archbishop of Berlin and German Feofan on the Week of St. John of the Ladder

Today is the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, the memory of St. John of the Ladder. A little more than half of Holy Forty Day has passed. Let's ask ourselves this day to what extent we used this time for repentance, correction, inner reflection on our spiritual life. Let's think about our relationship with God, our neighbors, and ourselves. We will honestly answer whether Lent really became a time of intense spiritual work for us, or we just diversified our menu a little.

Passion Week is approaching. In today's Gospel reading, Christ directly tells His disciples that He will be killed, but then, after three days, He will rise again. The gospel warns us of the imminent end of fasting. And, if we did not spend the previous period of the Lenten cycle very piously, then we need to draw the right conclusions, dedicate ourselves to God, do at least the little that is in our power.

The apostolic reading that we have heard today speaks to us of hope through the example of Abraham. Abraham had hope and hope in God. And because of this hope, he left everything, left his father's house and went to a foreign land, which eventually became the Promised Land. This hope in God should also inspire us during the holy and great time of Lent. We must believe that the Lord can change our heart. And for this, we need to cleanse the inner cell of our soul in order to let in the Light of God.

In today's Gospel, we also heard the cry of prayer from the unfortunate father, who brought to Christ an epileptic son possessed by an unclean spirit. And when the Lord asked him: "Do you believe," he cried out: "I believe, Lord, help my unbelief." We are all a bit like this poor father. Yes, we trust the Lord, we hope for His help. We believe that we can indeed be his beloved children, for whom He suffered and rose again. We believe that He ascended into heaven to take the whole human race with Him to God the Father. But at the same time, our faith is very shaky, fragile. Sometimes, in moments of spiritual trials, it completely crumbles into dust.

We think and say we believe, but our actions often show otherwise. But the main thing is not what we say, but how our confession of faith is manifested in deeds. It is important not just to recognize the truth of God, not just to know that one must do good and not do evil. It is important to make this knowledge a reality in our lives.

With this in mind, we must keep in mind the image of the father from today's Gospel. Let his prayer become our cry of prayer, our hope in God.

I wish everyone to spend these days with the help of God, Having in front of me, according to the word of the Apostle Paul, the Chief of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. May He help us to pass these holy days together with the whole church of Christ. Amen.

All-honorable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!

I heartily congratulate all of us on the bright holiday of Christmas according to the flesh of the Lord God and our Savior. “The saying is true and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15), writes the apostle Paul, recalling the purpose of the coming into the world of the Son of God. The essence of salvation for us lies in deification, spiritual ascent to God as the source of all good. “Heaven and earth came together today at the birth of Christ. On this day God has come to earth, and man has ascended to heaven,” one of the verses of the Nativity Vespers depicts the mystery of the Nativity in this way.

This mysterious meaning of one of the brightest and most joyful days church year should not get lost in the bustle of pre-holiday preparations and the celebration of the holiday itself. Behind the outward brilliance, fun and jubilation, it is very important not to forget about the gift that the Savior of the world brought to earth, and try to be worthy of this gift. Just as Christ saved mankind from sin and death by the struggle of His life, we should work tirelessly on the work of our personal salvation. And this means - to maintain spiritual sobriety, not to succumb to temptations, and, even stumbling and falling on the path of following Christ, not to despair, but to rise and move on.

In remembrance of the gifts of the Magi, who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the born God-child, it is customary to give gifts to each other at Christmas. At the same time, paying tribute to tradition, it should be remembered that any gift should come from the heart, serve as an expression of our love for our neighbors.
Christ gave us all of Himself without reserve. Let us also try to actively serve people on this day: to help financially, to give our time and energy, to listen, to sympathize, to console. Such behavior will be the best return gift to our Savior, who said: “Truly, I say to you, because you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me” (Matt. 25:40).
Once again, I sincerely congratulate everyone on Christmas and Happy New Year 2017. Let us ask the Lord to grant us a peaceful and serene life in the coming year, so that in humble cooperation with the All-Good Creator, in all piety and purity, we would accomplish the work of our salvation. Amen.

Christmas Message from Archbishop Theophan of Berlin and Germany

I heartily congratulate all of you on the bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ. On this blessed and joyful day, according to the words of an ancient hymnographer, heaven and earth rejoice prophetically, spiritually glorifying the eternal God, who in the flesh appeared in the world for the salvation of mankind.

The miraculous birth of the Savior, which took place more than two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, remained practically unnoticed by His contemporaries. Only the poor Jewish shepherds, who witnessed the angelic praise, and the wise men of the East, led by the Christmas star, glorified the infant Christ. For the rest it was the same night as all the others. But very little time passed and this event became one of the main holidays in the countries of Christian culture. And today in a world that many call already post-Christian, Christmas remains the most joyful and long-awaited day of the year.

The birth of the Savior was truly a turning point in world history. Putting an end old testament, it heralded the beginning new era when the law given through Moses gave way to grace, truth and love poured out into the world through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). With the advent of the Savior, the possibility of salvation has opened up for all of us, which begins already here on earth and continues in eternity. The Lord “bowed the heavens and came down” (Ps. 17:10) and now, until the end of the age, always stays with us (Matt. 28:20). He is with us in sorrow and joy, during worldly struggles and in moments of peace of mind. Even in those days when our heart, burdened with sins, seems to be closed to the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christ stands by and knocks (Rev. 3:20). And all we have to do is listen to that knock and open the door of our soul to let the Lord come in and raise us up for eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

It is important to remember that Christmas is not just an important historical event recorded in Holy Scripture. This is a timeless reality that we experience year by year, liturgically, together with the entire Church. And if during Lent we were able to properly prepare ourselves for the reception of the Savior, then our hearts on this bright, mysterious winter night become a Bethlehem manger, in which the Blessed Virgin laid the swaddled Divine Infant.

To prepare does not necessarily mean to become sinless or attain holiness. After all, the manger that accepted Christ was obviously used earlier for feeding livestock, and was not distinguished by sterile cleanliness. Speech in this case it is about the desire to accept God in one's heart, the ardent desire, with the realization of one's own unworthiness, to feel on this holy night participation in the Creator. Then, seeing our movement towards Him, the Lord, Who, according to the words of St. John Chrysostom, “accepts deeds and welcomes intentions,” will hasten to be born in our humble hearts in the image of how He was born more than two thousand years ago in a wretched hotel barn.

Once again, I congratulate everyone on the great holiday of the Nativity of Christ and the coming 2016. May the Lord keep us in all our ways, turn us away from evil and encourage us to good intentions and deeds. May the light of the Christmas joy that we experience on these holy days accompany us throughout the year, so that those around us, seeing our good deeds, glorify our Heavenly Father (Mt, 5, 16). Amen.

Venerable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!

The Feasts of the Feast and the Triumph of Triumphs have come - Easter of Christ. We all enter into the joy of our Lord, Who on this day, according to the words of St. John Chrysostom, “accepts the last as well as the first ... and gives to that, and bestows on this; and accepts deeds, and welcomes intention; and activity salutes and disposition praises. The time of sorrow and weeping has passed, the Kingdom of Heaven is open, the Divine Meal is prepared. Together with the entire Church, we turn to each other, to “those who have fasted and those who have not fasted,” the all-affirming greeting: Christ is Risen!

Resurrection of Christ major event in the history of the Divine economy, the basis and hope of our salvation. Having risen from the dead, the Lord destroyed the gates of death, brought the souls of the Old Testament righteous who were languishing there from hell, delivered us from the power of sin and made us partakers of eternal life (Rom. 6:4; Thess. 4:14). It is no coincidence, therefore, that the fact of the Resurrection is at the center of the apostolic preaching (see Acts 2:14-36, 1 Cor. 15:4). And the apostle Paul directly says that “if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is also in vain” (1 Cor. 15:14).

Lent has just ended. Each of us tried, as far as possible, to fight sin, sought to purify the soul with repentance, to do good deeds, not to succumb to temptations. Looking at our efforts, the Lord supported us in the Lenten field, helped us to rise when we stumbled, and gave us the strength to move on. And if during these days we experienced the presence of God in our lives even for a moment, felt that He is next to us, our labors did not go unnoticed.

During Holy Lent, and especially with the onset of Passion Week, God's love for man is more acutely felt than ever. And the fulfillment of this love and at the same time the answer to it is the joy that awakens in our hearts already in Great Saturday and embraces our whole being on Easter night.

The feeling of Easter joy is familiar to most people who call themselves Christians. It is incomparable to anything. This is precisely that unearthly feeling that the apostle speaks of, commanding us to “always rejoice in the Lord” (Col. 4:4), the germination of the life of Christ in us. Therefore, it is very important, my dear ones, to keep oneself in a state of blessed joy, not to lose it at the festive table, in conversations with relatives and friends, in Everyday life with her labors and worries, to preserve the experience of these days in God and with God. If we manage to do this, then our whole life will become Easter, and the Kingdom of Heaven will turn out not to be a distant prospect, but the true reality of our earthly existence.

Once again, congratulations to all the greatest holiday Resurrection of Christ. May the Lord, crucified for our sins, rise today in our hearts, fill us with Divine grace and renew us for eternal life. Christ is risen - He is truly risen!

Berlin, Easter 2016

Easter Epistle of the Archbishop of Berlin and Germany Theophan

Therefore, we were buried with Him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Rom. 6:4)

Venerable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!

On this sacred, all-festive and saving night, we again and again joyfully turn to each other the life-affirming greeting on which our Church stands and is based:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

The Resurrection of Christ is the most significant event in the history of the Divine economy. Beginning with the apostles and up to the present day, many theologians, church thinkers and writers have sought to express the mysterious depth and grandeur of the meaning of what happened in Jerusalem almost two thousand years ago. Of course, every time, approaching the burial cave of Christ, limited human mind humbly bows before the Miracle and the Mystery of the New Testament Easter. But Holy Bible and the inspired texts of the Holy Fathers help us, even if “through a dim glass” (1 Cor. 13:12), to see the meaning of Christ’s rise from the dead for our salvation.

The Lord, “having become the ransom of our death, by His Resurrection loosened the bonds of death and by His Ascension paved the way to heaven for all flesh,” writes St. Gregory of Nyssa. Here is the main meaning and great hope of what happened! Christ, having atoned for the sins of mankind by death on the Cross, rose from the dead and lifted up human flesh to God the Father, uniting it forever, indivisibly and inseparably with the Divine. “Christ Jesus died, but also rose again: He is also at the right hand of God, He also intercedes for us,” writes the Apostle Paul (Rom. 8:34). Since then, hell and death no longer have power over the human race, according to the words of John Chrysostom: “Christ is risen, and life lives” (Word for Holy Pascha)!

Of course, many events and processes taking place in modern world do not seem to inspire optimism. Wars, natural disasters, crimes, the public resonance of which is multiplied by means of mass media, as if they leave no room for goodness and light. But against this background, the Easter message about the resurrection of the Savior, who conquered evil and death, acquires an even more joyful, victorious sound. This joy has a special nature, because it is based on that feeling of God's closeness, about which Christ said: "and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). In these holy days, I would like to wish all of us to keep this Divine joy in our hearts and generously share it with those near and far, so that they too can become partakers of the Glory of God.

Once again, I congratulate everyone on the greatest holiday of Easter. May the Lord, by His Resurrection, breathe life into our hearts, fill them with Divine grace and make us all worthy to glorify Him with a pure heart. Christ is risen - He is truly risen!

Berlin, Easter 2017

On September 11, 2017, at the age of 64, after a long illness, Archbishop Feofan (Oleg Ivanovich Galinsky) of Berlin and Germany reposed in the Lord

The whole life of Archbishop Theophan was an example of sacrificial service to God and the Church. Vladyka was born on July 8, 1954 in Ukraine in the city of Belaya Tserkov, Kyiv region. After graduating from high school, he studied at the Dnepropetrovsk Institute of Chemical Technology.

After a three-year internship at the Eastern Church Institute in Regensburg (1977-1979), Hieromonk Feofan continued to teach at the Leningrad Theological Schools. In 1980 he was elected secretary of the Council of the Leningrad Theological Academy and head of the department of liturgy. All those who knew Vladyka subsequently noted his deep knowledge of the church charter, theological disciplines, and love for worship. He could talk for hours about certain intricacies of the service, surprising his interlocutors with the breadth of his knowledge.

Since 1985, the period of Vladyka's service in the field of external church relations begins. By the decision of the Holy Synod of February 7, 1986, he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the DECR. By the decree of His Holiness Patriarch Pimen and the Holy Synod of December 30, 1986, Archimandrite Feofan was determined to be Bishop of Kashira, Vicar of the Moscow Diocese.

On January 10, 1987, on Saturday after the Nativity of Christ, in the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk, Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Belarus, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, led the naming of Archimandrite Feofan as Bishop of Kashirsky. The next day, the episcopal consecration took place.

All subsequent ministry of Vladyka Theophan proceeded far from the Motherland. On July 19, 1988, he was appointed rector of the Russian Orthodox Church in Karlovy Vary, and on January 31, 1991, he was appointed interim administrator of the Berlin and Leipzig diocese. On March 25 of the same year, Bishop Feofan, by the decision of the Holy Synod, was released from the rectorship in Karlovy Vary and appointed the ruling bishop of the Berlin diocese. Since December 23, 1992, in connection with the unification of three German dioceses into one, he received the title "Berlin and German". On February 25, 1996, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop.

The period of Archbishop Feofan's archpastoral service in Germany fell on a difficult time. After the unification of the country in 1991, millions of migrants from the countries of the former USSR came to Germany. Many of them were brought up in Orthodoxy and replenished the number of parishioners of the churches of the Berlin diocese, for the rest the Russian Orthodox Church became a spiritual home, a thread connecting them with their abandoned homeland. Vladyka was faced with the task of creating new church communities, training the clergy, and establishing parish life. However, Archbishop Feofan saw his main task in "giving people Christ," as he said in an interview.

Tirelessly testifying to the truth of the Gospel, showing active concern for Christian enlightenment and the spiritual and moral education of his compatriots, Vladyka won the respect and love of the clergy and people of God. Excellently educated, possessing an excellent memory and the broadest erudition, Vladyka found a common language with everyone whom the Lord sent him on his life path. Strict and exacting during divine services and invariably simple and sincere in everyday communication, he literally radiated with Christian love, was a true father to his flock.

The funeral service for Archbishop Theophan will take place on September 14 at the end of the Divine Liturgy at the Resurrection Cathedral in Berlin. According to the last will of Vladyka, he will be buried in the Russian Orthodox cemetery in Tegel.

The whole life of the hierarch was an example of sacrificial service to God and the Church.

On September 11, 2017, at the age of 64, after a long illness, Archbishop Feofan (Galinsky) of Berlin and Germany reposed in the Lord, reports Patriarchia.ru.

In 1972 he entered the Leningrad Theological Seminary, then the academy, from which he graduated in 1977 with a degree in theology. According to the reviews of teachers, brothers and friends, the future Archbishop of Berlin was one of the most diligent and gifted students, who comprehended theological science with special zeal. After graduating from the academy, he was appointed teacher and assistant inspector of the Leningrad Theological Seminary.

On January 4, 1976, he received monastic tonsure with the name Feofan, on January 7, Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod Nikodim (Rotov) was ordained a hierodeacon, and on April 17, 1977, Archbishop Kirill of Vyborg (now Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia) was ordained a hieromonk.

After a three-year internship at the Eastern Church Institute in Regensburg (1977-1979), Hieromonk Feofan continued to teach at Leningrad theological schools. In 1980 he was elected secretary of the Council of the Leningrad Theological Academy and head of the department of liturgy. All those who knew Vladyka subsequently noted his deep knowledge of the church charter, theological disciplines, and love for worship. He could talk for hours about certain intricacies of the service, surprising his interlocutors with the breadth of his knowledge.

All subsequent ministry of Vladyka Theophan proceeded far from the Motherland. On July 19, 1988, he was appointed rector of the Russian Orthodox Church in Karlovy Vary, and on January 31, 1991, he was appointed interim administrator of the Berlin and Leipzig diocese. On March 25 of the same year, Bishop Feofan was released from his abbotship in Karlovy Vary by the decision of the Holy Synod and was appointed the ruling bishop of the Berlin diocese. On December 23, 1992, in connection with the unification of three German dioceses into one, he received the title of "Berlin and German". On February 25, 1996, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop.

The period of Archbishop Feofan's archpastoral service in Germany fell on a difficult time. After the unification of the country in 1991, millions of migrants from the countries of the former USSR came to Germany. Many of them were brought up in Orthodoxy and replenished the number of parishioners of the churches of the Berlin diocese, for the rest, the Russian Orthodox Church became a spiritual home, a connecting thread with the abandoned Fatherland. Vladyka was faced with the task of creating new church communities, training the clergy, and establishing parish life. However, Archbishop Feofan saw his main task in "giving people Christ," as he said in an interview.

Over the course of 25 years of archpastoral service, Vladyka at the Berlin cathedra prepared and ordained dozens of priests, and the number of parishes exceeded a hundred. As the chairman of the Orthodox Episcopal Conference of Germany, Metropolitan Augustine of Germany, noted, the fact that the number of Orthodox Christians in Germany, who were practically non-existent in the early 1990s, now numbers two and a half million people, “became possible thanks to such people as Vladyka Feofan. For zealous service to the Church, Archbishop Feofan was awarded high church and state awards.

Tirelessly testifying to the truth of the Gospel, showing active concern for Christian enlightenment and the spiritual and moral education of his compatriots, Vladyka won the respect and love of the clergy and people of God. Excellently educated, possessing the broadest erudition, Vladyka found a common language with everyone whom the Lord sent him on his life path. Strict and exacting during divine services and invariably simple and sincere in everyday communication, he literally radiated with Christian love, was a true father to his flock.

The funeral service for Archbishop Theophan will take place on September 14, 2017 at the end of the Divine Liturgy at the Resurrection Cathedral in Berlin. According to the last will of Vladyka, he will be buried in the Russian Orthodox cemetery in Tegel.

On September 11, 2017, at the age of 64, after a long illness, Archbishop Feofan of Berlin and Germany reposed in the Lord.

In 1972 he entered the Leningrad Theological Seminary, then - the academy, from which he graduated in 1977 with a degree in theology. According to the reviews of teachers, brothers and friends, the future Archbishop of Berlin was one of the most diligent and gifted students, who comprehended theological science with special zeal. After graduating from the academy, he was appointed teacher and assistant inspector of the Leningrad Theological Seminary.

All subsequent ministry of Vladyka Theophan proceeded far from the Motherland. On July 19, 1988, he was appointed rector of the Russian Orthodox Church in Karlovy Vary, and on January 31, 1991, he was appointed interim administrator of the Berlin and Leipzig diocese. On March 25 of the same year, Bishop Feofan was released from his abbotship in Karlovy Vary by the decision of the Holy Synod and was appointed the ruling bishop of the Berlin diocese. On December 23, 1992, in connection with the unification of three German dioceses into one, he received the title of "Berlin and German". On February 25, 1996, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop.

The period of Archbishop Feofan's archpastoral service in Germany fell on a difficult time. After the unification of the country in 1991, millions of migrants from the countries of the former USSR came to Germany. Many of them were brought up in Orthodoxy and replenished the number of parishioners of the churches of the Berlin diocese, for the rest, the Russian Orthodox Church became a spiritual home, a connecting thread with the abandoned Fatherland. Vladyka was faced with the task of creating new church communities, training the clergy, and establishing parish life. However, Archbishop Feofan saw his main task in "giving people Christ," as he said in an interview.

As a result of such Christ-centered activity, over the course of 25 years of archpastoral service of Vladyka at the Berlin See, dozens of priests were trained and ordained, and the number of parishes exceeded a hundred. As the chairman of the Orthodox Episcopal Conference of Germany, Metropolitan Augustine of Germany, noted, the fact that the number of Orthodox Christians in Germany, who were practically non-existent in the early 1990s, now numbers two and a half million people, “became possible thanks to such people as Vladyka Feofan. For zealous service to the Church, Archbishop Feofan was awarded high church and state awards.

Tirelessly testifying to the truth of the Gospel, showing active concern for Christian enlightenment and the spiritual and moral education of his compatriots, Vladyka won the respect and love of the clergy and people of God. Excellently educated, possessing the broadest erudition, Vladyka found a common language with everyone whom the Lord sent him on his life path. Strict and exacting during divine services and invariably simple and sincere in everyday communication, he literally radiated with Christian love, was a true father to his flock.

Website of the Berlin-German Diocese /
DECR Communication Service

On September 11, 2017, at the age of 64, after a long illness, Archbishop Feofan (Galinsky) of Berlin and Germany passed away to the Lord, Patriarchia.ru reports.

All subsequent ministry of Vladyka Theophan proceeded far from the Motherland. On July 19, 1988, he was appointed rector of the Russian Orthodox Church in Karlovy Vary, and on January 31, 1991, he was appointed interim administrator of the Berlin and Leipzig diocese. On March 25 of the same year, Bishop Feofan was released from his abbotship in Karlovy Vary by the decision of the Holy Synod and was appointed the ruling bishop of the Berlin diocese. On December 23, 1992, in connection with the unification of three German dioceses into one, he received the title of "Berlin and German". On February 25, 1996, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop.

The period of Archbishop Feofan's archpastoral service in Germany fell on a difficult time. After the unification of the country in 1991, millions of migrants from the countries of the former USSR came to Germany. Many of them were brought up in Orthodoxy and replenished the number of parishioners of the churches of the Berlin diocese, for the rest, the Russian Orthodox Church became a spiritual home, a connecting thread with the abandoned Fatherland. Vladyka was faced with the task of creating new church communities, training the clergy, and establishing parish life. However, Archbishop Feofan saw his main task in "giving people Christ," as he said in an interview.

Tirelessly testifying to the truth of the Gospel, showing active concern for Christian enlightenment and the spiritual and moral education of his compatriots, Vladyka won the respect and love of the clergy and people of God. Excellently educated, possessing the broadest erudition, Vladyka found a common language with everyone whom the Lord sent him on his life path. Strict and exacting during divine services and invariably simple and sincere in everyday communication, he literally radiated with Christian love, was a true father to his flock.