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Philaret Drozdov

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Philaret Drozdov was a major figure in the Russian Orthodox Church during the 19th century.

Interior of St Volodymyr's Cathedral in Kyiv (2)
Interior of St Volodymyr's Cathedral in Kyiv (2)

He served as the Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna for many years. His influence over the church lasted for more than 40 years, from 1821 to 1867. Because of his religious life, he was later canonized as a saint on October 13, 1994. The church celebrates his feast day every year on November 19. He is remembered both as a powerful leader and a prolific writer.

His journey began with a deep focus on education and theology. Born Vasily Mikhaylovich Drozdov on December 26, 1782, he grew up in Kolomna. His father was a member of the clergy, which likely influenced his path. Vasily studied at the seminary of Kolomna, where he learned Latin. He continued his education at the Troitse-Sergiyeva Lavra. After finishing his studies, he was immediately appointed as a professor at the Lavra. In 1808, he took monastic vows and received the name Philaret. This name honored Saint Philaret the Merciful.

Philaret rose through many ecclesiastical ranks in a steady sequence. In 1809, he became a professor of theology in St. Petersburg. He reached the rank of archimandrite in 1811 and became a director in 1812. The events of 1812 left a strong impression on him. He gave a lecture on why the Russians were successful during that time. In 1813, he delivered a famous speech regarding the death of Kutuzov. Later, he was consecrated as the bishop of Reval. He then served as the episcopal vicar of St. Petersburg.

His career continued with several high-level appointments across Russia. In 1819, he became the Archbishop of Tver and joined the Most Holy Synod. The following year, he served as the Archbishop of Yaroslavl. In 1821, he was moved to Moscow. By 1826, he reached the position of metropolitan. However, his career faced challenges due to his daring public statements. From 1845 until the reign of Alexander II, he fell into imperial disfavor. In 1855, his movements were restricted to the limits of his own diocese.

Philaret was a highly influential writer and a skilled orator. He was a key figure in creating a Russian translation of the Bible. Before this work, people used a Church Slavonic version. That version was often difficult for the general public to understand. He also authored many volumes known as the Filaretica. These works include his "Commentary on Genesis" from 1816. He also wrote a "Christian Catechism" in 1823. His writings covered sacred history, the Gospels, and various sermons.

His leadership also involved significant and difficult social actions. He was the spiritual father of the missionary Macarius, known as the "Apostle to the Altai." However, Philaret was also responsible for serious offenses against the Old Believers. He was involved in the misappropriation of their churches. He also oversaw the sealing of altars at the Rogozhskoye Cemetery. This cemetery was the spiritual center for the Belokrinitskoe Soglasie Old Believers. Furthermore, he was directly involved in the imprisonment of Old Believer monastics and hierarchs.

Philaret's life connected the worlds of religion, politics, and literature. He is said to have helped prepare the proclamation that freed the serfs. This shows how his religious role intersected with the laws of the empire. He was also a talented poet. His poetic correspondence with the famous poet Pushkin is well known. His ability to speak to large crowds earned him a reputation as a leading pulpit orator. His legacy remains a complex mix of theological scholarship, political influence, and religious devotion.

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