Maria Mironenko, “Holy Righteous Alexy Mechev” (2012), portrait from photograph. Image from the site mariya-myronenko.com City Elder - this is what the contemporaries called Father Alexy Mechev, rector of the Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki. At a time when faith weakened, persecution began and churches were emptying, a parish community similar to those of the Chief Apostles was born in Moscow.
From all over, on foot through Moscow, which was in a revolutionary transport collapse, parishioners hurried to the church before and after work: for services, for confession, for advice, for courses, for lectures, for obediences.
Whether it was a revolution, war, persecution or other cataclysms, Father Alexy’s behest was one: to do his job, fulfilling the commandments of love for God and neighbor. And God Himself will deal with cataclysms.
Meeting with Fr. John of Kronstadt
Father John of Kronstadt.
Photo from the site k-istine.ru After the appointment of the young priest Alexy Mechev on March 19, 1893 to the parish of St. Nicholas in Klenniki, he served daily for eight years in an empty church. This caused bewilderment and ridicule, but Father Alexy continued to pray. And people went to the temple.
By the time of his appointment to Klenniki, Father Alexy had four children. His marriage was happy, and the death of Mother Anna in 1902 became a grief for him.
“The whole world has gone dark for me. I locked myself in my room, didn’t want to go out to people, poured out my grief before the Lord,” recalled Fr. Alexy.
The parishioners of the Maroseya temple, the Belov merchant family, arranged a meeting of the holy righteous John of Kronstadt with the widowed father Alexy.
“Have you come to share my grief with me?” - Father Alexy asked the great shepherd. “I did not come to share grief, but joy; The Lord visits you! Leave your grief and go out to the people... - answered Father John... - Be with the people, enter into their grief, take it upon yourself, and then you will see that your misfortune is small, and it will become easier for you.”
“I listened to the words of Father John,” said the priest, and from then on, consoling a person, sharing his pain becomes the first pastoral concern and the testament of Father Alexy to his spiritual children-priests: “A shepherd must unload the pain and grief of others.”
Father Alexy did not start with the rules, conditions and requirements for a person who had just come to the temple. The first thing he did was listen and be compassionate.
He was distinguished by amazing humility before God's providence for every person: he tried to see what God planned for a person, what does God want from this person? For the priest, as for the Savior Himself, there were no rejected people. Everyone was valuable and dear to him. That’s why people came and his parish grew, at a time when many churches were emptying.
The memoirs about the artist Robert Falk tell how he, unbaptized, in severe depression, came to Father Alexy - one of his friends said: go see the priest, he is good, he serves not far from you. Falk came, and Father Alexy didn’t tell him anything about Christ, he just drank tea with him and asked: how are you doing, etc. And Falk then asked: can I come to you again? Because he felt that he simply felt good as a human being.
After all, what is a holy man to people? The one who is closer to God, whom God hears.
Real
St. Nicholas Church on Maroseyka.
Photo from the site gavriil.info People felt that Father Alexy was close to God. And Falk felt that, as after visiting a good doctor, he felt better. And then he was baptized with the name Roman. The artist Mikhail Nesterov, coming to the service at the church on Maroseyka, said about Father Alexy: “He is real, genuine...” That’s what touched people - sincerity, that’s what people were looking for - a real priest, a real one.
One atheist teacher from the Winkler Gymnasium, where Fr. Alexy taught the Law of God, said that he knew only one true Christian - Fr. Alexia.
Of course, Father Alexy had exceptional spiritual gifts, which he constantly increased. He said about himself: “The Lord gave me a child’s faith.” Great faith and a loving heart.
The first thing Fr. Alexy, when a person came to him, began to pray with him, and often prayed with tears.
And this love, faith, trust in God was transmitted through him to others.
In the presence of Fr. Alexy, feeling his love, the person believed in the love of God - merciful, compassionate.
And during the liturgy, Fr. Alexy often cried while praying. Psalmist of the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet in the city of Vereya, where Fr. Alexy was leaving for the summer and told him:
“Father Alexy, it’s impossible to conduct the service with you..., even though I’m strong, I’m choking on tears. Is it possible to drive people this far? ... Don't be so upset... That's about it. Peter, you can’t knock a tear out of him even with a stake: hurry up, quickly... And you’ve been serving for such a long time; and I wanted to eat, and my heart began to ache from tears; God have mercy, you’ll still die!”
And o. Alexey will only say to him: “How can I not cry, Ilyusha, because I’m such a sinner!”
“Father, Ilya is stupid or something,” she asked Fr. about the psalm-reader. Alexia is the regent of the Temple of Maria. - Yes, a little, but he’s good, just incomprehensible. But God also needs such people,” answered Fr. Alexy.
The meaning of the priest’s pastoral service was to bring people closer to God, their spiritual growth. A person comforted and warmed by love more easily perceives instruction and guidance. Having himself been taught by Father John of Kronstadt to go to people, Father Alexy called on his spiritual children to learn to share the suffering and joy of others.
Orthodox texts in Russian
You can ask Father Alexei for help in your own words. A prayerful appeal to the saint will strengthen the request and allow the one praying to be heard more quickly in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Troparion
To the Shepherd of Christ, Father Alexis, / you fought a good fight, / you confessed the Orthodox faith in the darkness of lawlessness, / and, as a comforter and a spiritual doctor, / you healed all who came to you ́./ Help us, who honor you by faith, // in love for one's neighbor will be established.
Troparion
Like a miracle of God, you appeared,/ in the city of Moscow, Father Alexis,/ not in the desert, but in the midst of rumors, you flourished,/ in the time of fierce apostasy,/ you became like the ancients Thou art a seer, a man of prayer and an elder, and a comforter to the afflicted and the doctor,/ for this sake for the Russian flock,/ be an immutable intercessor now, // a prayer book for our souls.
Troparion for the transfer of relics
The day of a new celebration has come, / the city of Moscow rejoices, / and the entire Russian country rejoices / with new spiritual stumps, / today is a sacred celebration / in the presentation of the honest and multi-healing relics / of the righteous and wonderworker Alexy, / as if a most bright light has shone upon us with blessed rays , / consuming the darkness of illness and passions / from those who sing diligently, / save us with your prayers // Righteous Alexis, our father.
Kontakion
You have undertaken great labors of love and mercy,/ righteous Father Alexis,/ and, from the holy shepherd of Kronstadt, a blessing to help the suffering,/ the troubles and sorrows of people, I to the chains you have placed on your frame./ But we, who lead you boldly in prayer Lord, / with tenderness we call upon you // pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
In kontakion
Through the simplicity of faith you have reached the heights of humility,/ while striving in prayer and good deeds,/ you have been enriched with spiritual gifts/ and you have been enlightened by the light of Christ,/ helper and comforter Father Alexi That is./ Moreover, strengthen our faith,/ teach us love for the Lord and our neighbors// and Bring us to salvation through your prayers.
Prayer
Oh, our all-honorable and blessed Father Alexis, the wondrous Elder of Moscow and praise and joy to the whole Russian Church! Having great love for the Lord, unfailingly fulfilling the covenants of the Gospel, you laid down your soul for your flock, grieving with a merciful heart for everyone who asked for your help. Accept this little prayer of ours, and as in your earthly life you wiped away every tear, eased every sorrow, so now, merciful prayer book and our intercessor, take away the burdens , our illnesses and sorrows, fill our suffering hearts with joy, beg God, the Lover of mankind, for forgiveness our countless sins, so that having cleansed our souls with repentance, let us begin to do good. To her, good elder, be a good shepherd for us too, guiding us on the path of salvation, so that through your prayers we will immaculately pass the path of our life and find the Heavenly Fatherland, where you are with the angels and holy to all Before us stand the Throne of the Holy Trinity, glorifying the Beginning Father with His Only Begotten Son and the Most Holy One , and the Good, and His Life-giving Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Without fence
Father Alexy Mechev performs a prayer service.
Photo from the site journalpp.ru The ability to live, serve and pray as if outside of urban conditions, bustle and noise amazed many. In the busiest place there is a temple. There is not even a fence between the church and the street. In the world of Jurassic, with active parish activity, crowds, in the Church of St. St. Nicholas in Klenniki preserved an exclusively prayerful, almost skete-like atmosphere,” wrote one of the priests who served him, Father Sergius Durylin, in his memoirs about Father Alexy.
And the world around is becoming more and more hostile. 1905 Demonstrations. Slogans outside the temple window: down, down, down...
A group of students comes in to beat the priest. Father Alexy greets them with a smile and the words: “It’s so good that young people came to church. Have you come to remember your parents? The students muttered dumbfoundedly: “Yes-ah,” smiling guiltily.
Optina Elder Anatoly always sent Muscovites to Father Alexy, and also Optina Father. Nektary once said to someone: “Why do you come to us, you have your own elder, Fr. Alexy is there.”
The rector of the Optina monastery was Abbot Theodosius, who loved Fr. Alexia, on one of his visits to Moscow, came to the Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki. Having seen how the service was going, how many confessors and communicants there were, he then said to Fr. Alexia:
“For all this work that you are doing alone, we would need several people in Optina. This is beyond the strength of one person. The Lord is helping you."
However, Fr. Alexia and ill-wishers. Once on the tram Fr. Alexy witnessed a conversation between two priests who criticized famous Moscow clergy. Arriving at the Church of St. Nikola in Klenniki, and remembering Fr. Alexia, and they “walked through it”:
Here, too, he acts like a fool, portrays an old man... the people accept him..., he gives advice and rakes in a lot of money... You know, he has an income of ten thousand!
Fr. Alexy, getting off at the stop he needed, paused near those who were talking and remarked in a friendly manner: “Everything you say about Fr. Alexia is true. You were only mistaken about one thing: his income is not ten, but fifteen thousand,” and got off the tram.
The next day, one of the priests came to the priest and asked for forgiveness with deep repentance.
“WHY ARE YOU COMING TO US? YOU HAVE A FATHER ALEXIY.”
The true spiritual friends of Father Alexy were the Optina ascetics of his time: the elder Hieroschemamonk Anatoly (Potapov), now glorified as a venerable one (July 30), and the monastery leader, Abbot Theodosius.
They were amazed at the feat of the Moscow elder, who lived “in a city like in the desert.” Father Anatoly directed Muscovites who came to him to see Father Alexy. Elder Nektarios said: “Why are you coming to us? You have Father Alexy.” Holy Patriarch Tikhon always took into account the recall of the priest in cases of consecration and even invited him to take on the work of uniting the Moscow clergy.
Twice Father Alexy was summoned for an interview at the OGPU and was forbidden to receive people. The second time he was released immediately, because they saw that he was seriously ill.
Father Alexey suggested the simplest
Interior of the Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki.
Photo from the website providenie.narod.ru Father Alexy instructed those who came to him not to think about the fate of the world, not to run to “save Russia.” He urged us to engage in the organization of our souls.
Gain peace, cleanse your soul from passions, and the Lord will arrange your life path. In any era, in any country, with any environment, under any conditions.
Father taught people the so-called “small acts of virtue,” offering not great feats, but the simplest thing: do not slander your loved ones, keep your harsh word.
Be faithful in small things, and gradually these small things will become great. Change yourself, and through this change the life of your neighbor will become easier - after all, if you fight your passions, it will be easier for those around you to live.
Father Alexy was close to the words of His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon: “Russian people know how to die well. We need to teach him how to live.”
And Father Alexy taught how to live at that time and in the circumstances that God sends. He understood that the time of trials was coming, and he taught not to hide from them.
THE POWER OF PRAYER OF ST. ALEXIY MECHEV
Father's sermons were simple, sincere, touching the heart with the depth of faith, truthfulness, and understanding of life.
Saint Alexis's prayer never stopped. Filling the temple with herself, she instilled in those present the confidence that, despite all the bustle of life, one can be far from everything earthly, have unceasing prayer, a pure heart and stand before God here on earth. When the priest prayed, according to the reviews of those who saw him, he was passionate about prayer, he listened to every word of the prayer greedily, as if afraid to miss a moment of spiritual delight. The elder taught that personal prayer, conversation with the Lord and turning to Him are a reliable and saving means for strengthening one’s faith in God’s Providence. Father Alexy greatly revered the shrine of the temple - the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God (it is still located in the Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki), and served prayers in front of it. One day, on the eve of the events of 1917, during a prayer service, he saw tears rolling down from the eyes of the Queen of Heaven. Everyone present saw this.
Quiet glory
Hieromartyr Sergius Mechev.
Photo from the site true-orthodox.narod.ru Anticipating his departure, during his lifetime Father Alexy handed over the flock to his son, Father Sergius. After the death of Father Alexy on June 22, 1923, with the blessing of the Optina elders, Archpriest Sergius Mechev became rector of the Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki.
Father Sergius continued his father's work. Marosei community founded by his father. Alexy and received the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon, under the leadership of Father Sergius Mechev, she became stronger and united.
When Father Sergius was arrested in 1929 and the church was closed in 1932, the community did not disintegrate. Secret services continued to be held by those close to Fr. Alexy and Fr. Sergius by priests. During the times of persecution, 14 of Father Alexy’s spiritual children were ordained priests.
Having become priests during the years of persecution, these people, in the words of St. Demetrius of Rostov, “desired Jesus not for the sake of a bite of bread,” essentially signing a death sentence for themselves.
Father Sergiy Mechev was shot in 1942. In prison, he prayed that the people arrested in his case would remain alive, and indeed, not a single one died.
At the anniversary Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church on August 20, 2000, Archpriest Alexy Mechev and Archpriest Sergius Mechev were canonized: Father Alexy in the rank of the righteous, Father Sergius as a hieromartyr.
Even today, not a single important matter begins without prayers at the relics of the holy righteous Alexis. And Father always hears. In our church we have our own journal of help for the prayers of St. right Alexia - there are known cases of healing in very serious illnesses, help in difficult circumstances.
During his lifetime, Father Alexy shunned human glory and loved silence. And after his death, this glory is quiet. There is no fuss in the temple; a person can come and pray calmly, remaining alone at the relics of the saint.
An amazing birth story and childhood
In the spring of 1859, the Chudovsky choir of a small Moscow church was headed by regent Alexei Ivanovich Mechev, who in his own way had a unique biography.
In his early childhood, at the invitation of Metropolitan Philaret, boys gifted with musical talent came to the saint’s courtyard, little Alyosha fell asleep in the hallway, and he was left on the street on a frosty night without noticing his disappearance. During the meal, the Metropolitan suddenly rose from the table and went out into the street, carefully examining the convoy, and noticed a freezing boy. Saint Philaret saw in this a manifestation of God’s will and until the end of his life he showed concern for both the boy, Alyosha Mechev, and his future family.
Priest Alexy Mechev
The matured Alexey married Alexandra Dmitrievna. They were soon overjoyed by the news of the birth of a child, but when the time of birth arrived, it became clear that death was threatening to take mother and child.
It was on the feast of St. Alexis. The saddened regent went to pray to the saint at the Alekseevsky Monastery, where Metropolitan Philaret served at that time. The Bishop immediately saw the grief on the face of his ward, they prayed together, the saint blessed the future father with a prosphora and ordered him to name the newborn boy in honor of Saint Alexy.
During the Divine Liturgy, there was the unceasing prayer of Metropolitan Philaret, which became a blessing at the birth on March 17, 1859 of a male child, the future prayer book of Russia, Alexy.
Their house had only 2 rooms, they were constantly filled with people. Anyone who needed shelter and consolation could spend the night here. From his compassionate mother, who could not leave her three children and sister, who was widowed early, on the street, Alyosha learned:
- love for people;
- kindness;
- quiet peaceful character.
The boy never got into arguments, stopped a quarrel, was constantly in a cheerful mood, ready to console at any moment. However, he had one peculiarity: while having fun, the boy suddenly froze, became serious and left, for which he was nicknamed blessed Alyoshenka.
