Ambrose of Neftekamsk and Birsk. Neftekamsk and Birsk Ambrosy. The monastery is a repository of miraculous relics
Born on October 25, 1973 in the village. Taxoben, Falesti district, Republic of Moldova. Baptized in infancy.
In 1990 he graduated from high school.
In September 1990, he was enrolled in the Faculty of Journalism at the Moldavian State University, and in November he transferred to the Chisinau (then Novo-Nyamets) Theological Seminary.
In 1992-1995. bore the obedience of the head of the office of the Bendery diocesan administration.
On April 8, 1993, he was tonsured a monk in the Holy Dormition Church of the New Nyametsky Kitskansky Monastery.
In November 1998, he was transferred to the staff and appointed secretary of the diocese. On January 18, 1999, he was awarded the right to wear a club and a cross with decorations.
In 1998-2002 concurrently served as the rector of the Edinet Theological Lyceum and the confessor-administrator of the Edinet Convent of Sisters of Mercy.
On April 16, 2000, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite with the right to serve the Divine Liturgy with the royal doors open.
In 2007, he graduated from the Faculty of History and International Relations of the International Independent University of Moldova (INUM) with a master's degree in historical sciences.
In 2008, he was appointed director of the icon painting class at the Chisinau Theological Seminary.
In 2011, he completed his doctoral studies at the Moscow National University of Music, as well as two-year advanced training courses (Department of External Church Relations).
On March 24, 2011, he was appointed abbot (abbot) of the Holy Ascension Girzhava Monastery. Concurrently, he served as the rector of the Ungheni Theological School, the chairman of the diocesan department for monastic affairs, and was a member of the diocesan council and the ecclesiastical court of the Ungheni diocese.
In August 2011, secretary of the synodal commission for the canonization of saints of the Orthodox Church of Moldova.
He took part in the preparation for publication of a number of liturgical and spiritual books. He is the founder of the newspaper “Ogonek Vera” and the Orthodox youth Russian-Moldavian Internet portal (www.logos.md). Participated in religious and journalistic programs and projects on television and radio in Moldova. In 2005, he organized an annual summer children's camp at the Frumoas convent for children from poor families and orphans. Since 2008, he has conducted a series of spiritual conversations with students of the International Independent University of Moldova.
By the decision of the Holy Synod of December 27, 2011 () he was elected Bishop of Neftekamsk and Belebeyevsk.
Naming February 24, 2012 March 4, 2012 at the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The services were led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'.
The Holy Synod at its meeting on October 4, 2012 awarded () the title “Neftekamsk and Birsk” and confirmed () in the position of rector (holy archimandrite) of the Prophet-Iliinsky Monastery with. Mesyagutovo, Republic of Bashkortostan.
By the decision of the Holy Synod of July 29, 2017 (), in connection with the formation, the title “Neftekamsk and October” was awarded.
By the decision of the Holy Synod of May 30, 2019 (journal No. 50), he was appointed by His Grace Bogorodsky, vicar of the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe, with release from management and the assignment of caring for the Moldovan-speaking flock of the Moscow Patriarchate in the Apennines.
Education:1994 - Chisinau Theological Seminary.
1999 - Moscow Theological Academy (in absentia).
2004 - Kiev Theological Academy (in absentia).
2007 - International Independent University of Moldova.
2011 - International Independent University of Moldova (doctorate).
2011 — Church-wide postgraduate and doctoral studies, advanced training courses.
Place of work: Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the Italian Republic (Vicar of the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe) Place of work: Patriarchal Exarchate of Western Europe (Vicar of the Patriarchal Exarch) Scientific works, publications:- Archimandrite Ambrose (Munteanu) upon his naming as Bishop of Neftekamsk and Belebeevsk;
- The life and work of Archpriest-composer Mikhail Berezovsky. 1994 (Chisinau Theological Seminary, diploma work);
- Saint Paisius Velichkovsky i revival of the hexian traditions in Moldova in the 19th century.” 2004 (KDA, diploma work);
- Mănăstirile istorice basarabene, cartea de vizită a Republicii Moldova. — [Historic Moldavian monasteries - the visiting map of the Republic of Moldova]. 2006;
- History of the Frumoasa Monastery. 2007 (MNUM, master's thesis);
- Coverage of religious topics in the media of modern Moldova (seminar). 2009;
- Relations between the Church and the state in the history of the Frumos Monastery. 2010;
- Alternative “Orthodoxy” in the Republic of Moldova. Church schisms. 2010 (monograph);
- The disadvantage of equalizing the rights of religious organizations by the legislation of the Republic of Moldova. 2010 (article);
- Lumea ne ispiteşte mereu cu "a avea", iar Dumnezeu ne îndeamnă la "a fi". - [The world tempts us with acquisitiveness, but God calls us to abstinence]. 2011 (interview);
- The role of foreign parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the spiritual support of the Moldovan diaspora. 2011 (thesis);
- Our online presence is relevant and an important part of the Church's mission." 2011 (interview);
- The Church has its own warriors who protect the soul of the people from enemy attacks. 2011 (interview);
- A series of 4 articles “Timp si Memorie” (Time and Memory) on the topic of the closure of Moldovan monasteries by Soviet power in the 20th century in the “Oral History” format, published in the journal of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Moldova in 2008-2011, as well as others . publications on problems of church and public life.
Church:
- 2007 - Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh III century;
- 2008 - Order of St. Paisiy Velichkovsky II Art. (Orthodox Church of Moldova);
- 2011 - Order of St. Stephen the Great II Art. (Orthodox Church of Moldova).
Biography: In 1990 he graduated from high school. In September 1990, he was enrolled in the Faculty of Journalism at the Moldavian State University, and in November he transferred to the Chisinau (then Novo-Nyamets) Theological Seminary. In 1992-1995. bore the obedience of the head of the office of the Bendery diocesan administration. On April 8, 1993, he was tonsured a monk in the Holy Dormition Church of the New Nyametsky Kitskansky Monastery. In 1994 he graduated from the Chisinau Theological Seminary with a bachelor's degree in theology. In 1994-1999 taught liturgics, liturgical regulations and Orthodox asceticism at the Kishinev Seminary. On December 28, 1995, he was confirmed as vice-rector for academic affairs at the Chisinau Seminary. From March 12, 1997, he served concurrently as the inspector of the seminary. On November 28, 1996, in the Holy Ascension Cathedral of the Novo-Nyametsky Kitskansky Monastery, Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and All Moldova was ordained a hieromonk with the right to wear the gait. On June 12, 1997, he was awarded the right to wear a pectoral cross. In 1996-1999 studied at the correspondence sector of the Moscow Theological Academy. In November 1998, he was transferred to the staff of the Edinet diocese and appointed secretary of the diocese. On January 18, 1999, he was awarded the right to wear a club and a cross with decorations. In 1998-2002 concurrently served as the rector of the Edinet Theological Lyceum and the confessor-administrator of the Edinet Convent of Sisters of Mercy. On April 16, 2000, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite with the right to serve the Divine Liturgy with the royal doors open. In 2002, he was transferred to the Chisinau diocese and appointed rector of the Holy Trinity Frumoa Monastery. In 2002-2007 bore the obedience of the secretary of the synodal department for monasteries of the Orthodox Church of Moldova and the vice-rector of the school of psalm-readers at the Holy Dormition Herbovetsky Monastery. In 2004 he graduated from the Kyiv Theological Academy in absentia. In 2007, he graduated from the Faculty of History and International Relations of the International Independent University of Moldova (INUM) with a master's degree in historical sciences. In 2008, he was appointed director of the icon painting class at the Chisinau Theological Seminary. In 2011, he completed his doctoral studies at the Moscow National University of Music, as well as two-year advanced training courses at the General Church Postgraduate School and Doctoral Studies (Department of External Church Relations). On March 24, 2011, Bishop Peter of Ungheni and Nisporeni appointed rector (abbot) of the Holy Ascension Girzhava Monastery of the Ungheni diocese. Concurrently, he served as the rector of the Ungheni Theological School, the chairman of the diocesan department for monastic affairs, and was a member of the diocesan council and the ecclesiastical court of the Ungheni diocese. In August 2011, he was appointed secretary of the synodal commission for the canonization of saints of the Orthodox Church of Moldova. He took part in the preparation for the publication of a number of liturgical and spiritual books. He is the founder of the newspaper “Ogonek Vera” and the Orthodox youth Russian-Moldavian Internet portal (). Participated in religious and journalistic programs and projects on television and radio in Moldova. In 2005, he organized an annual summer children's camp at the Frumoas convent for children from poor families and orphans. Since 2008, he has conducted a series of spiritual conversations with students of the International Independent University of Moldova. By the decision of the Holy Synod of December 27, 2011 (journal No. 151), he was elected Bishop of Neftekamsk and Belebeevsk. The naming took place on February 24, 2012. He was ordained on March 4, 2012 at the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The services were led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'.
Dedicated to issues of managing internal church life, at which a decision was made to withdraw two independent administrative-territorial structures from the Ufa diocese. These new formations received the names “Neftekamsk Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church” and “Salavat”. According to the decree of October 4, 2012, the word “Birskaya” was added to the name of the first of them.
New head of the Neftekamsk diocese
Both of these dioceses, according to their administrative division, are part of the Bashkortastan Metropolis, which was entrusted to the leadership of the ruling bishop of the Ufa diocese, Metropolitan Nikon (Vasyukov). At the same meeting of the Holy Synod, a decision was made according to which the diocese of Neftekamsk was entrusted to His Eminence Ambrose (Muntyan), Bishop of Neftekamsk and Belebeevsk.
On that day, the service was led personally by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'. His naming took place a week earlier. Already in the middle of the month, His Grace Ambrose, having arrived at his new place of service, began to fulfill his archpastoral duties.
Geography of the Neftekamsk diocese
It should be noted that he had considerable work to do, since the diocese of Neftekamsk is very extensive and extends over the territory of twenty-six administrative districts that are part of the Republic of Bashkortostan, among which are Askinsky, Baltachaevsky, Bakalinsky, Belebeevsky, Belokataysky, Blagovarsky, Birsky, Buraevsky, Buzdyaksky, Dyurtyulinsky, Duvansky, Ilishevsky, Ermikeevsky, Karaidelsky, Kaltasinsky, Krasnokamsky, Kiginsky, Mishkinsky, Mechetlinsky, Salavatsky, Nurimanovsky, Tuymazinsky, Tatyshlinsky, Sharansky, Chekmagushevsky and Yanaulsky.
The Neftekamsk Birsk diocese includes six deaneries - territories in which parishes are located, located in close proximity to each other and headed by clergy appointed by the diocesan bishop, in this case His Eminence Ambrose. Among them are Belebeevskoye, First Birskoye, Second Birskoye, Eastern, Neftekamskoye and Oktyabrskoye deaneries.
The monastery is a repository of miraculous relics
The Diocese of Neftekamsk is famous throughout the country for the holy monasteries located on its territory. The most famous of them is the convent of the Mother of God of Tikhvin, located in the Belebeevsky district, in the village of Priyutovo. Hundreds of pilgrims flock to it every year to venerate the relics of St. Blessed Varvara Skvorchikhinskaya, glorified in 2001 as a local saint, kept within its walls.
This ascetic, who chose the feat of seclusion as her earthly career, having retired from a world full of vanity and unbelief, spent about forty years in a cramped village barn, which she adapted as a cell. The blessed one spent days and nights in unceasing prayer, nevertheless finding time to receive everyone who came to her for spiritual guidance. After her death in 1966, miracles began to be performed at the grave of the righteous woman, which was indisputable proof of her holiness.
Monastery in Birsk
Another well-known and highly revered monastery for which the Neftekamsk diocese is famous is the Holy Trinity Convent, located in the city of Birsk, headed by Abbess Philareta (Gavryushenko). It gained its fame thanks to numerous miracles revealed through prayers before the icon of the blessed Matrona of Moscow with particles of the saint’s relics stored in it.
Monastery in the name of the prophet Elijah
The Prophet Elias Monastery in the village of Mesyagutovo, Duvan district, is also widely known. Its rector is personally the head of the Neftekamsk diocese, His Eminence Ambrose. The monastery was founded in 1998, and its center was a miraculously preserved rural church, built in 1826 and closed and desecrated during the years of Soviet power, like many shrines in Russia.
Nowadays, the inhabitants of the monastery have launched extensive church-educational work aimed at filling the gaps in religious knowledge that resulted from decades of national atheism. In addition, the monastic brethren also provide practical assistance to all those in need, supplying them with food, warm clothing and basic necessities to the best of their ability. The entire Neftekamsk diocese provides them with assistance in this godly work.
Revival of the spiritual life of the region
In addition to those listed above, another convent is being built on the territory of the diocese, located in the village of Bugabashevo, Bakalinsky district. It is currently under construction and consists of only one wooden residential building and a small house church.
In the years following perestroika and the establishment of democratic rule in the country, numerous churches that were previously closed, abandoned, or used for various economic needs were brought back to life. This beneficial process also affected the churches of the Neftekamsk diocese. Those that were subject to restoration were restored and consecrated, and those destroyed were rebuilt.
Temples returned from oblivion
The main church of the diocese is the Peter and Paul Cathedral in the city of Neftekamsk, built in 1845. After its return to the church in 1992, it took a decade of restoration and restoration work before it reopened its doors to parishioners.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral in the city of Birsk is also recognized as an outstanding monument of church architecture of past centuries. Built and consecrated in 1841, it became the main spiritual center of the region. During the years of communist rule, the temple was closed and only thanks to perestroika it was returned to believers. During the restoration process, unique frescoes were discovered on its walls, under layers of plaster, which are a valuable monument of temple painting.
Church services in the Neftekamsk and Birsk diocese are held daily in churches around which more than a hundred parishes have been formed. The spiritual care of such a large flock is occupied by a large army of clergy, who represent the true army of Christ, who have taken upon themselves the great mission of reviving Russian Orthodoxy.
