Mitred Archpriest Michael and Matushka Mariamna Fortounatto - Revision history

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Pastoral service */

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Pastoral service

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	Once the Soviet Union had ceased to be, and the Russian Federation had been established, there began also a substantial emigration, which included London, and other parts of the United Kingdom. Along with Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom), Father Michael began serious attempts to help the newly-arrived people to adjust to the different culture of Great Britain, and to amplify their Orthodox Christian education (which the Soviet Union had oppressed and suppressed).		Once the Soviet Union had ceased to be, and the Russian Federation had been established, there began also a substantial emigration, which included London, and other parts of the United Kingdom. Along with Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom), Father Michael began serious attempts to help the newly-arrived people to adjust to the different culture of Great Britain, and to amplify their Orthodox Christian education (which the Soviet Union had oppressed and suppressed).

			'''International Orthodox Christian Missions Conference'''

			[https://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com1994-2.5-2.pdf In the first week of November, 1993], Father Michael Fortounatto participated in the first International [https://orthodoxwiki.org/History_of_Orthodox_Missions Orthodox Chrstian Missions] Conference, which was held in Moscow, Russsia. It was sponsored by "SYNDESMOS", the Saint Gregory's Foundation, and the Moscow Brotherhood in the Name of the All-Merciful Saviour. Father Michael participated along with representatives from North America, Britain, Western Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean area, and other regions.

			As reported by Priest Andrew Morbey (representing the Archdiocese of Canada, The Orthodox Church in America), the Conference attendees produced an extremely useful Statement about Orthodox Missions (which drew both from the historical activities of Orthodox Christian Mission, and more modern missionary practice). The sessions included Divine Services twice daily, visits to sites of missionary interest nearby, and sessions of speeches and consideration of various subjects. Father Michael's participation helped to encourage and nurture his own missionary activities in Great Britain.


			[[File:1993InternationalOrthodoxMissionsConference 2.png]]

			'''At the IOMC, 1993 : Sergei Chapnin, Priest Andrew Morbey, Archpriest Michael Fortounatto, Professor Yemilianov'''


	In 1994, Father Michael [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0376wyl gave an interview with the BBC] in which he discussed the potentialities, and challenges of the religious revival in post-communist Russia. It is important to understand how much energy, thought, and work that he put into trying to catechise the newcomers who had begun to fill the cathedral church in London following the fall of communism, and his dedication to trying to pass on to them the tradition of churchmanship that he, Metropolitan Anthony, and many others had grown up with in the post-1917 Russian emigration.		In 1994, Father Michael [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0376wyl gave an interview with the BBC] in which he discussed the potentialities, and challenges of the religious revival in post-communist Russia. It is important to understand how much energy, thought, and work that he put into trying to catechise the newcomers who had begun to fill the cathedral church in London following the fall of communism, and his dedication to trying to pass on to them the tradition of churchmanship that he, Metropolitan Anthony, and many others had grown up with in the post-1917 Russian emigration.

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Early life of Mariamna Mikhailovna Theokritoff */

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Early life of Mariamna Mikhailovna Theokritoff

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	At the end of the war, through a complicated network of communication, her father was offered the position of choirmaster at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Philip%27s_Church,_Buckingham_Palace_Road Saint Philip’s Russian Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London London], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England England]. The family was able to move there in 1946. The association with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_Cathedral,_London Cathedral of the Dormition] at [https://streetscan.co.uk/postcode/sw7-1ad Ennismore Gardens] did not begin until its establishment in 1956.		At the end of the war, through a complicated network of communication, her father was offered the position of choirmaster at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Philip%27s_Church,_Buckingham_Palace_Road Saint Philip’s Russian Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London London], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England England]. The family was able to move there in 1946. The association with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_Cathedral,_London Cathedral of the Dormition] at [https://streetscan.co.uk/postcode/sw7-1ad Ennismore Gardens] did not begin until its establishment in 1956.

	The brother of Mikhail Ivanovitch, [https://www.geni.com/people/Father-Vladimir-Theokritoff/6000000084172110207 Priest Vladimir Theokritoff], had preceded this family to England. Father Vladimir was attached to the Embassy of the Soviet Union in London, and he was well-known for the quality of his singing voice (his voice was compared with that of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feodor_Chaliapin Feodor Chaliapin]).		The brother of Mikhail Ivanovitch, [https://www.geni.com/people/Father-Vladimir-Theokritoff/6000000084172110207 Priest Vladimir Theokritoff], had preceded this family to England. Father Vladimir was attached to the Embassy of the Soviet Union in London, and he was well-known for the quality of his singing voice (his voice was compared with that of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feodor_Chaliapin Feodor Chaliapin]). Nevertheless, in their new land, the family were soon bereaved, since Father Vladimir Theokritoff fell asleep in Christ in London in 1950.

	Mariamna began to study [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography iconography] in Paris, France, under [https://www.gsinai.com/leonid-ouspensky-biography Leonid Ouspensky], and she became an accomplished icon-painter.		Mariamna began to study [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography iconography] in Paris, France, under [https://www.gsinai.com/leonid-ouspensky-biography Leonid Ouspensky], and she became an accomplished icon-painter.

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Early life of Mariamna Mikhailovna Theokritoff */

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Early life of Mariamna Mikhailovna Theokritoff

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	At the end of the war, through a complicated network of communication, her father was offered the position of choirmaster at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Philip%27s_Church,_Buckingham_Palace_Road Saint Philip’s Russian Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London London], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England England]. The family was able to move there in 1946. The association with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_Cathedral,_London Cathedral of the Dormition] at [https://streetscan.co.uk/postcode/sw7-1ad Ennismore Gardens] did not begin until its establishment in 1956.		At the end of the war, through a complicated network of communication, her father was offered the position of choirmaster at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Philip%27s_Church,_Buckingham_Palace_Road Saint Philip’s Russian Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London London], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England England]. The family was able to move there in 1946. The association with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_Cathedral,_London Cathedral of the Dormition] at [https://streetscan.co.uk/postcode/sw7-1ad Ennismore Gardens] did not begin until its establishment in 1956.

			The brother of Mikhail Ivanovitch, [https://www.geni.com/people/Father-Vladimir-Theokritoff/6000000084172110207 Priest Vladimir Theokritoff], had preceded this family to England. Father Vladimir was attached to the Embassy of the Soviet Union in London, and he was well-known for the quality of his singing voice (his voice was compared with that of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feodor_Chaliapin Feodor Chaliapin]).

	Mariamna began to study [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography iconography] in Paris, France, under [https://www.gsinai.com/leonid-ouspensky-biography Leonid Ouspensky], and she became an accomplished icon-painter.		Mariamna began to study [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography iconography] in Paris, France, under [https://www.gsinai.com/leonid-ouspensky-biography Leonid Ouspensky], and she became an accomplished icon-painter.

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	'''Syndesmos Assembly, Finland'''		'''Syndesmos Assembly, Finland'''

	In the summer of 1980, Father Michael and ~~Matushka~~ Mariamna participated in the world assembly of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Syndesmos Syndesmos Youth] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Valamo New Valamo Monastery], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hein%C3%A4vesi Heinävesi], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finland Finland], near the city of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joensuu Joensuu]. The manner of Father Michael’s direction of singing was quite similar to that of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Paul_(Olmari)_of_Finland Archbishop Paul (Olmari) of Finland]. ~~Matushka~~ Mariamna was also present for and contributing to this assembly. During this assembly, she was able to meet and work together with another student of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Leonid_Alexandrovich_Ouspensky Leonid Ouspensky], [https://conservationinethiopia.org/?page_id=2978 Helena Nikkanen]. Later, Helena became the head of the [http://icon-network.org/spip.php?page=impression&id_article=8 Icon Conservatory of the Church of Finland] at New Valamo Monastery. In later years, in retirement, she was at work doing the iconography of a monastery in Egypt.		In the summer of 1980, Father Michael and Mariamna participated in the world assembly of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Syndesmos Syndesmos Youth] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Valamo New Valamo Monastery], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hein%C3%A4vesi Heinävesi], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finland Finland], near the city of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joensuu Joensuu]. The manner of Father Michael’s direction of singing was quite similar to that of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Paul_(Olmari)_of_Finland Archbishop Paul (Olmari) of Finland]. Mariamna was also present for and contributing to this assembly. During this assembly, she was able to meet and work together with another student of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Leonid_Alexandrovich_Ouspensky Leonid Ouspensky], [https://conservationinethiopia.org/?page_id=2978 Helena Nikkanen]. Later, Helena became the head of the [http://icon-network.org/spip.php?page=impression&id_article=8 Icon Conservatory of the Church of Finland] at New Valamo Monastery. In later years, in retirement, she was at work doing the iconography of a monastery in Egypt.

	'''Children's camping'''		'''Children's camping'''
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	Father Michael and Mariamna had no children of their own, but they took a great interest in the children of the parish and diocese. A children’s camp, based on the ones in France, had been set up some years earlier, but it had ceased to operate.		Father Michael and Mariamna had no children of their own, but they took a great interest in the children of the parish and diocese. A children’s camp, based on the ones in France, had been set up some years earlier, but it had ceased to operate.

	Father Michael and ~~Matushka~~ Mariamna set up a new one, with a team of helpers who had been campers themselves. It was to become and remain one of the most inspiring features of diocesan life – ‘the truth heart of the church’ as one parent later described it. Daily worship took place in a tent converted for its purpose, and Father Michael taught the children to sing. There were classes for them to learn about their Orthodox Christian Faith, with Mariamna serving as one of the teachers. Games, treks, camp-fires (and at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales Welsh] campsite caving) were some of the activities everyone enjoyed.		Father Michael and Mariamna set up a new one, with a team of helpers who had been campers themselves. It was to become and remain one of the most inspiring features of diocesan life – ‘the truth heart of the church’ as one parent later described it. Daily worship took place in a tent converted for its purpose, and Father Michael taught the children to sing. There were classes for them to learn about their Orthodox Christian Faith, with Mariamna serving as one of the teachers. Games, treks, camp-fires (and at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales Welsh] campsite caving) were some of the activities everyone enjoyed.

	The children became Orthodox families. Father Michael summed up the success : "The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Spirit Holy Spirit] is there". On their return home, the children began phoning each other from all over the country. They talked of nothing but the camp for weeks on end.		The children became Orthodox families. Father Michael summed up the success : "The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Spirit Holy Spirit] is there". On their return home, the children began phoning each other from all over the country. They talked of nothing but the camp for weeks on end.
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	'''A year in North America'''		'''A year in North America'''

	In 1989, Father Michael and ~~Matushka~~ Mariamna visited the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_United_States western USA], where they spent almost a year in California, and helping at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Berkeley (near San Francisco). Afterwards, during the winter, they travelled to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], and they experienced the rail journey by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Rail VIARail] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia British Columbia], to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario]. The reason for this destination was to visit Mariamna’s sister Vera in Ottawa. A trans-continental railway journey in winter is very, very different from the same journey in warmer weather. In their experience, there was a particularly strong winter storm, during which the train had to stop several times, and during which the heating malfunctioned.		In 1989, Father Michael and Mariamna visited the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_United_States western USA], where they spent almost a year in California, and helping at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Berkeley (near San Francisco). Afterwards, during the winter, they travelled to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], and they experienced the rail journey by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Rail VIARail] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia British Columbia], to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario]. The reason for this destination was to visit Mariamna’s sister Vera in Ottawa. A trans-continental railway journey in winter is very, very different from the same journey in warmer weather. In their experience, there was a particularly strong winter storm, during which the train had to stop several times, and during which the heating malfunctioned.

	'''Visits to Russia'''		'''Visits to Russia'''
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	Following the funeral obsequies, his body was interred at the [https://www.geneanet.org/cimetieres/collection/13935-cimetiere-de-chatel-montagne Cimetière de Châtel-Montagne].		Following the funeral obsequies, his body was interred at the [https://www.geneanet.org/cimetieres/collection/13935-cimetiere-de-chatel-montagne Cimetière de Châtel-Montagne].

	==Repose of ~~Matushka~~ Mariamna==		==Repose of Mariamna==

	On 23 November, 2023, ~~Matushka~~ Mariamna Mikhailovna (born Theokritoff) Fortounatto fell asleep in the Lord, in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2tel-Montagne Châtel-Montagne], France, at the age of 93.		On 23 November, 2023, Mariamna Mikhailovna (born Theokritoff) Fortounatto fell asleep in the Lord, in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2tel-Montagne Châtel-Montagne], France, at the age of 93.

	On Saturday, 25 November, 2023, at 2:20 p.m., the [http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-orthodox-lay-persons Funeral Service for a Lay-person] was offered at [https://paroisse-christ-sauveur.com/ Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church], 8, rue du Docteur-Charles, at Vichy, France.		On Saturday, 25 November, 2023, at 2:20 p.m., the [http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-orthodox-lay-persons Funeral Service for a Lay-person] was offered at [https://paroisse-christ-sauveur.com/ Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church], 8, rue du Docteur-Charles, at Vichy, France.
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	This method, together with many elements in the repertoire, were received from teachers and predecessors who had been active at various levels in the Russian Orthodox Church during the time of the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Russian-Empire Russian Empire]. These persons had providentially escaped the Revolution of 1917, and had been leading parish and other choirs in various countries of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europe Western Europe] and elsewhere.		This method, together with many elements in the repertoire, were received from teachers and predecessors who had been active at various levels in the Russian Orthodox Church during the time of the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Russian-Empire Russian Empire]. These persons had providentially escaped the Revolution of 1917, and had been leading parish and other choirs in various countries of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europe Western Europe] and elsewhere.

	~~Matushka~~ Mariamna Fortounatto studied icon-painting under [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Leonid_Alexandrovich_Ouspensky Leonid Ouspensky] in Paris. For many years, she taught icon-painting ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography iconography]) at a school organised at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_Cathedral,_London Russian Orthodox Cathedral] in London, as well as teaching students individually, and advising former students of Professor Ouspensky.		Mariamna Fortounatto studied icon-painting under [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Leonid_Alexandrovich_Ouspensky Leonid Ouspensky] in Paris. For many years, she taught icon-painting ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography iconography]) at a school organised at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_Cathedral,_London Russian Orthodox Cathedral] in London, as well as teaching students individually, and advising former students of Professor Ouspensky.

	She lectured widely in a freelance capacity on the history, theology, and meaning of icons at ecumenical gatherings, extra-mural departments of universities, and theological colleges. Publications include the article 'The Icon' in [https://archive.org/details/cambridgeencyclo00brow The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Russia and the Soviet Union] (Cambridge University Press, 1981). This particular work, and ~~Matushka~~ Mariamna's other work offer to Canadian iconographers and iconologists an important element in their own formation, because of her own inheritance of the iconographic tradition through her teacher, Leonid Ouspensky. Just as iconographers everywhere, the tradition is inherited throughout history, and all the Orthodox Churches (with their various "flavours") are in harmony with that tradition. This is not different from the manner in which her husband, Father Michael, inherited and perpetuated the tradition of singing and chanting in the Church.		She lectured widely in a freelance capacity on the history, theology, and meaning of icons at ecumenical gatherings, extra-mural departments of universities, and theological colleges. Publications include the article 'The Icon' in [https://archive.org/details/cambridgeencyclo00brow The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Russia and the Soviet Union] (Cambridge University Press, 1981). This particular work, and Mariamna's other work offer to Canadian iconographers and iconologists an important element in their own formation, because of her own inheritance of the iconographic tradition through her teacher, Leonid Ouspensky. Just as iconographers everywhere, the tradition is inherited throughout history, and all the Orthodox Churches (with their various "flavours") are in harmony with that tradition. This is not different from the manner in which her husband, Father Michael, inherited and perpetuated the tradition of singing and chanting in the Church.

	Although Father Michael and ~~Matushka~~ Mariamna did not live or work in Canada, they did have relatives living there, and they did visit. It is true that the actual connexions between Canada and Great Britain (as well as France) are minimal in comparison to former decades. However, these two, representing a broad experience of pastoral, musical, and iconographic experience, give us a visible and practical example of how the Orthodox way of life is inherited in experience and personal application of the whole of Orthodox Tradition. Canadians can learn not only from their personal example of whole-hearted service to the Lord in His Church, but also from reading their works.		Although Father Michael and Mariamna did not live or work in Canada, they did have relatives living there, and they did visit. It is true that the actual connexions between Canada and Great Britain (as well as France) are minimal in comparison to former decades. However, these two, representing a broad experience of pastoral, musical, and iconographic experience, give us a visible and practical example of how the Orthodox way of life is inherited in experience and personal application of the whole of Orthodox Tradition. Canadians can learn not only from their personal example of whole-hearted service to the Lord in His Church, but also from reading their works.

	==Writings==		==Writings==

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References

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	[https://zarubezhje.narod.ru/texts/fortunatto01.htm Biography of Mikhail Ivanovitch Theokritoff on the “Religious Russian Persons Abroad” web-site]		[https://zarubezhje.narod.ru/texts/fortunatto01.htm Biography of Mikhail Ivanovitch Theokritoff on the “Religious Russian Persons Abroad” web-site]

	[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367625460_In_Memoriam_Archpriest_Michael_Fortounatto_1931-2022 In Memoriam : Archpriest Michael Fortounatto (1931-2022) by Ivan Moody.		[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367625460_In_Memoriam_Archpriest_Michael_Fortounatto_1931-2022 In Memoriam : Archpriest Michael Fortounatto (1931-2022)] by Ivan Moody.

	Recollections by Gillian Crow.		Recollections by Gillian Crow.

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References

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	[https://zarubezhje.narod.ru/texts/fortunatto01.htm Biography of Mikhail Ivanovitch Theokritoff on the “Religious Russian Persons Abroad” web-site]		[https://zarubezhje.narod.ru/texts/fortunatto01.htm Biography of Mikhail Ivanovitch Theokritoff on the “Religious Russian Persons Abroad” web-site]

			[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367625460_In_Memoriam_Archpriest_Michael_Fortounatto_1931-2022 In Memoriam : Archpriest Michael Fortounatto (1931-2022) by Ivan Moody.

	Recollections by Gillian Crow.		Recollections by Gillian Crow.

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Pastoral service

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	In addition to his teaching in Russia during the 1990s, Father Michael also made several visits to Belarus, at the invitation of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Philaret_(Vakhromeyev) Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Minsk_(Belarusian_Orthodox_Church) Minsk] (who was himself a skilled church musician). Amongst other local needs, Metropolitan Philaret was concerned about the better formation of parish choirs in Belarus, and particularly of the monastic choirs. For instance, during that decade, locally, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Elisabeth_Convent,_Minsk Women's Monastery of Saint Elizabeth of Moscow] was in formation, and officially established in 1999.		In addition to his teaching in Russia during the 1990s, Father Michael also made several visits to Belarus, at the invitation of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Philaret_(Vakhromeyev) Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Minsk_(Belarusian_Orthodox_Church) Minsk] (who was himself a skilled church musician). Amongst other local needs, Metropolitan Philaret was concerned about the better formation of parish choirs in Belarus, and particularly of the monastic choirs. For instance, during that decade, locally, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Elisabeth_Convent,_Minsk Women's Monastery of Saint Elizabeth of Moscow] was in formation, and officially established in 1999.

			'''Orientation of the new Russian-speaking Immigration to Great Britain, 1990s'''

			Once the Soviet Union had ceased to be, and the Russian Federation had been established, there began also a substantial emigration, which included London, and other parts of the United Kingdom. Along with Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom), Father Michael began serious attempts to help the newly-arrived people to adjust to the different culture of Great Britain, and to amplify their Orthodox Christian education (which the Soviet Union had oppressed and suppressed).

			In 1994, Father Michael [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0376wyl gave an interview with the BBC] in which he discussed the potentialities, and challenges of the religious revival in post-communist Russia. It is important to understand how much energy, thought, and work that he put into trying to catechise the newcomers who had begun to fill the cathedral church in London following the fall of communism, and his dedication to trying to pass on to them the tradition of churchmanship that he, Metropolitan Anthony, and many others had grown up with in the post-1917 Russian emigration.

	'''Lectures at Moscow Theological Academy'''		'''Lectures at Moscow Theological Academy'''

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Retirement

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	Some of these have been published, and it is hoped that others will follow. He had donated his archive to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Conservatory Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow].		Some of these have been published, and it is hoped that others will follow. He had donated his archive to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Conservatory Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow].

	After 2018, when the Patriarchate of Constantinople dissolved the Tomos of the Archdiocese of Western Europe, Father Michael transferred to the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joining_of_the_Archdiocese_of_Russian_Orthodox_Churches_in_Western_Europe_to_the_Moscow_Patriarchate Archdiocese of Russian Orthodox Churches in Western Europe ] (Moscow Patriarchate).		After 2018, when the Patriarchate of Constantinople dissolved the Tomos of the Archdiocese of Western Europe, Father Michael transferred to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joining_of_the_Archdiocese_of_Russian_Orthodox_Churches_in_Western_Europe_to_the_Moscow_Patriarchate Archdiocese of Russian Orthodox Churches in Western Europe ] (Moscow Patriarchate).

	==Bereavement==		==Bereavement==

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Retirement

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	==Retirement==		==Retirement==

	In 2005, Father Michael and Mariamna retired to France to the village of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2tel-Montagne Châtel-Montagne], near to his 2 brothers. He was, at that time, transferred to the [https://~~archeveche~~.eu/en/ Archdiocese of the Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe] (~~Moscow~~ Patriarchate).		In 2005, Father Michael and Mariamna retired to France to the village of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2tel-Montagne Châtel-Montagne], near to his 2 brothers. He was, at that time, transferred to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archdiocese_of_Russian_Orthodox_Churches_in_Western_Europe Archdiocese of the Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe] (Constantinople Patriarchate).

	He joined his brother, [https://paroisse-christ-sauveur.com/accueil/clerge/ Father André], in serving in the [https://paroisse-christ-sauveur.com Church of Christ the Saviour and the Dormition] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vichy Vichy].		In France, he joined his brother, [https://paroisse-christ-sauveur.com/accueil/clerge/ Father André], in serving in the [https://paroisse-christ-sauveur.com Church of Christ the Saviour and the Dormition] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vichy Vichy].

	From 2009, Father Michael began lecturing on liturgical chant at his beloved Saint-Serge Institute, and he began inspiring another generation of students. This continued during his retirement in France, as long as his health allowed.		From 2009, Father Michael began lecturing on liturgical chant at his beloved Saint-Serge Institute, and he began inspiring another generation of students. This continued during his retirement in France, as long as his health allowed.
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	At the same time he organised courses on church chant in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language French language], and he translated the texts into French. This was a considerable and very important task.		At the same time he organised courses on church chant in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language French language], and he translated the texts into French. This was a considerable and very important task.

	By 2014, because of poor health, he was no longer able to travel to Paris. However, he continued to work by writing essays, articles, and studies of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Scripture Scripture], theology, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_music liturgical musicology]. Some of these have been published, and it is hoped that others will follow. He had donated his archive to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Conservatory Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow].		By 2014, because of poor health, he was no longer able to travel to Paris. However, he continued to work by writing essays, articles, and studies of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Scripture Scripture], theology, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_music liturgical musicology].

			Some of these have been published, and it is hoped that others will follow. He had donated his archive to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Conservatory Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow].

			After 2018, when the Patriarchate of Constantinople dissolved the Tomos of the Archdiocese of Western Europe, Father Michael transferred to the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joining_of_the_Archdiocese_of_Russian_Orthodox_Churches_in_Western_Europe_to_the_Moscow_Patriarchate Archdiocese of Russian Orthodox Churches in Western Europe ] (Moscow Patriarchate).

	==Bereavement==		==Bereavement==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Pastoral service */

2026-04-20T19:03:00Z

Pastoral service

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 20 April 2026
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	In 1989, Father Michael and Matushka Mariamna visited the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_United_States western USA], where they spent almost a year in California, and helping at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Berkeley (near San Francisco). Afterwards, during the winter, they travelled to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], and they experienced the rail journey by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Rail VIARail] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia British Columbia], to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario]. The reason for this destination was to visit Mariamna’s sister Vera in Ottawa. A trans-continental railway journey in winter is very, very different from the same journey in warmer weather. In their experience, there was a particularly strong winter storm, during which the train had to stop several times, and during which the heating malfunctioned.		In 1989, Father Michael and Matushka Mariamna visited the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_United_States western USA], where they spent almost a year in California, and helping at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Berkeley (near San Francisco). Afterwards, during the winter, they travelled to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], and they experienced the rail journey by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Rail VIARail] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia British Columbia], to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario]. The reason for this destination was to visit Mariamna’s sister Vera in Ottawa. A trans-continental railway journey in winter is very, very different from the same journey in warmer weather. In their experience, there was a particularly strong winter storm, during which the train had to stop several times, and during which the heating malfunctioned.

	~~'''Byelorus (Belarus)'''~~


	'''Visits to Russia'''		'''Visits to Russia'''
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	From 1991, Father Michael began annual visits to Russia to teach in the theological academies and seminaries, as well as in some secular music schools. His vast knowledge of Church chant, and experience of choir directing played an important part in revitalising the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Church’s] musical heritage.		From 1991, Father Michael began annual visits to Russia to teach in the theological academies and seminaries, as well as in some secular music schools. His vast knowledge of Church chant, and experience of choir directing played an important part in revitalising the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Church’s] musical heritage.

	~~In addition to his teaching in Russia in the~~ '~~90s, Fr M also made several visits~~ to Belarus~~, at the invitation of Metr Philaret of Minsk (who I think himself had a background in music? Certainly he took a great interest.~~		'''Visits to Byelorus (Belarus)'''


			In addition to his teaching in Russia during the 1990s, Father Michael also made several visits to Belarus, at the invitation of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Philaret_(Vakhromeyev) Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Minsk_(Belarusian_Orthodox_Church) Minsk] (who was himself a skilled church musician). Amongst other local needs, Metropolitan Philaret was concerned about the better formation of parish choirs in Belarus, and particularly of the monastic choirs. For instance, during that decade, locally, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Elisabeth_Convent,_Minsk Women's Monastery of Saint Elizabeth of Moscow] was in formation, and officially established in 1999.

	'''Lectures at Moscow Theological Academy'''		'''Lectures at Moscow Theological Academy'''

	For 10 years from 2004, Father Michael organised seminars on ecclesiastical chant at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Moscow_Theological_Academy_and_Seminary Moscow Theological Academy] ; he headed the Commission on [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_Music Liturgical Chant] in the Education Committee of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Synod_of_the_Russian_Orthodox_Church Holy Synod] ; and he published books on the history and theory of liturgical chant.		For 10 years following from 2004, Father Michael organised seminars on ecclesiastical chant at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Moscow_Theological_Academy_and_Seminary Moscow Theological Academy] ; he headed the Commission on [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_Music Liturgical Chant] in the Education Committee of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Synod_of_the_Russian_Orthodox_Church Holy Synod] ; and he published books on the history and theory of liturgical chant.

	Father Michael’s creative approach to Church singing became the subject of a dissertation by Natalia Balueva, which she defended at the Moscow Conservatoire, and a monograph “The Choirmaster. Destiny and Service”. The director [https://artcenter.ru/en/seminar-on-cinema-and-filmmakers-of-the-xxi-century-valentina-matveeva/ Valentina Matveeva] made a film “Choirmaster (Regent)” about him.		Father Michael’s creative approach to Church singing became the subject of a dissertation by Natalia Balueva, which she defended at the Moscow Conservatoire, and a monograph “The Choirmaster. Destiny and Service”. The director [https://artcenter.ru/en/seminar-on-cinema-and-filmmakers-of-the-xxi-century-valentina-matveeva/ Valentina Matveeva] made a film “Choirmaster (Regent)” about him.