Life in the Tambov Province in 1859 and 1860 (Based on the Sermons of Saint Theophan the Recluse)

Abstract

The vast Tambov Diocese, which stretched in the 19th century from Sarov to Borisoglebsk and from Lipetsk to Sanaksary, became the first episcopal see for Saint Theophan the Recluse. Throughout his years of service in the diocese, the saint addressed his teaching words to the residents of the province entrusted to his spiritual care. The first year and a half of Saint Theophan the Recluse's archpastoral service in the Tambov land. They were filled with prayer, work, and zealous care for people. The most important aspect of the archpastoral activity of Saint Theophan at the Tambov diocese was the tireless preaching of the word of God. The saint did not spare either his strength or his health, confirming the words he said in his first sermon in Tambov: “At the hour of naming, not yet knowing you, I already entered into communion with you, having made a vow to God and the Holy Church - to belong to you with care, labors, and even this life.” The saint was faithful to these words until his blessed death. The sermons of Bishop Theophan the Recluse, given by him during the years of administration of the Tambov diocese, are an extraordinary treasury of spiritual wisdom, an inexhaustible source of inspiration for all who thirst for the Truth. In addition, they represent a very valuable and convincing historical source reflecting the life of the Tambov province in the middle of the 19th century, allowing us to understand the spiritual and moral processes that took place in the life of society.