Archimandrite Alipiy . Confrontation with Khrushchev

Archimandrite Alipiy

Confrontation with Khrushchev

Everyone knows that Khrushchev solemnly promised to the whole world that he would show the "latest Russian priest" on television. Thousands of cathedrals and temples were destroyed or converted into production premises, almost all monasteries were closed. Most of the higher spiritual educational institutions were abolished. Many priests were in the colonies. On the territory of our country only two monasteries remained - the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, which was forcibly kept by the authorities for display to foreigners, and the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery.

Once in the office of his father Alipia came unexpected guests and handed the official resolution of the Government of the USSR with the signature of Khrushchev: Pskovo-Pechersky monastery was declared closed. The viceroy was to dissolve the brethren. Father Alipy threw the document into the fireplace. He said calmly:

"I'd better take a martyr's death, but I will not close the monastery."

The monastery managed to be defended.

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Archimandrite Alipiy (in the world Ivan Mikhailovich Voronov, July 28, 1914, the village of Tarchikha, Lobanovsky volost, Bronnitsky district, Moscow province, Russian Empire - March 12, 1975, Pskovo-Pechersky monastery) - priest of the Russian Orthodox Church, archimandrite, icon painter, painter, collector . Since July 28, 1959, the governor of the Pskov-Caves Monastery.