Voice: Hieromonk Photius compared himself to Jesus - fans on Instagram are shocked. Hieromonk Photius: the temptation of glory – You graduated from music school

“I had a personal cat, Bunny, but he disturbed everyone.”

I was invited to his home. Him large collection icons, like in the Tretyakov Gallery.

- Were you impressed by this collection or did it seem wrong to collect icons as a collection?

Grigory Leps is a believer, he has many questions, he is a seeker. I don't think he's just collecting icons without faith.

-Did you somehow influence his spiritual growth?

He is a self-sufficient person, and I have no right to influence him in any way. I in every possible way avoided moments when I could read any moral teachings. I think that Grigory Leps already understands everything perfectly, it’s just that his lifestyle does not always allow him to be pious. And why be pious for show? Everything should be in the heart, this is your personal relationship with God.

- But another mentor, Basta (Vasily Vakulenko), for example, took your blessing.

Yes, I took it all the time. He also served at the altar at one time and is spiritually savvy. I had good, friendly relations with all my mentors. Alexander Gradsky, for example, tried in every possible way to help, treated me objectively, said that I did not have the best best voice on the project, but in general my image is pleasing to the viewer - and they will vote for me.

- Did you have your favorites among the participants?

I was rooting for Renata Volkievich, who came to the competition from Poland. She has very good vocal abilities. We became friends with her. I also really liked Vitold Petrovsky and Armen Avdzhan, who also had great chances to reach the finals.

- Could you refuse to perform some song?

Could. But I didn’t refuse, I took everything for granted. Since such a song was given, it means it is God’s will. Although many of the songs were not in my usual genre.

The last three performers on the project were awarded certificates for a trip for two to France. Are you planning to use it?

It's lying with me. The trip is designed for three days, but it must be agreed with the Metropolitan.

- If you decide who you will take with you on the trip, maybe a friend, Father Macarius?

He will also need to write a petition. This will complicate the situation. Maybe I’ll go alone, or maybe I’ll take my mother with me.

- You received the keys to a new car as a gift. Has it already been delivered to you?

The car has not yet left the assembly line. There was her presentation on the program.

- Will this be your personal car?

I took a vow of non-covetousness, so if I am called to give it to the monastery, I will do so. They won’t call me, I’ll use it, I have a license to drive a car.

- Father Photius, what are you dreaming about?

My dreams are quite achievable. I once dreamed of a piano, a car, and a drive across America. All this is happening...

We stay for the evening service. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, built by Tsar Feodor back in 1586, has excellent acoustics. The monastery choir sings. The voices of the monks, reflected from the ceiling, envelop each of the worshipers. AND external world disappears somewhere.

One of the parishioners, nodding at Father Photius, says quietly: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Is it because Russians are different from Europeans that at the competition they do not vote for a shocking woman with a beard, but choose a modest priest with an angelic voice?

We visited the monastery to visit the priest and found out how his life changed after the victory

We visited the monastery to visit the priest and found out how his life changed after the victory.

Hieromonk Photius is only 30 years old. He is a monk of the St. Paphnutiev Borovsky Monastery, that is, he permanently lives in the monastery and obeys the local charter. This should not be confused with a recluse who has vowed not to leave his cell. But last year, after Father Photius won the fourth season of the show “The Voice,” the Internet burst out with “righteous anger”: since he’s a pop, then why did he go on stage? And if he came out, then why does he need a cassock? And in general this is a secular show. We went to visit Father Photius.

The St. Paphnutius Borovsky Monastery stands 120 kilometers from Moscow, on the outskirts of Borovsk (Kaluga region) - on the banks of the Protva River. Father Photius meets us in the monastery editorial office, where he usually works himself. It even has its own publishing house: the creative priest helps with the design and layout of paper publications - the monastery newspaper “Vestnik”, children's magazine"Ship", books.

The hieromonk gets up, as is customary in the monastery, before dark, prays in his cell - he doesn’t allow anyone there, then attends the liturgy and meets guests here - in Lately after Father Photius’s victory on the “Voice” show, the number of pilgrims to him almost exceeds the number of tourists and believers. The hieromonk usually invites guests to the teahouse. The monks do not seem to pay attention to the hype around their brother - Photius gives interviews almost every day, and recently even Timur Kizyakov came to the monastery with the program “While everyone is at home.” But a tense or even unusual aura around Father Photius is still felt - even here, seemingly among his own people, he seems to be different. It turns out that it has always been this way.

“Compliments and flattering reviews are an inoculation”

- Father Photius, two months ago you... Has your life changed after this? At least partially.

— In a global sense, of course not. There is less time left for rest. I began to devote more time to the fans that appeared. I communicate a lot with the press. There are concerts and meetings with people. It's physically tiring. Otherwise everything is the same.

— That is, flattering reviews, gifts, compliments and other temptations do not undermine spiritual work on oneself?

- Let's just say this is exercise for me. There is no need to be afraid of it or cut it off. Otherwise, spiritual immunity will never develop. It's like a flu shot. Every eloquent review flatters me, but I am aware that this is not my merit. A God's will. As a monk, I have almost learned to take praise and criticism evenly. Of course, I can be offended by a comment on the Internet. But I deliberately leave such opinions - angry, sober, often objective. They dilute the molasses that is poured on me in the responses.

- It was a little embarrassing. But I tried not to give anyone the opportunity to confuse me. I just did my job, that's all. Like eating a reed shaken by the wind. Either it touches the ground, then it rises up. If I were to dissipate attention to the negative, to submit to influence, I would destroy my individuality. I would cease to be a person. But I didn’t want that.

— made complaints to you personally?

“He spoke to me quite gently. On the one hand, he respected me as a clergyman, because he himself is a believer. And he said that he had friends among the clergy - Archpriest Dimitry Smirnov, for example. But, on the other hand, he viewed me as a singer from the height of experience and age. Of course, he talked about shortcomings. But he didn’t insult me ​​or force me to leave the project or change my mind about participating in “The Voice.” This did not happen.

“Sometimes I find out that people speak unflatteringly about me behind my back.”

— The Patriarch was one of the first to congratulate you on your victory in “The Voice.” There was no personal conversation after that?

— We didn’t communicate personally. But such a meeting could happen soon.

— The Internet is filled with criticism of you. They call you both a “hierophistic singer” and a “pop artist.” How do the brethren react to your secular popularity? Is there really not a single sidelong glance?

- Anything can happen. So far this is not on a large scale, thank God. Among my acquaintances, brethren and clergy there are people who do not agree with what I am doing. There were even bishops who told me about this during the service in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (January 25, Tatiana’s day, after the liturgy, he sang for students in the main church of the country. - Author). But they are one percent of total number of people. Some, on the contrary, want to take a photo with me. There was one priest who honestly said to his face: “I do not protect you and do not support what you are doing.” Perhaps this was an exception. In other cases, I find out from friends that they speak unflatteringly about me. What can you do... this was to be expected. I think that everyone is right: both white and red (smiles).

"I didn't want to be a priest"

— On February 21, you went to. How did you convince the Church leadership that you could do this?

“I didn’t have to convince anyone.” Information about this in the media was misinterpreted. The fear was that they wouldn’t take me into circulation and carry me around the whole country like a monkey: “Look what a singing priest we have.” This is exactly what the metropolitan feared (the spiritual “boss” of the hieromonk, Metropolitan of Kaluga and Borovsk Clement. - Author). And then they explained to him that no one would derive any benefits from the tour, he agreed. Participation in the tour is a condition of the contract with Universal Music, which I signed following my victory in “The Voice”. And the task of the tour is to show a living person, a non-fictional image. You can meet and talk with him, this is not a PR project of Channel One or the Russian Orthodox Church. That's the goal. People need to see that everything is honest and real.

— Do the obligations of the rank of hieromonk contradict such a career?

— This rank implies being in a monastery, taking monastic vows and serving as a priest. Hieromonks and monks are popularly called “black” clergy because they cannot marry. The “white” clergy are ordinary priests, priests with families. There are no other peculiarities - being silent, being unsociable, not leaving the cell, and so on - no.

— I wouldn’t like to transfer the conversation to the level of physiology, but still it’s not easy for a man at a young age without the woman he loves. How did you come to this decision?

“The course of my life dictated this choice to me. There was probably a predisposition towards monasticism. My unconventional worldview set me apart from others. I have always been a black sheep and was very different from my peers - in kindergarten, school. All this led to monasticism. A thoughtful and logical step.

I was called names and teased. I didn't fight. And they didn’t understand how to react to it

— How was the non-standard manifested?

- They called me names, teased me and saw that my reaction was not entirely predictable - I was silent and did not fight. They didn’t understand, didn’t know how to react, they continued to mock - this amused them. The herd effect was at work - the entire class began to be bullied and squeezed out of the team. As a result, even those who were more or less drawn to me turned away under the influence of the majority.

- So, they persecuted you only for humility?

— If you mean relationships with the female sex, then there was and is no unusual behavior here. I have always fallen in love and still see, notice feminine beauty, no matter how strange it may sound for a monk. True, after so many years of living in a monastery, you begin to get used to loneliness. A certain insensitivity develops: it’s already difficult for me to be tempted.

— Isn’t there an internal contradiction in this: nature struggles with the weight of the vow? You are a living person.

- Of course have. I am a man of flesh and blood. Various thoughts come to me. Therefore, you need to think and pray all your life. There will never come a moment when a person will live in absolute goodness and sinlessness. Without “extra” thoughts. They say that one demon follows a layman, a hundred follow a monk to lead him astray.

- Ordinary mortals have a plan: plant a tree, build a house, raise a son. And how are you?

— There is room to grow. But I achieved the main thing: I became a hieromonk. When I came to the monastery for the first time, I did not want to be a priest. The confessor told me: go to seminary and become a priest. This is the highest level. I don’t want to hold any positions, because with increasing rank comes more obligations and responsibilities. Perhaps this is not for me. I'm not an organizer. Other people do this very well.

— Did your parents accept your decision right away? It turns out that the masculine gender has ended with you.

“Such a loss was not easy for them. It's hard for any mother to lose her blood. But at the same time, she feels great joy and pride for me. I have a brother, which means I have the opportunity to continue the family line. Dad blessed me on this path.

— You were born in Nizhny Novgorod, and then you and your parents ended up in Germany. How long have you lived in Europe?

— We emigrated to Kaiserslautern in 2002, I lived there for three and a half years.

— Was it difficult to adapt?

- I liked everything. At first it was a bit difficult with the language, but then I got better. I made many friends, especially among musicians. The only thing that caused embarrassment was that I didn’t know how to earn money.

— There are good unemployment benefits in Europe.

— Yes, but to do this you need to go around many authorities, register, look for a job and show your signature at the labor exchange that you couldn’t get a job. I wanted to be a musician, and it wasn't easy. All that remained was to earn extra money in churches: he played the organ in Protestant churches (Father Photius studied music since childhood and plays instruments. - Author). Then he was going to enter the Higher School of Music to the department of organ, but just at that moment he decided to go to the monastery.

“It would be interesting to give an answer to Conchita Wurst.”

— On your Instagram page you often publish photos with postal boxes and parcels. What do your fans send you?

— Letters, congratulations, drawings, crafts. They are trying to help, help out, take care. Once I mentioned that I went out into the cold without gloves. So they sent gloves. Although I already have them (smiles).

— What is your favorite cheese too?

— If you don’t send it in a parcel, it will get spoiled. Cheese is brought to concerts. And they give it to you after the performance.

— And recently you photographed your favorite types of perfume...

“I thought for a long time whether it was worth doing this.” Because I assumed it would cause a resonance. But I wasn't afraid. Although I am a priest and can cause confusion among people, we must understand that it is necessary to show the real image of a person. So that people can see: they have the same needs as everyone else. Since I have an account on Instagram and I’m trying, let’s say, to imitate famous people who post photos about their lives, I don’t see anything reprehensible in this.

— Do monks have ways of worldly relaxation? Take care of the cat, play chess or football.

— Our monastery is located in a picturesque place on the river bank. Almost a nature reserve. IN free time I like to go for a walk fresh air, wander through the forest. It's calming. You walk as if through a village, there are a lot of wooden houses, a river, woods.

- Invention chemical element Was “Photia”, the image of which you have on Instagram, invented by fans?

- This is my joke. Figured it out myself. And this was prompted by rumors that for Gela Guralia (finalist of the second season of “The Voice” - Author) people remade the periodic table under his name: helium and so on. So I decided to troll a little.

- This year . Next time, when the Russian representative is determined by the Channel One jury, you will have good chances for a business trip. Are you ready to compete?

- Yes. After “The Voice” I’m not afraid of anything. Although, I think the Patriarch will be against it. Although this is a delicate matter, it would be interesting to give an answer and show that there are singing priests. From a moral point of view, reorient Eurovision.

— Final question in the style of Marcel Proust. What would you like to ask God when you meet?

- From God?

- Yes.

— When you meet God, there are no questions. They just fall away. Whatever I ask it will be children's question, the answer to which will already be known to me. I would say, “Lord, forgive my sins.” The most important thing is to ask God for mercy. Each of us falls, gets up and moves on. The main thing is not to reject God and stay with him, no matter how life turns out. You need to humble yourself, but not consider yourself hopeless: “Okay, I’m a sinner, I can’t fix it, I’ll continue to drink and have fun.” Such conceit does not lead to repentance, but to the reverse process. There is no need to turn away from God - he never turns away from us. And he loves everyone.

Private bussiness

(Vitaly Mochalov) was born in Gorky on November 11, 1985 in a non-religious family. He studied at a music school and sang in a church choir. Entered School of Music, but at the age of 17 he moved with his family to Germany. He made money by playing the organ. In 2005 he returned to Russia and was accepted into the brethren of St. Paphnutiev Borovsky Monastery. In the monastery publishing house he is engaged in design and layout. In 2015 he won the show “The Voice”. At the decisive stage, Mikhail Ozerov from the team of Alexander Gradsky won with a stunning margin: 76% to 24%. Following the results of “The Voice”, he signed a contract with record company Universal Music.

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Saturday/21.30, First

Hieromonk Photius, who became famous throughout the country after taking first place in television project“The Voice” spoke about life after the show. The clergyman, upon whom the burden of fame had fallen, complained that now fans were pestering him even in the monastery. According to Photius, people come to him strangers who are eager to meet.

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“I know that most people have nothing serious with me. Pilgrims have come and want to give me some song. Or beggars... And at first on the phone such people never say openly: “Give me money.” I’ve already learned all their pretexts, tone. I immediately understand when things are dirty. I tell them, "Wait until the evening service". And then I just leave,” the Interlocutor quotes the hieromonk.

The winner of the “Voice” project emphasizes that among his fans there are such persistent fans who are trying to reach him through his mother. They learn Photius’s taste preferences, and then I feed him cheese or mushrooms.

“If people come here, they definitely want to see me. Some even communicate through Germany - through their mother who lives there. First they ask her what to bring for Father Photius. She tells them what I like – cheese or porcini mushrooms,” the “Voice” winner shared.

Photius also told how his life changed after unexpected fame. “I’ve only been a priest for two and a half years. I don’t have constant contact with parishioners yet. I’m rarely appointed as a confessor. Besides, I’m still quite young and inexperienced. Therefore, I either sing or serve. But not every day. I don’t have enough strength. In connection With my new, as you say, “star” status, I feel some oppression. And so here in the monastery there is no freedom, and also everyone wants you, they invite you somewhere... For an interview, for filming, for a concert,” explained the Priest.

Account: photomochalov

Occupation: priest, musician

Despite his rank, Fotiy Mochalov regularly runs Instagram, posting photos of everything that admires him.

Fotiy Mochalov’s Instagram is distinguished by restraint and simplicity, in which the soul of the clergyman is revealed.

He posts photos of himself in everyday life, on trips and at performances. In all the photos, Photius looks very calm and serious, as befits a person of his kind.

activities.

His account also contains posters of his future performances, photos from concerts and rehearsals.

The clergyman shares photos from meetings with famous people as part of participation in various television programs, meetings with charitable foundations etc.

But still, most of the account is occupied by photographs of the nature of Russia and other countries that the priest managed to visit. Among them there are often landscapes with churches and temples, fields and flowers.

Fotiy Mochalov, whose Instagram photos are very calming, does not always sign the photo, but sometimes uses emoticons.

Biography of Photius Mochalov

It is worth noting that Fotiy Mochalov whose biography became very interesting in the light latest events, grew up in a non-religious family. The desire to connect my life with religion came later.

Fotiy Mochalov was born in 1985, in Nizhny Novgorod. It should be noted that in the world his name sounds like Vitaly.

Since childhood, the boy dreamed of becoming a composer, was fond of music, and played the piano. After school, Photius entered the music school.

• 2001 - interrupted his studies at the school because he moved with his parents to Germany, where he played the organ at services in cathedrals and gave concerts.
• 2005 - returned to Russia, deciding to devote himself to monastic life. He continued to develop his voice under the guidance of experienced mentors.
• 2010 – took monastic vows.
• 2013 - received the rank of hieromonk. Then he decided to take part in the show “The Voice”, but did not ask for a blessing to participate.
• 2015 - submitted an application again, after which Channel One itself asked for permission from the Metropolitan for Father Photius to participate in the competition. The priest won the competition and received numerous congratulations.
• 2016 - it became known that the hierarchy did not allow Father Photius to continue official concert activities.

The biography of Fotiy Mochalov is very unusual, since this man combined strict life monk and lay performance at the competition. At first glance, this seems impossible and even strange, but Photius proved the opposite by winning the competition.

Fotiy Mochalov was born in 1985 in the city Nizhny Novgorod. However, at that time the city was called Gorky, and Photius responded to the name Vitaly.

Vitaly grew up as a creative boy and was interested in music since childhood. Graduated music school, studied vocals, played the piano and even entered a music school. The boy had one dream - to become a composer and write music for films.

But soon the family emigrated to Germany, where Vitaly began to study organ music and learn to play it complex instrument. Here in Germany, she began working part-time in a church, playing the organ during prayer services.

In 2005, Vitaly returned to his homeland and expressed a desire to take monastic vows. In 2013 he was ordained to the rank of hieromonk. But Photius did not abandon his passion for music, and even managed to record two cover albums. And in his parish, in addition to performing his direct duties as a hieromonk, Photius is engaged in design and layout in the publishing house and continues to sing.

The priest became famous thanks to the television project “The Voice”, in which an unusual church minister amazed the judges and viewers with his strong vocals and original performance. Moreover, Photius won the “Voice”. On Instagram, Fotiy Mochalov often published pictures from recordings of the TV show and actively communicated with his fans. It is a pity that in 2016 it became known that Photius did not receive the blessing to participate in the concerts. So you can hear the famous voice only by visiting the St. Paphnutius Borovsk Monastery, where the hieromonk serves.

What does a priest post on Instagram?

Contrary to expectations, Fotiy Mochalov did not abandon Instagram and continues to publish pictures and photo reports about everyone significant events happenings in his life.

What can you find on a priest’s Instagram?

First, of course, a photo of Photius himself. To his credit, it should be noted that Photius accepts all the conditions of Instagram photography. Therefore, in addition to ordinary photographs, there are also selfies and all kinds of “looks”. But everything is in a discreet manner - no candid photos You won’t find Fotiy Mochalov on Instagram.

Secondly, Photius actively shares news from his rich life. These are recordings of his rehearsals and performances, photos from services at the monastery, reports on meetings with charitable foundations and footage from various television programs in which Fotiy Mochalov takes part.

Thirdly, Fotiy Mochalov’s Instagram is also filled with humor. The priest is not averse to cheering up his subscribers in the morning by publishing some funny picture or funny video.

Fotiy Mochalov already has almost 30 thousand subscribers on Instagram. Join us.