Metropolitan Bishop
Born on December 26, 1782, in Kolomna to a family of clergy. In 1791, he was enrolled in the Kolomna seminary, where he demonstrated outstanding abilities. In 1802, he was appointed senior over the seminary hospital, which developed in him compassion for others. In 1808, he took monastic vows with the name Filaret and was ordained as a hierodeacon.
He served at the Holy Trinity Lavra, then was called to Saint Petersburg to teach at the new academy. In 1810, he began to lecture in Russian, which attracted the attention of Metropolitan Platon. In 1812, he was appointed rector of the academy and professor of theological sciences.
In 1817, he was consecrated as Bishop of Revel, and in 1819, he was transferred to the Tver diocese. In Tver, he actively performed services and preached, traveling extensively throughout the diocese. In 1820, he was transferred to Yaroslavl, and in 1821, he was appointed Metropolitan of Moscow.
In 1823, he published the “Christian Catechism,” which became popular. In 1826, he was elevated to the rank of metropolitan. In 1836, he actively participated in reforms, including the liberation of peasants from serfdom, composing a manifesto for the tsar.
Throughout his life, he exhibited strictness and justice, caring for the spiritual state of society. He participated in restoring unity with the Uniates and sought to heal the schism of the Old Believers. He died on November 19, 1867, and his relics rest in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.
Saint Filaret was known as a great intercessor and ascetic, his life was filled with divine grace, which he imparted to people through his works and prayers.
