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Mickhail ArdovMemoirist
Date of Birth: 01.01.1937
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Mikhail Ardov: A Prominent Russian Author and Priest
- Baptism and Priesthood
- Russian Orthodox Free Church
- Controversy and Media Presence
- Support for "True Orthodox" Unification
- Later Years
Mikhail Ardov: A Prominent Russian Author and Priest
Early Life and FamilyMikhail Ardov, born in 1940, was a Russian writer, journalist, and priest. He was the son of writer Viktor Ardov and actress Nina Olshevskaya, and the brother of Boris Ardov and Alexei Batalov. In 1960, he graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at Moscow State University.
Baptism and Priesthood
In 1964, Ardov embraced Christianity and was baptized. Following his ordination as a deacon in 1980, he served in various parishes in the Yaroslavl and Moscow dioceses. In 1993, he transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR).
Russian Orthodox Free Church
Due to a schism within ROCOR, Ardov became a cleric of the Russian Orthodox Free Church (ROFC) in 1995, which later became the Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church (RPACh). He became the rector of the Church of the Holy Martyr Tsar Nicholas on Golovinskoye Cemetery and officiated at numerous festive services there until 2019.
Controversy and Media Presence
Ardov's public criticism of the RPACh in 2006 garnered media attention. He also regularly penned a memoir column in "Metro" newspaper. In 1990, his article in "Izvestiya" voicing opposition to the building of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, led to his self-imposed ban from entering the temple.
Support for "True Orthodox" Unification
Ardov strongly advocated for the unification of "true Orthodox" churches and allowed adherents of various ROCOR schisms to receive communion at his church.
Later Years
Since 2020, Ardov has resided in a private nursing home. He maintained his stance against sports and physical culture, deeming them incompatible with Christian principles.
