Nikolay Bessonov Public and political figure of the Russian Empire and Ukraine. Date of Birth: 22.07.1868 Country: Ukraine

1. Nikolay Nikolayevich, Bishop of Yeniseysk and Krasnoyarsk
2. Early Life and Education
3. Ecclesiastical Career
4. Political Involvement
5. Election to the State Duma
6. Removal from Ecclesiastical Office
7. Scandal and Ecclesiastical Stripping
8. Return to Ukraine and Later Life

Nikolay Nikolayevich, Bishop of Yeniseysk and Krasnoyarsk

Nikolay Nikolayevich, born in Mogilev Governorate, was a Russian Imperial and Ukrainian public figure and a member of the 4th State Duma from Volyn Governorate. He was a prominent figure known for his unique and unpredictable behavior and views.

Early Life and Education

After completing his studies at the Moscow Konstantinovskii Land Surveying Institute in 1891, Nikolayevich felt called to monasticism and immediately enrolled in the Moscow Theological Academy. In December 1892, while still a student, he was tonsured a monk by Archbishop Antony (Khrapovitsky) and ordained as a hierodeacon. He became a hieromonk in December 1895.

Ecclesiastical Career

Upon graduating from the Academy, Nikolayevich was appointed as a teacher of homiletics, liturgy, and pastoral practices at the Novgorod Theological Seminary. In 1897, he was transferred to the Mogilev Theological Seminary to teach philosophy, psychology, logic, and didactics. In October of the same year, Nikolayevich became the head of the Biysk Missionary Catechizer School in Altai.

He was elevated to the rank of archimandrite in 1899 and held the positions of rector of the Blagoveshchensk (1899) and Irkutsk (1901) Theological Seminaries. From 1901 to 1903, he served as a censor of sermons in Irkutsk. In January 1905, he became the editor of the "Irkutsk Diocesan Gazette."

Political Involvement

During the 1905-1907 Revolution, Nikolayevich exhibited complex views. While supporting the restoration of order and suppressing unrest, he also made controversial statements, such as, "I myself am a social democrat, but in the noble sense of the word."

In February 1906, Nikolayevich was consecrated as Bishop of Baltsk, Vicar of the Podolsk Diocese. In February 1909, he was appointed as Bishop of Kremenets, First Vicar of the Volyn Diocese. He was an active participant in the Black Hundreds movement in Volyn, working with Archimandrite Vitaly (Maksimenko) to unite conservative forces during the elections to the 4th State Duma.

Election to the State Duma

Elected to the State Duma from Volyn Governorate, Nikolayevich joined the Right-wing faction and was elected as an honorary member of their Council. However, his political strategy veered away from the expectations of the Right, as he attempted to form a separate "priestly" faction.

Nikolaevich's speeches and activities garnered attention and controversy, earning him a reputation as a radical and a threat to the established order. He criticized the government's policies, advocated for land redistribution, and spoke in favor of Ukrainian cultural autonomy.

Removal from Ecclesiastical Office

Nikolaevich's unpredictable behavior and rumored involvement in a scandal at a women's spiritual school led to tension with the Holy Synod. Ober-Prosecutor of the Holy Synod V. K. Sabler attempted to remove Nikolayevich from his parliamentary seat.

Nikolaevich was transferred from Kremenets to the Yeniseysk diocese, which prohibited bishops from simultaneously serving as members of the Duma. However, he retained his parliamentary seat and joined the non-partisan group.

Scandal and Ecclesiastical Stripping

Confirmation of the scandal in which Nikolayevich was allegedly involved led to further controversy. He transported a student from the spiritual school in Volyn to Yeniseysk and housed her in the archiepiscopal house, outraging the local Orthodox population.

In 1917, Nikolayevich renounced his episcopal rank and monastic vows, citing his dissatisfaction with the religious ideals of the episcopacy. The Holy Synod officially stripped him of his spiritual status and returned him to the lay state.

Return to Ukraine and Later Life

Nikolaevich returned to Ukraine and became the Minister of Confessions of the Ukrainian Rada. This appointment was met with disapproval from the clergy, who saw it as an insult to the Orthodox Church.

Nikolaevich pursued a career as a theater critic, writing under the name "Former Bishop Nikolayevich - Mykola Bessonov." He passed away in 1919.