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Nikolay KolchitskyPriest of the Russian Orthodox Church, Protopresbyter
Date of Birth: 17.04.1890
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Content:
- Childhood and Education
- Early Ministry
- Appointment as Rector of Epiphany Cathedral
- Role in the Soviet Era
- Retirement and Legacy
Childhood and Education
Born in the Russian city of Chernihiv, Nikolay Fyodorovich Kolchitsky's early life is largely unknown. He graduated from the Chernihiv Theological Seminary in 1911 and went on to pursue higher education at the Moscow Theological Academy, graduating in 1915.
Early Ministry
In 1918, Kolchitsky was elected as a staff priest at the Annunciation Cathedral in Kharkiv. Five years later, he relocated to Moscow and became a staff priest at the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhovo, where he served for the rest of his life.
Appointment as Rector of Epiphany Cathedral
On December 27, 1924, Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow approved Kolchitsky's appointment as rector of the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhovo. This church became the patriarchal cathedral after the closure of the namesake church in Dorogomilovo in 1938.
Role in the Soviet Era
During the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), Kolchitsky accompanied the Patriarchal Locum Tenens Sergius (Stragorodsky) to Ulyanovsk during the evacuation. In 1942, he began signing documents as "Manager of the Affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate," a position he held until 1960.
In 1943, Kolchitsky became a permanent member of the Holy Synod upon its formation during the Bishops' Council. He was also appointed Chairman of the Educational Committee at the Holy Synod in 1956.
Retirement and Legacy
Kolchitsky's failing health led to his release from his duties as Manager of the Affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate in 1960. He passed away on January 11, 1961, and his funeral service was led by Patriarch Alexy I at the Epiphany Cathedral.
Kolchitsky was laid to rest in the grounds of the Transfiguration Church in Lukino, near the patriarchal residence in Peredelkino. The "Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate" described him as "one of the outstanding church figures of the past decades."
