THE HEGUMEN LUKE (ZEMSKOV): ORTHODOX MONASTICISM IN THE REALITIES OF THE XXTH CENTURY Cover Image

СХИИГУМЕН ЛУКА (ЗЕМСКОВ): ПРАВОСЛАВНОЕ МОНАШЕСТВО В РЕАЛИЯХ XX ВЕКА
THE HEGUMEN LUKE (ZEMSKOV): ORTHODOX MONASTICISM IN THE REALITIES OF THE XXTH CENTURY

Author(s): Irina Nikolaevna Ruzhinskaya
Subject(s): History
Published by: Петрозаводский государственный университет
Keywords: Orthodox Christianity; Valaam; monasticism; pilgrimages; institution of asceticism; Russian emigration

Summary/Abstract: The article investigates the life and spiritual ministry of hieromonk Luke (1880–1968). This example allows us to consider the evolutionof the Valaam monastery under the influence of external circumstances and characteristics of internal development. Epistolaryheritage of hieromonk Luke constitutes the main part of the research sources. It was been published only partly, therefore there ismuch to be studied yet. Systematization and comparison of documents enables the analysis of the experience of monastic obedience,prayer, a missionary to be made.. The study of this experience demonstrates the continuity traditions of the Russian asceticism of theValaam Monastery in Pskov-Pechersk monastery. The author concludes that the institution of asceticism through Valaam Monasterywas the spiritual center for Russian immigrants outside political boundaries. Spiritual experience of abbot Luke is of importancetoday. Administrative management and pastoral-missionary forms of Luke acting as a “gostinnik” (a “guest”) is particularly relevanttoday. This is important for the organization of the pilgrimage monasteries services, for the tourism industry, for work with thosewho visit the shrines of the Orthodox world.