Presidential Library’s multimedia materials illustrate life and work of the holy martyr Filosof Ornatsky

Unique photographs presented at the new exhibition in the Presidential Library tell about the life and righteous deeds of the holy martyr Filosof Ornatsky. The grand opening of the multimedia exhibition “The Feat of Faith and Service: Marking Centenary Anniversary of Repose”, dedicated to the Russian statesman of the late XIX - early XX century, shot in 1918, was held in the historic building of the Synod on the eve of the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repression in Russia.

According to Director General of the Presidential Library Valentin Sidorin, the venue for the exhibition was not chosen by chance: “The Presidential Library is an electronic repository of documents on the topic of Russian statehood, and the history of the Holy Church has been associated with Russian statehood for many centuries. Moreover, recently we celebrated a significant date - the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia, and the decision to celebrate was made by His Holiness the Patriarch here, in the historic building of the Synod. The Presidential Library’s life has been associated with the history of the church. This exhibition continues a series of our projects related to people of God and places in North-West Russia, in addition, the materials presented here will be used while preparing documentaries of the Presidential Library”.

“Due to the unusual format of the exhibition, the plasma panels managed to accommodate a large number of photos that have been for a long time, a lot of work was done”, - said the abbess of Constantine-Eleninsky nunnery Hilarion in her welcoming speech. - On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the saint's repose, the exhibition has become a real matter of duty, as Father Philosopher was abbot of the church of St. Andrew of Crete, where the St. Petersburg monastery of the Constantine-Eleninsky convent is located today. We feel its invisible presence today, but we would like this living feeling of the presence of saints in our life to expand. We hope that this exhibition will contribute to this".

The photographs presented on plasma panels in the Presidential Library Multimedia Gallery, will cast light on the life of the archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church, who lived in Petrograd during the late 19th – early 20th century. Father Filosof was known for his gift of influential sermons, he contributed to strengthening of religious and moral education in the society, was actively involved in educational activities and charity: he founded homeless shelters, hospitals and poorhouses. During World War I he went to the front to raise the morale of the Russian army, during the October Revolution he organized prayer services and processions against attempts to plunder and close the Alexander Nevsky Monastery and murders of priests.

The exhibition in the Presidential Library is a project which is a part of a whole series of memorial events dedicated to holy mertyr Filosof Ornatsky. They include “Life as a Feat” photo exhibition, which is currently underway by the Kazan Cathedral, publication of articles of Father Filosof’s spiritual legacy, installing a memorial plaque, foundation of Filosof Ornatsky virtual museum and many other events.

The exhibition will run until November 26, 2018. To visit the exhibion, please, first pre-register by phone (812) 334-25-14 or send an email to the address: excursion@prlib.ru.