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Chosen for His People: A Biography of Patriarch Tikhon
St Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow (Vasily Ivanovich Bellavin, 1865-1925) is one of the most important figures of both Russian and Orthodox Church history in the twentieth century. Yet ninety years after his death this remains the only complete biography ever published in the English language. It has now been updated and revised with a new preface and bibliography, together with revised and additional endnotes, by Scott M. Kenworthy.
All together these reveal a picture of a man whom no one expected to be chosen as Patriarch. Nevertheless he humbly accepted the call of God and the people to guide the Church during the most turbulent of times as it faced both internal upheavals and external persecution. As he said in his speech immediately following his election as Patriarch in 1917, “…I am entrusted with the care for all the Russian churches, and what awaits me is the gradual dying for them all my days.”
Both specialists and general readers will become better acquainted with St Tikhon through this modest but carefully crafted monograph.
All together these reveal a picture of a man whom no one expected to be chosen as Patriarch. Nevertheless he humbly accepted the call of God and the people to guide the Church during the most turbulent of times as it faced both internal upheavals and external persecution. As he said in his speech immediately following his election as Patriarch in 1917, “…I am entrusted with the care for all the Russian churches, and what awaits me is the gradual dying for them all my days.”
Both specialists and general readers will become better acquainted with St Tikhon through this modest but carefully crafted monograph.
172 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1964
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39 people want to read
About the author
Jane Swan
8 books1 followerDr Jane Swan (1925-2010) taught history at West Chester University in Pennsylvania and served as Director of the Women’s Center there. She earned her doctorate in Russian history from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 16, 2015
Metropolitan Tikhon of Moscow was not supposed to become Patriarch. Convened In the midst of the bloody 1917 revolution, the All-Russian Council desired a strong, charismatic leader to guide the Russian Orthodox Church. Tikhon was seen as too self-effacing and meek. Despite his prominent office, he was the last of three candidates nominated for drawing by lots. But by the will of God the patriarchal throne was entrusted to him. Chosen For His People focuses on +Tikhon's time as leader of the Russian Orthodox Church through arguably Russia's darkest hour. Under his care the Church faced external persecution from the Soviet government and internal division sowed by instigators of the renovationist Living Church movement.
Scholars and students of Russian history will find this biography valuable for several reasons: First, it holds archeological value as the White Russian emigre view of Patriarch Tikhon's actions and statements vis-a-vis the Soviet Government, the "Living Church", and Metropolitan Antony's Karlovtsy Synod (the beginnings of what would become ROCOR). Second, the primary sources quoted are especially fascinating as they provide St Tikhon's own words in response to the chaos surrounding his Church and his people. And finally, the preface by Scott Kenworthy and updated footnotes place this book in the context of current research and correct minor historical inaccuracies in the original 1964 edition.
If given the option, I would probably rate this one a 4.5 simply because I would have liked more details on St Tikhon's time as a missionary bishop in America. That said, I read this book in a matter of several hours because I could not make myself put it down. Despite already being familiar with this history, I found Dr. Swan's biography well-written, enlightening, and inspirational. This republication is a wonderful way to mark the 90th anniversary of St Tikhon's repose and I highly recommend it to any Orthodox Christian or student of Russian history.
Scholars and students of Russian history will find this biography valuable for several reasons: First, it holds archeological value as the White Russian emigre view of Patriarch Tikhon's actions and statements vis-a-vis the Soviet Government, the "Living Church", and Metropolitan Antony's Karlovtsy Synod (the beginnings of what would become ROCOR). Second, the primary sources quoted are especially fascinating as they provide St Tikhon's own words in response to the chaos surrounding his Church and his people. And finally, the preface by Scott Kenworthy and updated footnotes place this book in the context of current research and correct minor historical inaccuracies in the original 1964 edition.
If given the option, I would probably rate this one a 4.5 simply because I would have liked more details on St Tikhon's time as a missionary bishop in America. That said, I read this book in a matter of several hours because I could not make myself put it down. Despite already being familiar with this history, I found Dr. Swan's biography well-written, enlightening, and inspirational. This republication is a wonderful way to mark the 90th anniversary of St Tikhon's repose and I highly recommend it to any Orthodox Christian or student of Russian history.
June 21, 2015
This biography focuses on the full life of Patriarch Tikhon, including his experiences during the Bolshevik uprising. It includes many letters, official documents and updated footnotes. I recommend this book for those wanting to learn more about the Orthodox Church during the Bolshevik uprising, Russian history or Patriarch Tikhon.
As the unexpected recipient the re-initiated office of Patriarch in 1918, St. Tikhon is caught between the hostile Red Army that has just come to power, and ironically, the self-proclaimed “Living Church”, a splinter group from the Orthodox Church. With the Bolsheviks wishing him dead and clergy of the living Church deposed, Patriarch Tikhon faced an extremely challenging environment in which to shepherd his flock.
Reading this biography as an Orthodox Christian in the comfort of my own home, I could not help but feel how fortunate I am to be living in a country where I can practice my beliefs freely. I was impressed by the Patriarch’s courage, bravery, and lack of fear of his adversaries. After a long “session” whereby he was interrogated by the GPU or political police, he had the following conversation with a priest with whom he celebrated the Vesperal service:
Patriarch Tikhon, “They were very strict today”.
Priest, “So what will happen to you”?
Patriarch Tikhon, “They promised to cut off my little head”.
“He answered with a smile and proceeded to conduct the rest of the service with no sign of fear. When the priest was about to begin the sermon, the Patriarch blessed him and whispered, “Do not provoke them.””
Threatened and often imprisoned, the Patriarch never provoked his adversaries or incited others to do so. He blamed the downfall of Russia on itself, as a punishment for transgressions against God. As such, Russia was suffering in order to be purified. He did acknowledge his accusers in letters, admitting he was guilty of “anti-Soviet acts”. Even though he confessed to these crimes, at no time did he ever foster rebellion or hostility to the Soviets, nor advocate for a return to the monarchy. Instead, Patriarch Tikhon offered humility and love, which allowed him to deal with such an onerous life.
Overall, the book was a joy to read. I do wish that it provided more information about his travels to America and the relationship between the Patriarch and the newly formed Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. Highly recommended!
July 2, 2015
It might fairly be asked why the newest imprint of Holy Trinity Publications, Holy Trinity Seminary Press, would begin its new line of books with the reprint of a biography originally written several years ago by an author who was neither Russian nor Orthodox. This was clearly the right choice. In a way, the author’s affiliation, or rather lack of affiliation, adds all the more reason to marvel at the subject of this work, St. Tikhon of Moscow. She has no scores to settle, no Russian patriotism or Orthodox conviction that may have drawn accusations that her narrative was colored by these things. This is not a hagiography, but it very nearly reads like one, if only because the sanctity and heroic exploits of Tikhon’s person are so clearly manifest, even in a scholarly work such as this one.
Swan introduces us to the two bygone worlds in which the Saint lived and moved—a pre-Revolutionary Russia subject to the Tsar and the Church, and a violently wicked cleptocracy of falsehood and fratricide. We are treated to quotations of St. Tikhon, excerpts from his sermons, his letters and official statements.
The patriarchate is revived at the dawn of the communist revolution, and we are taken along the journey as the holy Patriarch encounters the problems of a dogmatically atheistic government persecuting the Church from without, at the same time the wicked and heretical renovationists threaten to splinter it from within. I was amazed to find that ukaz number 362, the canonical basis for the formation of the Russian Church Abroad, was used within Russia to organize the resistance to the so-called “Living Church.” It was fascinating to read the author’s account of the Patriarch’s complex and complicated relationship to the Bolshevik government—at times directly opposing it and calling for resistance to its unjust policies, and at other times discouraging the people from outright rebellion by reminding them that even the wicked rule only by God’s permission. He even reconsidered certain of his actions as unnecessarily political, and as a later policy forbade his brother hierarchs and their clergy from commenting too much on politics or criticizing the state. Though pressured continually to do so, the author demonstrates conclusively that St. Tikhon never condemned or excommunicated the Karlovtsy Synod, even though he disagreed with their political approach to solving the problems besetting the Russian land. For the saint, the problem was not communism or the new regime but Russia’s lack of repentance and her delusional attempt to build a society without God and the Church. The book shows how he blazed the path to salvation for the suffering and martyric Church within the Soviet Union at a time when, humanly speaking, its fate hung by a thread.
Can a book on a 20th Century Russian bishop-- the 11th Patriarch of Moscow-- have any application to us Orthodox sojourning in America at the dawn of yet another century? I believe that it can. We, like the Patriarch and the Russian Church, must face the prospect of an increasingly antagonistic and anti-Christian government directing a society duped by powerful media, dead-set on the imposition of values and viewpoints diametrically opposed to the truth of our salvation in Christ. St. Tikhon’s patient humility and unceasing labors for the good of the Church in the face of such colossal apostasy and persecution proves beyond a doubt that living a holy life is possible in every age, and in every place. This is so by the power and grace of the same God Who truly chose the “humble Tikhon” for us, his people.
Swan introduces us to the two bygone worlds in which the Saint lived and moved—a pre-Revolutionary Russia subject to the Tsar and the Church, and a violently wicked cleptocracy of falsehood and fratricide. We are treated to quotations of St. Tikhon, excerpts from his sermons, his letters and official statements.
The patriarchate is revived at the dawn of the communist revolution, and we are taken along the journey as the holy Patriarch encounters the problems of a dogmatically atheistic government persecuting the Church from without, at the same time the wicked and heretical renovationists threaten to splinter it from within. I was amazed to find that ukaz number 362, the canonical basis for the formation of the Russian Church Abroad, was used within Russia to organize the resistance to the so-called “Living Church.” It was fascinating to read the author’s account of the Patriarch’s complex and complicated relationship to the Bolshevik government—at times directly opposing it and calling for resistance to its unjust policies, and at other times discouraging the people from outright rebellion by reminding them that even the wicked rule only by God’s permission. He even reconsidered certain of his actions as unnecessarily political, and as a later policy forbade his brother hierarchs and their clergy from commenting too much on politics or criticizing the state. Though pressured continually to do so, the author demonstrates conclusively that St. Tikhon never condemned or excommunicated the Karlovtsy Synod, even though he disagreed with their political approach to solving the problems besetting the Russian land. For the saint, the problem was not communism or the new regime but Russia’s lack of repentance and her delusional attempt to build a society without God and the Church. The book shows how he blazed the path to salvation for the suffering and martyric Church within the Soviet Union at a time when, humanly speaking, its fate hung by a thread.
Can a book on a 20th Century Russian bishop-- the 11th Patriarch of Moscow-- have any application to us Orthodox sojourning in America at the dawn of yet another century? I believe that it can. We, like the Patriarch and the Russian Church, must face the prospect of an increasingly antagonistic and anti-Christian government directing a society duped by powerful media, dead-set on the imposition of values and viewpoints diametrically opposed to the truth of our salvation in Christ. St. Tikhon’s patient humility and unceasing labors for the good of the Church in the face of such colossal apostasy and persecution proves beyond a doubt that living a holy life is possible in every age, and in every place. This is so by the power and grace of the same God Who truly chose the “humble Tikhon” for us, his people.
June 22, 2015
As a Roman Catholic, I admit to being ignorant about many of the recent saints of Eastern Orthodoxy. However, one man that I have always been fascinated by was St. Tikhon of Moscow. I knew the basics of his life and mission here in North America, but that was it. With the updated release of his biography Chosen for His People, I knew I finally had found a book to fill in the details I was missing. Very little is actually known about his early life, except some schooling information and that he was one of three sons. The first chapter details his religious education and training, and his time in America. He never referenced his personal life much, but he seemed well-loved and respected by all including Roman Catholics.
Chapter Two deals with the revival of the Patriarchate. In order to do this, a council was called in Moscow that comprised 265 clerics and 299 laity. Apparently the Patriarchate was abolished in 1721. There were multiple votes for candidates for Patriarch, and the voting process described in the book reminded me a bit of papal election. After three candidates were chosen, their names were placed in a blessed urn in front of the Vladimir icon of the Theotokos. After Divine Liturgy was celebrated, a name was drawn out of the urn, and Tikhon was chosen. A true gem of the book was reading his "acceptance speech," for lack of a better term. The next few chapters are hard to read, as they deal with a famine that plagued Russia; Patriarch Tikhon gaining enemies from the government and within the Russian Orthodox Church; Tikhon's arrest; being stripped of his title; and his eventual death. The last chapter is a "will," which it was only called such because of his death. There is great debate over its authenticity, and the book presents both sides, but leans to the side of it being a forgery.
Chosen for His People is a very enlightening book and one that will grip you, so that you will not want to put it down. In addition to chronicling the life of this holy man, we also receive glimpses of Russia, both before and after the Bolshevik Revolution. It also contains ample primary sources in the form of Patriarch Tikhon's words as well as those of his enemies. If I had one complaint with this book, it was that I was hoping to read more about his time in America. That quibble aside, I feel blessed getting a better insight into the life and struggles of this humble man. It has been 90 years since Patriarch Tikhon was martyred for the faith he so strongly believed in, and this book is still one of, if not the only English source we have on his life. Therefore, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book.
Chapter Two deals with the revival of the Patriarchate. In order to do this, a council was called in Moscow that comprised 265 clerics and 299 laity. Apparently the Patriarchate was abolished in 1721. There were multiple votes for candidates for Patriarch, and the voting process described in the book reminded me a bit of papal election. After three candidates were chosen, their names were placed in a blessed urn in front of the Vladimir icon of the Theotokos. After Divine Liturgy was celebrated, a name was drawn out of the urn, and Tikhon was chosen. A true gem of the book was reading his "acceptance speech," for lack of a better term. The next few chapters are hard to read, as they deal with a famine that plagued Russia; Patriarch Tikhon gaining enemies from the government and within the Russian Orthodox Church; Tikhon's arrest; being stripped of his title; and his eventual death. The last chapter is a "will," which it was only called such because of his death. There is great debate over its authenticity, and the book presents both sides, but leans to the side of it being a forgery.
Chosen for His People is a very enlightening book and one that will grip you, so that you will not want to put it down. In addition to chronicling the life of this holy man, we also receive glimpses of Russia, both before and after the Bolshevik Revolution. It also contains ample primary sources in the form of Patriarch Tikhon's words as well as those of his enemies. If I had one complaint with this book, it was that I was hoping to read more about his time in America. That quibble aside, I feel blessed getting a better insight into the life and struggles of this humble man. It has been 90 years since Patriarch Tikhon was martyred for the faith he so strongly believed in, and this book is still one of, if not the only English source we have on his life. Therefore, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book.
May 6, 2016
One of the joys of being in the New World is that many of our saints have long hagiographies due to Orthodoxy's late arrival when compared to the Three Hierarchs or St. Symeon the New Theologian or others. We have photos and news clips and the like to imprint an immediacy to our glorified faithful. For older, Old World saints sometimes we are blessed to have long stories like the Life of Saint Anthony to tell us more about the lives of the holy but other times our calendars only give us the rough outline or even guesses at the lives these people led. In Chosen for His People we are blessed to have the saint's entire life from beginning to end.
The life of St. Tikhon speaks to the birth of Orthodoxy in America and of (what until very recently looked to be) the end of a viable Church in Russia. The book goes into important detail about how the Bolsheviks sought to undermine and frankly embarrass the Church before stripping her of money, lands, and the freedom to operate. It shows how one man refused to bend or meekly retreat into anonymity that will serve the reader as a ready model for dealing with our increasingly chaotic and forcibly secularized modern times.
Additionally, Chosen for His People gives the English reader a rare window into how the Church operated in pre-Revolutionary Russia. The seminary experience and life of a monk after seminary will be eye-opening for those not familiar with the system of the time. Equally interesting, it shows how the Church operated in America and what hand St. Tikhon played in her development.
I recommend this book to the lover of histories and to those interested in the lives of the saints. It's not an overly long book and is broken up so that someone with a busy schedule can put it down at breaks in the narrative and pick it back up without much effort. I'd also recommend this book to parents of high school-aged children. Children today have little understanding of how the Church grew in America and no living memory of the scourge of Soviet communism. Chosen for His People would be an excellent way to start a conversation.
The life of St. Tikhon speaks to the birth of Orthodoxy in America and of (what until very recently looked to be) the end of a viable Church in Russia. The book goes into important detail about how the Bolsheviks sought to undermine and frankly embarrass the Church before stripping her of money, lands, and the freedom to operate. It shows how one man refused to bend or meekly retreat into anonymity that will serve the reader as a ready model for dealing with our increasingly chaotic and forcibly secularized modern times.
Additionally, Chosen for His People gives the English reader a rare window into how the Church operated in pre-Revolutionary Russia. The seminary experience and life of a monk after seminary will be eye-opening for those not familiar with the system of the time. Equally interesting, it shows how the Church operated in America and what hand St. Tikhon played in her development.
I recommend this book to the lover of histories and to those interested in the lives of the saints. It's not an overly long book and is broken up so that someone with a busy schedule can put it down at breaks in the narrative and pick it back up without much effort. I'd also recommend this book to parents of high school-aged children. Children today have little understanding of how the Church grew in America and no living memory of the scourge of Soviet communism. Chosen for His People would be an excellent way to start a conversation.
June 11, 2015
I actually read this book in a single day. This much-needed republication is an excellent read with great story-telling. The book lays out the life, personality and harsh struggles of St. Tikhon. One comes away feeling like they know the Saint upon completion of this work.
In addition to the great writing, the book includes many of his statements at key points in the history of the Russian Church during the Revolution (i.e. the Anathema of the Bolsheviks and the letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch after he endorsed the "Living Church"). The book also includes St. Tikhon's complex interactions with the Russian Church Abroad, the Soviet government and surprisingly, provides a witness to his role in planting the Catacomb Church.
My only wish is that that the work could have been longer, however, the entire work, from the introduction to the endnotes, is high-quality substance with no filler. This book is essential for Orthodox Christians.
In addition to the great writing, the book includes many of his statements at key points in the history of the Russian Church during the Revolution (i.e. the Anathema of the Bolsheviks and the letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch after he endorsed the "Living Church"). The book also includes St. Tikhon's complex interactions with the Russian Church Abroad, the Soviet government and surprisingly, provides a witness to his role in planting the Catacomb Church.
My only wish is that that the work could have been longer, however, the entire work, from the introduction to the endnotes, is high-quality substance with no filler. This book is essential for Orthodox Christians.
May 18, 2022
Well researched, and an excellent overview, but for an historical figure of the magnitude of Patriarch Tikhon, barely 100 pages does no justice as a biography. This book could definitely use a good editor, and it is a bit dry, stating certain facts in almost unnecessary detail while skipping over entire decades of his life.
That said, as there is no other English biography at present, I appreciate the work Dr. Swan has put into it. The bibliography and notes take up almost as many pages as the life itself, so there is material to look into, if one so desires.
I long for the day where a proper biography of Saint Tikhon is available in English. It is a bit odd to me that we have exhaustive biographies of far lesser known contemporary Russian saints, and this hero of the Bolshevik era gets 119 pages filled with more Izvestia than Bellavin.
P.S. this is not at all hagiographical, so if that is what you’re looking for, this isn’t it. It is, however, accurate and fair, so I recommend it until something better comes along.
That said, as there is no other English biography at present, I appreciate the work Dr. Swan has put into it. The bibliography and notes take up almost as many pages as the life itself, so there is material to look into, if one so desires.
I long for the day where a proper biography of Saint Tikhon is available in English. It is a bit odd to me that we have exhaustive biographies of far lesser known contemporary Russian saints, and this hero of the Bolshevik era gets 119 pages filled with more Izvestia than Bellavin.
P.S. this is not at all hagiographical, so if that is what you’re looking for, this isn’t it. It is, however, accurate and fair, so I recommend it until something better comes along.
August 22, 2024
This biography focuses almost exclusively on the years St Tikhon served as Patriarch. For instance, the years he spent in America, which were so instrumental to the development of Orthodoxy in America, gets about two pages.
It is a fascinating and personal read into how the Russian Orthodox Church struggled in the face of the early years of the Russian Civil War and the rise of the Soviets.
I want to read a longer biography of St Tikhon, eventually, but this was a very good introduction to his life.
It is a fascinating and personal read into how the Russian Orthodox Church struggled in the face of the early years of the Russian Civil War and the rise of the Soviets.
I want to read a longer biography of St Tikhon, eventually, but this was a very good introduction to his life.
November 10, 2013
Great account of the latter part of St. Tikhon's life as Patriarch of Russia.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews