Film's Description

In modern Russian history, Patriarch Tikhon is, undoubtedly, a significant figure. He was a saint and martyr whose relics were found undecayed 50 years after his death. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church was certain that the Revolution was Russia’s well-earned punishment for the sins of the authorities, the people and corruptible priests. The patriarch, who anathematized the Bolsheviks, was nonetheless convinced that it was better for a Christian to suffer than to seek revenge. He didn’t approve of the fratricidal Civil War, and for that reason, he refused to bless the “White Movement,” which draws mixed sentiments.

The Orthodox leader for the first time agreed to a dialogue with Catholics and blessed Orthodox theologians to participate in such dialogues-disputes-discussions, which were healing for the Church, but odious for the Bolsheviks. He was peaceable, good-natured and quiet, but strong in his faith, and Patriarch Tikhon is the hero of the Father’s House studio’s film by the same name. The film describes Vasily Bellavin’s life path – priest, monk, bishop, patriarch – and His Eminence Tikhon’s missionary activity in America, the difficulties of the Revolutionary period, and the canonization of the holy martyr. An abundance of old newsreels allows us to perceive the emotional tension of that time and to feel briefly like participants in these events.