Hieromonk Photius, "Voice": reviews of priests and spectators

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Father Fotiy is a member of the Voice project. Today, only the lazy have not heard of this modest and talented young man. His appearance on the stage was very unexpected, but the hieromonk immediately won over the audience with his excellent vocal abilities and genuine personality. Thanks to him, the fourth season of the competition turned out to be especially mysterious and interesting. In 2015, this man won the show, and since then his life has changed. But Photius remains true to his choice in serving God. They write a lot about him, he is invited to television, and today our story is about him. Where Hieromonk Photius (participant in the Voice project) serves, what he lives for, what was his path to music - the reader will learn about all this from the materials of our article.

For reference: "Voice" is a musical show that appeared on Russian television in 2012 and was recognized as the best television product in 2015. Adapted versionDutch project The Voice won the hearts of millions of viewers not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries. Talented participants, a well-prepared show, professional mentors, genuine emotions - all this made the project incredibly interesting and very popular.

Childhood

Hieromonk Photius (participant of the "Voice") - Vitaly Mochalov in the world - was born in Nizhny Novgorod in November 1985. Calm and reasonable, he did not understand why his peers at school offended him. Vitaly had no friends in the class, the boys often bullied him, insulted him, sometimes even beat him. And he endured and silently endured insults. Surprisingly, the guy did not become embittered at the world, on the contrary, he began to love nature, animals, people even more. He always found a hobby, never sat idle. The parents were aware of what was going on at the school and tried to provide moral support to their son.

During his school years, Vitaly studied at a music studio, where he took vocal and piano lessons, sang in the school choir. His childhood dream was to grow up as soon as possible and become a talented composer, to compose music. A little later, when the breaking of his voice began, Vitaly began to sing in the church choir.

The boy from childhood was interested in religious foundations, often asked his parents about the existence of God. Why he began to care about this topic and how it all began, he now will not remember, although several times in a dream he clearly saw the Lord in Heaven.

I won't become an angel

By the way, when the boy was 7 years old,he asked his mother to go to church with him and be baptized. Vitaly said that without doing this, he would not become an angel. Mom complied with her son's request and was baptized along with Vitaly, but this was not the first step towards their churching. According to the hieromonk himself, they knew little about religion then, they did not go to church.

Vitaly plunged into church life a little later, when he got to the children's Orthodox camp "Blagovest", created at the Sunday school of the cathedral. The guy took part in the liturgies, sang on the kliros, and, I must say, he liked the whole atmosphere. The boy returned from the camp completely different. Parents immediately noticed the changes in their son - he looked incredibly inspired and inspired by some idea.

After school, Vitaly entered a music school in the department of musical theory, and the enthusiasm associated with the church gradually disappeared - there was not enough time for anything other than studying. The future contestant of the "Voice" studied diligently and diligently. Father Fotiy is a participant whose biography (creative) began at home and continued abroad: a year later, the entire Mochalov family moved to Germany. Vitaly continued his musical education there - he began to learn to play the organ.

Vera found me again

In Germany, in a small town where the family lived, there was an Orthodox parish, where Vitaly and his mother began to go often. In the church, a young man sang on the kliros, and sometimes acted as a sexton. All the experiences forgotten in childhood from communion with God suddenly flared up with renewed vigor. It's quiveringa feeling of joy and reverence settled in Vitaly's heart, and he seriously thought about his future. After some time, the guy went to Russia, to the Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra, as a pilgrim. He spent several weeks in the monastery, and when he returned home, he again returned to his thoughts.

He faced a serious choice: serving the Lord or worldly goods - fame, money, popularity. I must say that Vitaly showed great promise in his organ playing. The young man understood that monastic life was not for him - it was not easy and required a special state of mind, for which at that time the guy was not ready. However, when he re-read the Gospel, as well as the books about the lives of the elders Ambrose of Optina and Joseph of Optina, new aspects of the life of Orthodox asceticism were revealed to him.

How I came to God

The guy decided to consult with a wise and highly spiritual man - Schema-Archimandrite Vlasy (Peregontsev). This elder was known in Russia as a confessor, to whom many believers turn for advice. Vitaly went to St. Pafnutiev Borovsky Monastery with a firm conviction: as the priest says, so he will do. The elder invited Vitaly to stay, and the young man took the words of the sage for the will of God. He accepted monasticism and became Hieromonk Photius. Today, Father Fotiy is a resident of the St. Pafnutiev Borovsky Monastery.

Of course, when Vitaly's parents found out about his decision, their reaction was mixed. Mom, no matter how hard it was, blessed her son. At first, the father was upset - he did not want to accept Vitaly's choice, however, seeing the firmness of the young man's convictions, he reconciled.

Vitaly's decision was balanced, and he made his choice not under the pressure of any circumstances, but at the behest of his heart. It is known that many go to the monastery in the desire to hide from personal problems or disorder. It is rare that someone is just so ready to change a well-fed, prosperous life for serving God in the modest conditions of a monastic cell. By the way, the young novice was ready for hard work and trials within the walls of the monastery. The hieromonk did not at all expect that his new life would in no way interfere with the worldly passion for music, which, as he thought, would have to say goodbye forever. The Voice waited ahead. Father Fotiy is a participant, interesting facts from whose life today have become the property of the press, as well as fans of his musical talent. But then the life of a young man was hidden from prying eyes. He was just a humble novice.

Music is always with me

At first, Hieromonk Photius sang on the kliros. Later, he began to study vocals individually with a teacher from Moscow, Viktor Tvardovsky. At first, the young man left the walls of the monastery and went to classes, and later he began to study on his own, according to the teacher's methodology, specially developed for him. Surprisingly, in the life of a young man, everything somehow settled by itself, and his talent, given from above, did not disappear, but turned into a service for the good of the Church.

The teacher helped Fr. Photius to improve his voice, taught him how to sing correctly. In the repertoire of the hieromonk, in addition tochurch works, complex opera arias, romances, Russian folk songs appeared. With the brethren, he took part in various events, spoke at schools, hospitals, and in front of veterans.

I must say that the priest can sing not only in Russian, but also in Japanese, Italian, Georgian and Serbian. Hieromonk Photius is fluent in German and English. Reviews of Orthodox Christians visiting the Borovsky Monastery are always positive. People love the singing of Father Photius very much.

Hobbies

The outlook of this talented person is not limited to his own passion for music. He is the choir director, spiritually supports the theater at the Sunday school "Ark", is engaged in the layout of the children's magazine "Ship".

Batiushka is a passionate person. With all his outward softness and meekness, Hieromonk Photius has an incredibly firm character. Reviews of Orthodox Christians who know the hieromonk personally testify to the incredible strength of his spirit. If he decides something, he will achieve it with all his might. He has a big loving heart, and besides his own interests, the priest takes care of the interests of other people.

Fotiy tries to help everyone who needs help. He shoots documentaries and various videos that participate in competitions. The topics of the video material are very diverse, but, what is important, it is useful and relevant in the modern world. For example, in his creative biography there is a film about youthmovement, a clip against abortion for the All-Russian Festival in Defense of Morality. The hieromonk's piggy bank also contains educational materials, for example, “Borovsky Monastery. The Day Before Christmas” is a story about monastic life that won a prize at a regional amateur film festival.

Despite the fact that Father Photius has abandoned the worldly fuss, he is open to life. Hieromonk is a modern young man who understands technology, computers, and mobile applications. He is always up to date. In a word, Father Photius enjoys all the benefits of civilization.

The Voice Project

When a clergyman appeared among the contestants in the fourth season of the Voice project, not only the participants, but also many viewers were discouraged. “For what?”, “In what way?”, “What next?” – such questions arose in the hearts of the majority. No one knew exactly how everything would turn out, how the shooting of the issues would take place and how events would develop.

For the hieromonk himself, the situation was unusual and unfamiliar. He, a man leading a modest lifestyle, suddenly found himself at the epicenter of events, at a competition that was considered the most popular among Russian music shows. How the mentors would react to his performance, whether anyone would want to work with him - all this was spinning in the head of the contestant like a broken record.

At the "blind audition" Father Fotiy presented to the audience a difficult composition - Lensky's aria from the opera "Eugene Onegin". Grigory Leps turned to him, in whosecommand hieromonk later and got. Although, according to father Photius, academic vocals were always close to him, and the man counted on cooperation with Alexander Gradsky.

It must be said that Father Fotiy has already made an attempt to take part in a music competition. He got to the casting of the second season of "Voice", however, without enlisting the blessing of the Metropolitan, he did not participate in further selections. In 2015, the situation was different. The management of Channel One sent an official letter to Metropolitan Clement of Kaluga and Borovsk with a request to allow Father Photius to participate in the show.

Contest atmosphere

According to Hieromonk Photius himself, the jury members treated him very well. The Holy Father liked the correct approach of the producers of the TV channel, who took into account the peculiarities of the life of an unusual contestant and treated his rank with respect. For example, in order not to put the hieromonk in an awkward position, in the profile of the competition, where the participants talk about themselves, his acquaintances and friends spoke about Father Photius. On the recording of speeches, Alexander Gradsky sometimes tried to shield and protect the priest, for example, at the moments when Grigory Leps asked the hieromonk uncomfortable questions.

“…As in any competition, there was competition and a spirit of rivalry behind the scenes of Golos. There was no sincere friendliness there, since everyone considered each other to be future competitors …”, Father Fotiy tells about the relationship with other participants in the competition. Most of the audience reviews were very sympathetic, although there were those who did not like the presencePhotius on stage. During the competition, the hieromonk mainly communicated with Grigory Leps, although he tried to treat all participants kindly. Father Fotiy admits that even if he had not won the show himself, he would sincerely rejoice for the leader, because victory for him is not only joy and delight, it is also a burden of responsibility.

By the way, Father Fotiy is a participant whose personal life, unlike many, is very transparent and clean. He devotes himself to the Lord, and this is the meaning of his whole life.

There is no envy and dirt in this show

Father Fotiy won the Voice project - 76% of viewers voted for him. At first, the hieromonk did not expect to defeat his rivals, but he gradually realized that everything was going very well for him, as if someone was leading him along his destiny. Toward the end of the project, Photius realized that he had every chance of winning. After the announcement of the results of the contest, the hieromonk thanked the fans from the bottom of his heart and added that his triumph might not be well deserved, because there were many talented people on the project, professionals in their field.

Father Photius says that, of course, he is glad of the victory, as a kind of sign from above, confirming his ability to bring joy to people with his singing. If the hieromonk "cut off" at the first stages of the competition, there would be a reason to think about the advisability of practicing vocals. As a prize for the victory, the priest was awarded a new car. By the way, his dreams came true, because he always dreamed of his own car hieromonkPhotius.

Reviews of the priests of the Orthodox Church about his participation in the competition are mostly positive. Yes, and the holy father himself claims that he really liked to participate in a television project. He says that although he did not discover anything new either in himself or in others, he was not disappointed in the project. It was interesting to find out how the competition works from the inside, how communication with mentors takes place. The hieromonk was convinced that in this project there is no show business in the usual sense of the word with all the ensuing consequences - no envy, no dirt.

The most valuable thing for Father Photius was his experience in dealing with mentors, masters of their craft. This helped the man develop professionally. The realization of various secrets and subtleties of the vocal profession came to him. In addition, the chance to work with an orchestra rarely falls to the lot of any aspiring musician, and certainly leaves no one indifferent.

Tour experience as an educational activity

Those who know Father Fotiy speak of him as a bright and incredibly benevolent person. However, his meekness is only an outer shell, inside of which is character and perseverance. For example, Denis Akhalashvili, a regular contributor to the Orthodox information portal pravmir.ru, admits that with all the talents and abilities of Father Photius, his main characteristic, which immediately catches the eye, is that he is a man with Christ. “… It seems that you communicate - nothing special, but your heart is light, and the birds sing …” That says it all. And then - you can love the hieromonk for all his talents, for the wonderfulvoice and more.

Father Fotiy's worthy performances at the competition were watched by a huge number of spectators. In general, the reaction of the public, as well as the mentors, was positive. However, there were also those who, in principle, condemned the participation of a church person in a “secular” event, wondering what it was for and what it would lead to in the end.

Schiarchimandrite Vlasy (Peregontsev) blessed Hieromonk Photius ("Voice") to study music. Feedback from priests about his performances in the competition is positive. Permission to participate in the show was given by the Metropolitan of Kaluga and Borovsk Clement. The main goal pursued at the same time was the cultural mission of the Church, the desire to form its positive image as a treasury of spiritual traditions and high culture. And of course, to show all people that among the servants of God there are talented artists, writers, directors, and their life is not limited to the fence of the monastery.

At first, no one knew how such an "adventure" could end. But life put everything in its place, showing that success comes to those who believe in it and do their job with a pure heart. The fact that a priest appears where they are not used to seeing him may surprise the viewer. But at the same time, it inspires, giving faith in something good. This is exactly what Hieromonk Photius ("Voice") did. Feedback from priests and moral support from fans is a direct confirmation of this.

This is the modern missionary message and educational activity - through the cultural style, and not in edification andthrough lectures and sermons from the stage.

Prayer support for Father Photius was provided by his confessor, Schema-Archimandrite Vlasiy. During the participation of the hieromonk in the show, the brethren of the monastery, headed by Metropolitan Clement of Kaluga and Borovsk, worried about him. The next day after the results of the competition were announced, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated Father Fotiy.

In an interview that Vladyka gave to the press, it is said that the priest's participation in this kind of music competition became possible for several reasons. The main one is the confidence of the higher clergy in the inner strength of Father Photius. In the fact that he is correctly oriented and internally collected, and if participation in the competition would require him to “make a deal with his conscience”, Hieromonk Photius (“Voice”) would not betray his convictions and principles. The responses of the priests and their faith, led by Vladyka, are the main confirmation of this. According to the patriarch, the purpose of Fr. Photius' participation in the show is to show people how to use the gift given by God. The Metropolitan is sure that even if the fate of one person changes and he comes to God as a result of the participation of an Orthodox priest in the show, this will already be a victory for the Church, a victory for Christ in the struggle for every human heart.

A lot of work is planned for 2016 for the participants of the Voice 4 project - they will "travel" across the expanses of vast Russia with concerts. Tours are planned in 12 cities, including Penza, Rostov-on-Don, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Tyumen.

At first, the press reported that he had not received a blessing ontour Hieromonk Photius ("Voice"). The priests' comments say that their point of view regarding his participation in musical tours of Russian cities did not coincide with the views of the organizers of the show. However, later the hieromonk himself told TASS that he had permission for musical touring activities. The participants of the TV project plan to record several music albums, one of which will be pop genre, the other will include spiritual music.

Hieromonk Photius admits that at the moment it is not easy for him to join the rhythm of life, which he did not know before. In addition, he is still trying to retire, it is difficult for him to be in sight. Although he tries to adequately perceive the existing situation, believing that the wave of popularity that has come gradually subsides, and everything will be fine. The main requirement in his "rider" is the ability to live on tour in a separate room. Everything else is of no fundamental importance to him.

That's what happens sometimes in life. An unexpected result comes in an enterprise that at first seems controversial. Father Fotiy proved this by his own example, and so far everything is going right. And then - time will tell. We believe that the Lord will help him, and his talent will benefit society and the Church.