Nikolay Guryanov facts for kids

Nikolai Alekseievich Guryanov (also spelled Gurianov, Russian: Николай Алексеевич Гурьянов; May 24, 1909 – August 24, 2002) was a respected Russian Orthodox priest. Many people believed he had special spiritual gifts. He was often called a starets, which means a wise spiritual elder in the Orthodox Church. People believed he could perform miracles and help with healings.

Life Story of Father Nikolay

Early Life and Challenges

Nikolay Guryanov was born on May 24, 1909. His family lived in a village called Chudskiye Zakhody, in the Gdov area of Saint Petersburg Governorate, Russia. From a young age, he helped in his local church.

In 1926, he finished a teaching college. He tried to continue his studies in 1929 at a university in Leningrad. However, he spoke out against a church being closed. Because of this, he was arrested in 1931. He was sent to a prison in Leningrad and then to a camp near Kiev, Ukraine. He spent seven years in a camp in Syktyvkar.

After he was freed, Nikolay could not live in Leningrad. He worked as a mathematics teacher in schools in the Tosno area. He also served as a psalm reader in a church there.

Becoming a Priest

During World War II, Nikolay was not called to fight. This was because his health was not good, likely due to his time in the camps. When his home area was taken over by German troops, Nikolay and others were moved to the Baltic states.

In 1942, he began studying at a seminary in Vilnius, Lithuania. A seminary is a school where people train to become priests. After two semesters, he became a priest in Riga, Latvia. He then served in different churches in the Baltic states.

He continued his studies part-time at the Leningrad Theological Seminary from 1949 to 1951.

Life on Zalit Island

In 1958, Father Nikolay moved to the Pskov Oblast region. He became the priest of Saint Nicholas' church on Talabsk Island. This island is also known as Zalit Island, located in Lake Peipus. He lived there for the rest of his life, serving as a priest for 40 years. He retired when he was very old but continued to live in a small wooden house nearby.

Many people, including some famous figures like pop stars Andrey Makarevich and Valentina Tolkunova, visited him. They sought his advice and blessings. In his last years, even when he was ill, Father Nikolay still found strength to meet with people. He would give them spiritual guidance and strengthen their faith. His words became very important to many Russian Orthodox Christians.

Father Nikolay passed away on August 24, 2002, at the age of 92. He was buried on August 26 on Talabsk Island.

Special Beliefs and Gifts

Stories of Miracles

People believed that Father Nikolay had special abilities. Stories say he could help find lost people. He was also believed to have helped free people who were held captive.

One famous story tells of a sailor who survived an accident. The sailor came to Zalit Island and recognized Father Nikolay. He said Father Nikolay had appeared to him during the accident and helped him.

Spiritual Predictions

In September 1997, a group of people visited Father Nikolay. One woman asked him about future leaders. He spoke about a "military one" who would rule for a short time. He also said that after this, an Orthodox leader would come. He blessed the woman and told her she would live to see this.

Poetic and Musical Gifts

Father Nikolay also had a special gift for music. He loved church singing. He wrote many spiritual songs and hymns, which he would perform himself. Some of his songs, like "Appraisal to the Mother of God" and "To the Guardian Angel", became very popular. People felt these songs helped them find true repentance.

Many visitors shared stories of how Father Nikolay's songs and words helped them. They said he would sing about their lives and then offer guiding words. This often brought them peace and clarity, helping them start a new life in Christ.

Father Nikolay's Teachings

The Danger of Unbelief

Once, Father Nikolay was asked what he thought was the most dangerous sin. He answered, "Unbelief! This is frightening." When asked if this applied even to Christians, he said, "Yes, even, with Orthodox Christians." This showed how important he felt faith was.

The Power of Love

When asked what he would tell all Orthodox Christians about how to find salvation, he said, "Listen here, the believing man, he must... with abundance of love relate to everything that surrounds him. Understood? With abundance of love." He taught that having great love for everything around you was key.

Devotion to the Last Russian Tsar

Father Guryanov had a deep respect for Nicholas II, the last Russian Tsar. His room was said to be filled with photos and images of Nicholas II and his family. He kept albums and films about the last Russian Tsar.