Photius Instagram. “Participation in “The Voice” is, of course, a daring act
When, during the blind audition, the judges turned to the wonderful voice and saw a monk in front of them, everyone was shocked. And his coach at first made fun of him and asked tricky questions. Apparently, Leps couldn’t get over the shock at first - what should he do with such a colorful member of his team?!
Blind audition, shock and impressions
But then everything went smoothly and wonderfully. Leps selected excellent material for Photius (the first of them was the romance “On the Road to Zagorsk” - immediately at the audition Leps gave Photius to study). Here he is, we look, we listen.
On the way to Zagorsk
The material selected by Leps allowed the monk to hold his head high and not stoop to vulgar primitive hits. Strong, beautiful voice The monk attracted a large army of fans, and the monk won the show.
From the very first broadcasts, questions began to appear: Hieromonk Photius, Golos, the opinion of the priests, how this is allowed, what kind of business it is, monks on stage, and so on. But mostly the opinions of the priests were positive; our lay viewers could not sit quietly in front of the screens. They would rather listen to and applaud all sorts of perverts and mustachioed people. But the modest, childishly pure monk with his crystal strong voice, you see, is not to their liking. Well, you can’t please everyone, but the majority of the people (almost 80%) voted for Photius. And thank God! Perhaps it was not from him, but from above that this speech was allowed to the monk.
Metropolitan Photius blessed him, Hieromonk Macarius spoke very positively about him, Father Vasily, his confessor, let him go with a calm heart. So all those people who were confident in Photius, without doubt, let the monk go to the show.
I would like to quote the words of one priest:
A little biography
Photius (in the world Vitaly Mochalov) was very passionate about music since childhood. but it so happened that he and his parents left for Germany, and after 3 years he returned to his homeland to become a monk, and settled for a long time in the St. Paphnutie Borovsky Monastery. The guy is musical, active, hardworking, simple and modest. He works actively in the monastery both before and after the show, does not shy away from any work, leads the choir, records discs. Young, energetic - why not. In the meantime, we'll listen and see best songs Monk Photius, heard on “The Voice” - it’s very beautiful!
Duet with Leps - Labyrinth
Leps, writhing and distorting sounds, looks next to Photius like Parsley, against the pure and confident, high, strong, powerful and simple sound of Photius...
Rus', always be holy
Very beautiful singing, beautifully designed, clear voices, sound majestic and soulful.
Father Photius, Kormukhina, Petrovsky - magnificent, delightful singing of “Caruso”!
And the monk sang this song with Ella Khrustaleva - great impressions, wonderful blowing, wonderful singing!
Discussion: 3 comments
Hieromonk Photius is not just a singing monk, he is also an unusual person. I read an interview with his friend Denis on Pravmir, and he talked about what a wonderful, calm, kind-hearted person he is, and how devoted he is to God. That’s why his management let him go to the show with a calm soul, they knew that dirt wouldn’t stick to the young monk, and if something went wrong somewhere, he would immediately leave.
I also liked how he says that many go to the monastery for various reasons, and often run away from problems, but there are few people like Photius who go to the monastery out of love for God. They perform there with their brothers, hold concerts for schoolchildren, shoot videos, for all his modesty, Father Photius, it turns out, is a very smart person with a sense of humor, and his discs are already gaining popularity in other countries. It’s great that the country saw him and heard him; maybe someone thought about their life after his speeches...
Answer
God bless Hieromonk Photius! I consider his speeches a kind of sermon, missionary work! Some preach by word, some by deed, and he by singing! And this is great! At first, in his first speech, I felt sorry for him when Leps attacked him - that’s the temptation, but then it became clear that he was powerless, because... I didn’t know how to continue to deal with the hieromonk on stage and in the project! Well done Hieromonk Photius - he took the blow with dignity! And in his performance with Photius, Leps looked very pathetic with his flat and disgusting singing against the pure and academic vocals of the talented hieromonk! It’s great that such bright, clean, worthy works were chosen for performance! Thank God for everything!
In 2015, Russian viewers could watch how a modest monk became the winner of the Voice show, beating hundreds and thousands of other contenders. This event caused indignation among some, indignation among others, but few remained indifferent. Hieromonk Photius (in the world Vitaly Mochalov) - clergyman of the Russian Orthodox Church, abbot of the Pafnutyevo-Borovsky Monastery in the Kaluga region, the first priest who gained fame after a television project.
Childhood and youth of the future star
Vitaly Mochalov born November 11, 1985 in the city of Gorky(present Nizhny Novgorod). The family was not a believer. The boy was interested in music since childhood and attended music school, where he studied singing and playing the piano. Already as a teenager, Vitaly sang in the church choir, and also often soloed in the school group. After school, Vitaly decides to enroll in School of Music majoring in music theory.
But a year later the whole family decides to emigrate to Germany, the city of Kaiserslautern. There the young man does not abandon his hobby and learns to play the organ. Vitaly even earned extra money by playing the organ at concerts in Catholic and Protestant churches.
The young man came to faith on his own. At the age of 7, he asked his mother to go and baptize him, because he was afraid that he would not be able to become an angel. Mom and son were baptized, but churching happened later. After visiting the Blagovest children's Orthodox camp, Vitaly returned home changed. He completely immersed himself in the atmosphere Orthodox life, communication with God, attended services, worked, sang in the choir.
Path to the monastery
After living in Germany for three years, Vitaly returned to Russia without his parents with a firm decision to leave worldly life, the opportunity to be married, money, success and become a monk. The future priest began his ministry at the Pafnutyevo-Borovsky Monastery of the Kaluga diocese. His spiritual father was the famous confessor Schema-Archimandrite Blasius, to whom many believers turn for advice. When Vitaly still had doubts about choosing his life path, it was Vlasiy who suggested that he stay in the monastery.
First, Vitaly was tonsured a monk, in 2011 he was ordained a hierodeacon, and in 2012 he accepted the rank of hieromonk under the name Photius (the meaning of this name is Greek language-"light"). Subsequently, the priest became the choir director of this monastery.
The talented teacher Viktor Tvardovsky trained the monastery singers. With him, the priest again became interested in vocals and began to actively sing. According to Photius himself, Victor helped him “tune” his voice, and Photius still uses the exercises of his original technique.
The monk had many hobbies besides singing. At the monastery, he was engaged in the design and layout of parish publications, and was interested in photography and video editing. There was even a possibility that Photius would go to serve in the army, and the monk himself was going to repay his debt to his homeland, but due to vision problems he was not drafted into the army. Photius speaks excellent German and English languages.
Show "The Voice"
Blind auditions became the first serious test in the show. The hieromonk performed Lensky's aria from the opera Eugene Onegin. Only Grigory Leps turned around. It was clear that the priest was a little shocked by such a course of events, because, according to him, he planned to get to Alexander Gradsky. Photius’s first thought was: “What will I do with Grigory Leps?”
But subsequent events showed that this best option, because Gregory led the monk to victory. Leps even immediately submitted an idea for the blind audition future song, which was whispered into Photius’s ear. It turned out that this was the composition “On the Road to Zagorsk,” which was performed in the quarterfinals.
On his way to the project, Photius performed a varied repertoire:
- composition by Andrea Bocelli;
- the poignant “Monologue” based on Akhmatova’s poems;
- romance “On the Road to Zagorsk”;
- song " Good night, gentlemen" in the final;
- composition “Labyrinths” in a duet with Grigory Leps.
As a winner's song Photius sang Josh Groban's soulful composition "Perte" (For You). The singer generally respects Groban’s work and often performs his other composition “Aligote” (Go Away).
The jury members treated the priest very warmly and with great respect. Vasily Vakulenko (Basta) even asked for a blessing, and Alexander Gradsky invariably defended and praised the unusual contestant.
When the project came to audience voting, there was no longer any doubt about Photius’ victory. After all, the priest was ahead of his competitors by a huge margin, only increasing the percentage over and over again. The people responded and were imbued with the good nature, modesty and sincere performance of the monk. Many voted not so much for the singing, but for the image, for the courage.
After the victory, Patriarch Kirill himself congratulated Photius. In his message, he noted that the event was initially very controversial and raised doubts, because the stage and fame are incompatible with monasticism. But the result exceeded all expectations. The patriarch also wished Photius to preserve that modesty and natural behavior in the difficult time after the competition and noted that the monastic path he had chosen exceeded the victory he won.
Monk Photius after a burst of fame
Of course, the falling fame radically changed the work and life of Hieromonk Photius. Now he is active concert activities, communicates on social networks and can no longer be just a monk in a monastery. We have to combine monastic and social life. In 2016, there was even a danger that Photius would leave the stage and concert activities.
Information appeared in the media that the acting abbot of the Pafnutyevo-Borovsky monastery asked the patriarch what to do with Photius, because he not only sings, but also gives various interviews through which people form an idea of Orthodoxy and monasticism. In particular, an episode was mentioned in which Photius said that he “became bored” in the monastery. The Patriarch replied that through Father Photius many are discovering Orthodox faith, the monk has not only fame, but also people's love. Therefore, the patriarch did not use his powers and prohibit the priest from speaking.
Other clergy also generally evaluate Photius's activities positively. After all, if at least one person thinks about faith and comes to church thanks to the singing and performances of the priest, this will already be a small victory and a good deed.
Active touring activities now occupies all the time of Hieromonk Photius. Last news can delight fans: the priest’s schedule is planned many months in advance. The repertoire includes arias from famous operas, foreign hits, classic pop compositions. Photius, as a rule, performs in small chamber halls. Kirov, Pskov, St. Petersburg, Obninsk, Moscow - far from full list cities where the hieromonk performed. In June 2017, a large solo concert was given at Crocus City Hall.
On social networks you can easily find the accounts of Photius (hieromonk), where all the news and concert program. On his VKontakte page, various compositions, live recordings from concerts are posted, and you can also see many enthusiastic responses from the audience.
On his Instagram profile, Photius loves to make his fans laugh. For example, not long ago he posted a video where he sings into a microphone, and then quickly eats a singing aid, because it was chocolate. The priest often appears on television, gives interviews, was a guest at entertainment shows
on Channel One:
- "Evening Urgant";
- "Alone with everyone";
- “While everyone is at home”;
- “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” together with another Voice winner Sergei Volchkov.
Was released in September 2016 debut album "Romances". The disc contains works by great composers: Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Rimsky-Korsakov.
The priest admits that it is not easy for him to cope with the new way of life, but he tries to maintain the right monastic attitude. The ability to retire, that is, to live in a separate room, is the only requirement in his rider on tour. Time will tell how his fate will develop further, but for now Hieromonk Photius pleases and inspires hundreds and thousands of people with his voice.
The appearance of the monk in popular TV show and his victory made a lot of noise. Even after several months, talk about this does not subside. And their “culprit” himself, Hieromonk Photius, a resident of the St. Paphnutius Borovsky Monastery, became a welcome guest on many television and radio programs. His tour schedule scheduled for several months in advance. Fans are demanding solo discs.
Photius himself frankly told us whether show business interferes with monastic vows.
A meeting was arranged at the monastery. Its almost meter-thick walls, incredible silence and flocks of pigeons hovering over the domes of the temples are peaceful.
I want to forget about everything, bowing my head in prayer.
Photius appears. The monk has a phone in his hands. The priest moves around the monastery almost without taking his eyes off his screen. Even during the interview, Photius does not part with him. First the phone is on the table. But as soon as it begins to make sounds, announcing the arrival of a message, it ends up in the hands of a monk. Sometimes the clergyman is so immersed in what is happening on the other side of the screen that he loses the thread of the conversation.
- You are quite an advanced father: you actively use social networks, constantly upload photos to Instagram.
For me, social networks are a means of communication and self-expression. There I see an indicator of my usefulness - efficiency: what people like and what they don’t like. This is a certain scale. In real time, you can see the attitude towards one or another of your words.
- Are you ready to change your repertoire for the sake of the public?
Everyone has their own tastes, but there are some common trends. I listen to them. It is very important to me when enough is enough a large number of fans express their preferences. Based on this, I make some adjustments in the performance and repertoire. Mostly people love good Russian songs, urban romance with deep meaning- something you rarely hear these days. For example, songs by Eduard Khil, Mark Bernes.
- In the generally accepted view, monks are ascetics who pray day and night. Modern monk - who is it? Why did he come to the monastery?
A man goes to a monastery to find special conditions salvation, because you can be saved in the world. And your posthumous fate will depend on how you spend your life in the monastery. Of course, you need to live with dignity. The way I behave is not an example of an ideal monastic feat.
- Why?
I actively communicate with the world, but in theory, I should completely cut it off and be in a monastery physically, spiritually and mentally. Because walls won't save you. You can communicate, go online. Then what is the point of being in a monastery if you left it via the Internet and found a loophole.
-Have you found such a loophole?
It turns out, yes. I realized that this is not only a temptation for me, a temptation, but namely (sighs. - Author's note) my weakness and own wish somehow find a compromise - a synthesis of staying in the monastery and communicating with the people. Because people, as it turns out, are very interested in just such a spiritual life. Although there are radical people who believe that there should be no communication with the world. Well, let them think so, the position is more important to me - when people are drawn to monks, when you can give answers to their questions. And say this in their language, and not in the language of the patristic books. You can simply close yourself here and read only spiritual books, but you will not be understandable to young people. And since I’m young, with technical skills, I actively use this tool to show from inside the monastery that we are the same people who know how to enjoy everything. I try to carry through social network a little sermon of some kindness.
- The response is important to you. And if he doesn’t exist, will you leave social networks?
Yes, I analyze what is happening there, not for the sake of vanity, not for the sake of the number of likes and reposts. I see what people like and build the content on my page accordingly.
Photo from the dressing room before the performance at the Kaluga Regional Philharmonic.
- As if teasing the audience, you often post photos from dressing rooms with various goodies - cakes and other sweets. And you don’t even hide the fact that you have a weakness for cheese.
These are not provocative photographs. People come up with stereotypes, and then they themselves cannot abandon them. They are simply annoyed, turned inside out if the monk laid out candy. They think it's bad. But they cannot explain why they find this reprehensible. I'm the same person. Therefore, I try to show that monks are people who are not alien to any worldly weaknesses: we also love to eat delicious food, but we do not cultivate gluttony or lust. I don't just show food, I show its aesthetic side. This is a kind of upbringing. I talk about my taste - it is simple, not some kind of sophisticated. Yes, cheeses are my weakness.
- Whether you wanted it or not, you became an idol for many, and the Bible says: “Thou shalt not make for yourself an idol.”
I don't like how reverence turns into fandom. This is, of course, a problem.
Photius receives a huge number of letters and parcels from fans.
- You have a huge number of subscribers on social networks, you receive dozens of letters. What are they writing to you about?
Basically these are words of gratitude, appreciation for the fact that I appeared on television, on stage in general. They write, congratulate, ask, of course, prayer help. I perform not just as a singer, but also as a priest, which is why people are drawn to me, including as a person who understands spiritual issues and can suggest something: how to behave in a certain religious sense, how to live. An interesting situation: kind of like an artist and at the same time - like a spiritual therapist.
- Do you try to answer all letters?
I don't have time to answer yet. Frankly speaking, I don’t even have time to read them or open them, because I’m always traveling and doing something. Of course, I open the parcels right away, it’s interesting (smiles). And there’s some little thing, some sweets... They usually find out on social networks what I need. I once said that I was standing in the cold and I didn’t even have gloves. And people immediately start to worry and send me gloves...
The monk was sent a scarf and a volume of poetry.
Gingerbread.
Parcel from Switzerland.
- How do you feel about your popularity?
I am not flattered by the sappy comments and praise that come my way. The main thing is to see what brings people joy.
- Popularity is fleeting; in 2-3 years they may not even remember about you as a participant in the project. Are you ready for this?
So much the better - only loyal fans will remain. I was initially disadvantageous to Channel One. I can’t continue to cooperate with him, it’s all very difficult. In order for me to go on air again, I need to obtain so many permits, approve documents, sign... This is very responsible. Anything I say at First can be used against me.
- Main question, which many people ask: “Why did the monk go to the project, why does he need such wide audience, so much attention?
In fact, of course, it is not needed. It turned out she needed me. Even before participating in “The Voice,” I analyzed people’s responses to my performances. The public wanted to hear me, to receive the discs that I recorded myself. The thought arose that it would be nice to speak to the whole country so that people would hear me and somehow be happy.
- Do you think you would have become a winner without being a monk, but only thanks to your vocal abilities?
Maybe not. I am an unusual person, and the public’s attention was immediately drawn to me. Everyone at this competition shines with their vocal abilities, there are no unworthy ones - all are professionals, even those who dropped out during the first broadcasts. They're great. People vote for a whole complex - they see the image, they see the message, they see some kind of sincerity. I often hear that they voted for me not because I am an Orthodox monk, but because they were deeply touched and captivated by my performance.
- More than once in your interviews you said: if you are invited to participate in Eurovision, you are ready to give a worthy answer to Conchita Wurst. How did you hear about it? Have you seen her performance?
It's hard not to know about her. Moreover, after her victory, Eurovision is considered a hotbed of debauchery. They say it’s better not to go there at all, let alone a priest, clergyman, and even to the laity. But I have a different opinion. If there is such a platform, you need to perform on it. If people love shocking things, surprises, something unusual, we need to strike back - to show that not only depraved things can be popular, but also something pure and bright, coming from that part of our humanity that preaches only goodness and morality.
With Timur Kizyakov on the set of the program “While everyone is at home.”
- It seemed to me that you were tired of attention and fame.
I would gladly rest for a week. Constantly some calls, business, personal communication with people. I would like to somehow maintain life on social networks, respond, make some updates. Just a little bit - and you go to bed at three in the morning. I would like everyone to forget about me.
- And even concerts don’t bring you pleasure?
At first you get pleasure, but it gets boring and burdensome very quickly. I want to bury myself somewhere. I am a person of a different temperament - I am embarrassed on stage, I don’t know how to behave correctly. I sing as I sing - that’s all. People see my kind of detachment - I seem to be singing, but I’m not with them, but as if I’m in my own world.
Television center "Ostankino". Hieromonk with Ivan Okhlobystin and Garik Sukachev.
- I know that, in addition to professional singing, you composed music before coming to the monastery. Why did you stop doing this?
It was no longer necessary, although it was not needed in the world - just a hobby. I wrote “on the table”, no one heard it. I am waiting for the moment when there will be such a turn in my destiny that I will be able to realize this ability. She is perhaps even more significant to me than her voice. Self-realization is very important for a person, especially when he feels potential in himself, but it does not bear fruit. The music I write is not that popular. It is not electronic and does not suit the tastes of the masses. And in general, now it’s difficult to occupy a niche on the Internet, there’s already so much music posted there. You just need to mind your own business, your own direction. And for me this is film music. It is clear that as a monk I will no longer be able to write music - only if it somehow happens that they offer it.
- After winning the project, you were presented with gifts - a trip to France, a car.
I can go at any time, I just need to get a blessing. But the car has not yet left the assembly line. By the way, I passed my license the year before last; I really wanted to have a car. Maybe for me this was additional motivation to go to “The Voice”. I knew that the winner gets the car. Of course, I wasn’t saving up for a Lada; I wanted a slightly different car. Although the first car should be simpler - domestic.
- What kind of car would you like? How can a monk save up for it?
I wanted a Toyota. Yes, there’s really nothing to save up for. These are all just some kind of benefactors. A larger amount no one will give it. If you cut yourself short in some way, you won’t eat sushi or pizza one more time. So, quietly, penny by penny - and you know that you already have money for the engine.
- Aren't you afraid that fame can break you?
There is nothing positive in it, but nothing negative either. The most important thing is to justify it so that it is not empty. Achieving fame and becoming popular doesn't cost anything. In fact, a butt shown several times on television will also become popular. The most important thing is to earn this fame with dignity in order to live up to it.
Now Photius, together with other participants of “The Voice”, is preparing for a tour throughout the country. Father will give and solo concerts. So, tickets in Kaluga for his March performance are selling like hot cakes. What the monk would spend the money on, he could not say. Stating that these are not such big funds. When we approached the temple, a woman ran up to us.
- Father Photius, can I take a photo with you? When I tell my people in the village that I saw you, no one will believe it!
After the photo shoot, pilgrims literally flocked to the monk, asking for a blessing. Without looking at them, trying to make his way through the crowd, Photius complied with their request and disappeared. Obedience to the priest - singing in the choir in the choir. The rest of the time he is almost always online.
Photo: Svetlana TARASOVA and from Photius’s personal page “VKontakte”.
The voice of Hieromonk Photius (Mochalov), a participant in the show, evokes the most conflicting feelings among fans of the project.
On the one hand, the audience is pleased with the singer’s soulful voice, on the other hand, the ward of Grigory Leps was initially placed in more comfortable conditions and this causes criticism.
Father Photius is not allowed to sing rock, jazz or just songs at a fast tempo. He always speaks beautifully, but in general, always one-sidedly in the Channel One project. However, this did not stop the performer from collecting greatest number audience votes.
Who is Father Photius, where does he come from, what is his personal life like, how he came to church and how he got on the Voice show - we will answer these questions in today’s publication.
Hieromonk Photius, in Mira Vitaly Mochalov was born in Nizhny Novgorod January 1, 1987.
The boy became involved in music and faith from childhood. He attended a local music school, learning to sing and play the piano. When Vitaly was seven years old, he began to ask his mother to take him to church and baptize him.
At school, the boy felt like a black sheep because he was bullied by students. He did not want to take part in games, but devoted all his time to music lessons. Vitaly received his first connection to the church at the Blagovest children's Orthodox camp.
The true churching of the future monk occurred already in his adult years. The Mochalov family was in exile in Germany at that time. There Vitaly went to the local parish, learned to play the organ, made pilgrimages and gradually came to the idea of monasticism.
Three years later, Vitaly returned to Russia, entered the service of the St. Paphnutievsky Monastery in the Kaluga region and took monastic vows, becoming Hieromonk Photius.
Monastic life did not become an obstacle to Photius’s pursuit of music. The hieromonk was sent to the choir, and to train his voice he took vocal lessons in Moscow.
After twenty lessons, Photius returned to the monastery, but did not lose contact with his teacher. Viktor Tvardovsky visited his student in the monastery, learning more complex things with him, including arias from operas.
Gradually, Hieromonk Photius mastered romances and songs. He was given good musical equipment, thanks to which he was able to record and post two discs on the Internet.
With the advent of the Voice project on the first TV channel, the hieromonk’s friends invited him to try his hand, but Photius only decided to season four. Initially, he expected to get into the team of Alexander Gradsky, but he had to go to Grigory Leps.
The mentor met the new mentee a little with hostility, asking him the question “What will you do if you win the project?”
Photius was confused and honestly answered that he had not thought about it, and coming to the project was a feat for him.
However, despite some inconsistencies, the contestant successfully passes from one round to another. The next time we will see Father Photius will be in the semi-finals, and it is possible that he will also make it to the finals of the show The Voice.
Hieromonk Photius, blind auditions, Lensky's Aria
Hieromonk Photius, “On the Road to Zagorsk”
Father Photius successfully made it to the finals, performing “Monologue” by Marina Tsvetaeva. The contestant received 60% from the mentor and 79.25 from TV viewers. Thus, Hieromonk Photius gained a total number of votes of 139.2% Listen to the song “Monologue” performed by Father Photius
Your site was with you, see you soon
Father Photius is a participant in the “Voice” project. Today, only the lazy have not heard of this modest and talented young man. His appearance on stage was very unexpected, but the hieromonk immediately endeared himself to the viewer 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 faithful 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 of the “Voice” project) serves, what he lives, what his path to music was - the reader will learn about all this from the materials of our article.
For reference: “The Voice” is a music show that appeared on television Russian television in 2012, and at the end of 2015 it was recognized as the best television product. The adapted version of the Dutch 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”) - in the world Vitaly Mochalov - 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, and sometimes even beat him. And he endured and silently endured insults. Surprisingly, the guy did not become embittered with the world; on the contrary, he began to love nature, animals, and people even more. He always found a hobby and never sat idle. The parents knew what was happening at school and tried to provide moral support for their son.
IN school years Vitaly studied at a music studio, where he took vocal and piano lessons, and sang in the school choir. His childhood dream was to quickly grow up and become talented composer, to compose music. A little later, when his voice began to break, Vitaly began singing in the church choir.
From childhood, the boy was interested in religious foundations and often asked his parents about the existence of God. Why this topic began to concern him and where it all began, he now does 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 get baptized. Vitaly said that without doing this, he would not become an angel. The mother complied with her son’s request and was baptized together with Vitaly, but this did not become the first step towards their churching. According to the hieromonk himself, they knew little about religion then and did not go to church.
IN church life Vitaly took the plunge a little later, when he ended up in the Blagovest children's Orthodox camp, created under Sunday school cathedral The guy took part in liturgies, sang in the choir, and, I must say, he liked the whole atmosphere. The boy returned from the camp completely different. The parents immediately noticed changes in their son - he looked incredibly inspired and inspired by some idea.
After school, Vitaly entered the music school in the department music theory, and the enthusiasm associated with the church gradually disappeared - there was not enough time for anything other than studying. The future “Voice” contestant studied diligently and diligently. Father Photius is a participant whose (creative) biography began in his homeland 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.
Faith found me again
In Germany, in a small town where the family lived, there was Orthodox parish, where Vitaly and his mother began to go often. In the church, a young man sang in the choir and sometimes served as a sexton. All the forgotten childhood experiences of communicating with God suddenly flared up with renewed vigor. This trembling 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 as a pilgrim. He spent several weeks in the monastery, and when he returned home, he returned to his thoughts.
He faced a serious choice: service to the Lord or worldly goods - fame, money, popularity. It must be said 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 special state of mind, for which the guy was not ready at that time. However, when he re-read the Gospel, as well as books about the lives of 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 Blasius (Peregontsev). This elder was known in Russia as a spiritual father, to whom many believers turned for advice. Vitaly went to Svyato-Pafnutiev with a firm conviction: whatever the priest says, so he will do. The elder invited Vitaly to stay, and the young man accepted the sage’s words as the will of God. He accepted monasticism and became Hieromonk Photius. Today Father Photius is a resident of the St. Paphnutiev Borovsky Monastery.
Of course, when Vitaly’s parents found out about his decision, their reaction was ambiguous. Mom, no matter how hard it was for her, blessed her son. The father was upset at first - he did not want to accept Vitaly’s choice, however, seeing the firmness of his convictions young man, resigned himself.
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 a desire to hide from personal problems or instability. It is rare that someone is simply ready to exchange a well-fed, prosperous life for serving God in the humble conditions of a monastery cell. By the way, the young novice was ready for harsh work and trials within the walls of the monastery. The hieromonk did not at all expect that he new life will in no way prevent his worldly passion for music, which he thought he would have to say goodbye to forever. “The Voice” was waiting ahead. Father Photius 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 young man’s life was hidden from prying eyes. He was just a humble novice.
Music is always with me
At first, Hieromonk Photius sang in the choir. 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, using the teacher’s method, specially developed for him. Surprisingly, in the life of the young man everything somehow worked out by itself, and his talent, given from above, did not disappear, but turned into service for the good of the Church.
The teacher helped Father Photius establish his voice and taught him to sing correctly. In addition to church works, the hieromonk’s repertoire included complex opera arias, romances, Russian folk songs. With his brethren he took part in various events, spoke at schools, hospitals, and in front of veterans.
It must be said that the priest can sing not only in Russian, but also in Japanese, Italian, Georgian and Serbian. Hieromonk Photius speaks excellent German and English. Reviews from Orthodox Christians visiting the Borovsky Monastery are always positive. People really love the singing of Father Photius.
Hobbies
The horizons of this talented person is not limited only to his own passion for music. He is a regent in the choir, spiritually supports the theater at the Kovcheg Sunday school, and is involved in layout children's magazine"Ship."
Father is a passionate man. For all his outward softness and meekness, Hieromonk Photius has an incredibly strong character. Reviews from 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, in addition to his own interests, the priest is concerned with the interests of other people.
Photius tries to help everyone who needs help. He's filming documentaries and various videos that participate in competitions. The topics of the video material are very diverse, but, what is important, useful and relevant in modern world. For example, in his creative biography there is a film about the youth movement, a clip against abortion for All-Russian festival in defense of morality. The hieromonk also has educational materials in his collection, for example, “Borovsky Monastery. A day before Christmas" is a story about monastic life, which won a prize at a regional amateur film festival.
Despite the fact that Father Photius has abandoned secular vanity, he is open to life. A hieromonk is a modern young man who understands technology, computers, mobile applications. He is always up to date. In a word, Father Photius enjoys all the benefits of civilization.
Project "Voice"
When a clergyman appeared among the contestants in the fourth season of the “Voice” project, not only the participants, but also many television viewers were discouraged. “Why?”, “How?”, “What’s next?” - similar questions arose in the hearts of the majority. No one knew exactly how everything would turn out, how the filming of the episodes 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 music shows Russia. How the mentors would react to his performance, whether anyone would want to work with him - all this was spinning in the contestant’s head like a broken record.
At the “blind audition”, Father Photius presented to the audience a difficult composition to perform - Lensky’s aria from the opera “Eugene Onegin”. The hieromonk later turned to him and ended up on his team. Although, according to Father Photius, academic vocals were always close to him, and the man counted on collaborating with Alexander Gradsky.
It must be said that Father Photius has already made an attempt to take part in music competition. He got to the casting of the second season of “The Voice”, however, without securing the blessing of the Metropolitan, he did not participate in further selections. In 2015, the situation was different. sent an official letter to Metropolitan Clement of Kaluga and Borovsk with a request to allow Father Photius to participate in the show.
Atmosphere of the competition
According to Hieromonk Photius himself, the jury members treated him very well. The Holy Father liked the correct approach of the channel’s producers, who took into account the peculiarities of the life of the unusual contestant and respected his rank. For example, in order not to put the hieromonk in an awkward position, in the competition profile, where the participants talk about themselves, his acquaintances and friends spoke about Father Photius. During the recording of his speeches, he 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, behind the scenes of “The Voice” there was a sense of competition and a spirit of rivalry. There was no sincere friendliness there, since everyone considered each other to be future competitors...”, says Father Photius about the relationship with other participants in the competition. Reviews from the audience were for the most part very favorable, although there were those who did not like the presence of Photius on stage. During the competition, the hieromonk mainly communicated with Grigory Leps, although he tried to treat all participants kindly. Father Photius admits that even if he had not won the show himself, he would have been sincerely happy for the leader, because victory for him is not only joy but also a burden of responsibility.
By the way, Father Photius is a participant whose personal life, unlike many, is very transparent and pure. He devotes himself entirely to the Lord, and this is the meaning of his whole life.
There is no envy and dirt in this show
Father Photius won the “Voice” project - 76% of TV viewers voted for him. At first, the hieromonk did not expect to prevail over his rivals, but gradually he realized that everything was turning out very well for him, as if someone was leading him along his destiny. Towards the end of the project, Photius realized that he had every chance of winning. After the results of the competition were announced, the hieromonk thanked his fans from the bottom of his heart and added that his triumph was perhaps not well deserved, because there were a lot of people involved in the project. talented people, professionals in their field.
Father Photius says that, of course, he is glad about the victory, as some kind of sign from above, confirming his ability to bring joy to people with his singing. If the hieromonk had failed at the first stages of the competition, there would have been reason to think about the advisability of vocal lessons. As a prize for winning, the priest was awarded a new car. By the way, his dreams came true, because he always dreamed of own car Hieromonk Photius.
