Music is a space for creativity. Hieromonk Photius biography, photo, personal life Hieromonk Photius official

Hieromonk Photius is an unusually modest person who is reluctant to discuss not only his successes, but also his biography, his path in Orthodoxy and on the stage. He did not immediately decide to come to the project that brought him all-Russian fame, although he was invited there. He chose the path in Orthodoxy despite his family, but with her tacit consent. So who is he - Hieromonk Photius, who won millions of hearts with his enchanting voice?

Biography of Hieromonk Photius

In everyday life, Hieromonk Photius’s name is Mochalov Vitaly Vladimirovich. He was born in November 1985 in the city of Gorky (Nizhny Novgorod), in a family far from both religion and art. The boy’s mother graduated from music school at one time, but did not choose this as her main profession.

As a child, Vitaly was modest and did not have close friendships with his classmates. In parallel with general education The boy also received a musical degree, sang in the choir at school and the local church, and willingly attended classes at a church-oriented school.

After the 10th grade, Vitaly and his family moved to the German city of Kaiserslautern, where he went to study the basics of playing the organ, fortunately there was a base for this - he studied piano in Gorky.

In Germany, Vitaly earned money himself - he played and sang at concerts, took part in church services V Orthodox churches. In 2005, the young man decided to return to Russia, since he could not get used to the European way of life and mentality that was alien to him. The desire to be useful to his homeland led him to the military registration and enlistment office - he wanted to serve in the army, but vision problems did not allow him to choose this path.

Hieromonk Photius - the path in Orthodoxy

Having received a ban on military service, the young man went to one of the monasteries in the Kaluga region, took monastic vows and became a monk named Savvaty. In 2011, he received the rank of hierodeacon and the name Photius.

Two years later, Vitaly Mochalov became hieromonk Photius. The senior clergy speaks of him as a diligent, inquisitive monk with a strong character. Father Photius took on the work of layout and design at the publishing house of the Holy Paphnutian Monastery, studies foreign languages, studies music and vocals, and these activities do not harm his faith.

Creativity in the life of Hieromonk Photius

In the life of Vitaly Mochalov, and then of Hieromonk Photius, creativity always occupied special place. Since childhood, he was passionate about music and vocals, tried to gain new knowledge in this area, but the main life's path nevertheless chose Orthodoxy.

At the St. Paphnutiev Monastery, he met a unique vocal teacher, Viktor Tvardovsky, who developed for him an individual system of exercises for solo singing.

In parallel with singing, music and serving the Lord, Photius is also engaged in other creative and educational areas - he has mastered the art of photography, is learning foreign languages ​​and is already fluent in German and English.

Hieromonk Photius sings in several languages ​​- his native Russian, English and German, Georgian, Italian and even Japanese. Go out to big stage He didn’t initially plan it, but he still sent an application for the show “The Voice” and even received an invitation. In 2013, he did not dare to go to Moscow, but fate brought him to the capital, albeit a little later.

Hieromonk Photius in the “Voice” project

The first application of Hieromonk Photius, received by the project organizers in 2013, was approved, but the priest did not show up for the casting. The trip was supposed to be blessed, but Photius did not dare, did not dare to ask for a blessing.

Two many years he reflected, shared his doubts with his spiritual mentors and received their blessing. In 2015, Photius again sent his recording to the organizers of the “Voice” project, and it was again approved.

The goal of Hieromonk Photius was not fame and recognition. With his participation he wanted to encourage Orthodox world to communicate through music, to expand his boundaries, and he managed to do it.

Grigory Leps became both a vocal and a kind of spiritual mentor for him on the project - he was the only member of the jury to turn his chair around during the performance of an unusual participant and did not regret it at all.

Leps managed to understand his student and select for him the repertoire that does not contradict the Orthodox canons. Neither the mentor nor the contestant himself hoped for victory, but it happened - Hieromonk Photius reached the finals, more than 70% of the project’s viewers voted for him.

Leps said that working with such an unusual ward was difficult, but very interesting - he had to comply with certain requirements when choosing a repertoire, but despite this, he was able to try the contestant’s strengths in different directions– from opera arias to vocal works in rock style. Hieromonk Photius easily completed all the tasks given to him by his mentor and became the winner of the television competition.

Personal life and family of Hieromonk Photius

In life, Hieromonk Photius is a sociable, but very modest and shy person. Personal for him is service to Orthodoxy. The victory in the show “The Voice” became a kind of window into secular world, but Photius strictly observes Orthodox canons and in this aspect of my life.

All the benefits that give him vocal career, he does not use it for personal purposes - the funds go either to the needs of the church and his native monastery, or to charity.

It is interesting that the hieromonk is open for communication - he has pages on almost all social networks, but whether he runs them himself or is done by members of his fan club is not known for certain. Photius gives interviews reluctantly; he selects television programs and printed publications very carefully. He is not going to give up spiritual life and service to Orthodoxy.

That is why, having enlisted the support of his brothers, he risked trying his hand at the vocal television project “The Voice”. The singer's sincerity and sincerity so sank into the souls of the judges and television viewers that, based on the results of the final voting, he managed to gain a record number of votes and become the winner of the fourth season.

The childhood of Hieromonk Photius

At the age of 7, the young man could boast of playing the piano quite well and good voice. He acquired basic skills at the local music school, which long time I didn’t want to teach the talented young man, citing the fact that he had unsuitable fingers. Having coped with all the difficulties, he still managed to graduate from school in piano.

To improve his skills, the guy joined the school choir, and also sang along with his mother at every opportunity. By the way, she graduated from the same music school at one time. While doing what he loved, Vitaly did not even suspect that very soon his voice would begin to “break.”

As soon as this happened, he decided to attend church school and continue singing in the choir. Days flew by, the boy grew up and moved further and further away from his classmates. After finishing 9 grades, Vitaly applied to a music school, where he hoped to gain new knowledge.

After studying for only 1 year, he was forced to leave his studies and move with his parents to the German city of Kaiserslautern. In order not to lose what he had learned, the guy continued to study music and singing, but this time instead of the piano he chose the organ.

At this time, Photius began to actively perform at concerts, and also often took part in church services, thus earning his first money. Years passed, but the young man could not get used to a foreign country, so in 2005 he decided to return to his homeland.

Hieromonk Photius and the church

Once in the church, the guy continued to study music and even more, he put a lot of effort into improving his voice. In this he was helped by the honored teacher Viktor Tvardovsky, who spoke very flatteringly about the guy. He considered him a kind, bright and intelligent young man with a strong character.

In addition to music, Photius is also interested in photography and studying various foreign languages. In a relatively short time he managed to master English perfectly and German language. In addition to this, he is able to perform almost any song in Japanese, Italian and Georgian.

Hieromonk Photius plays a role in the production “Our Fatherland - Holy Rus'”

After completing his studies with Tvardovsky, Photius studied vocals for a long time, using special exercises, which were developed by a respected teacher. And only in 2010 the guy took monastic vows, and 3 years later he officially became a hieromonk.

Hieromonk Photius and the show “The Voice”

After some time, the guy rethought everything and realized that “The Voice” is, first of all, a talent competition, and only then a TV show. Having gathered his thoughts, he went to have a serious conversation with confessors and metropolitans to convince them to let him go to the competition. In general, it took him 2 years, because he only dared to apply again in 2015.

Once on the show, Photius tried in every possible way not to tarnish the honor of the monastery and the dignity of the entire church. Perhaps faith helped him cope with all the difficulties, or maybe numerous prayers abbots and spiritual fathers. In fact, when he came to the show, the guy did not want fame and universal recognition, but rather to push and encourage all people to self-improvement through music.

Finding yourself for the first time big stage, the hieromonk was not at a loss and brilliantly performed an aria from Eugene Onegin. Unfortunately, his work impressed only Grigory Leps, because it was he who turned to the participant.

Hieromonk Photius " Good night", gentlemen" (Final - Voice)

As Photius himself later admitted, he dreamed of joining the team of Alexander Gradsky, but fate decreed otherwise. Despite this, his idol still paid attention to him and even agreed to perform Lensky’s aria from the opera “Eugene Onegin” with him.

At first, the jury members did not even realize that the clergyman would be able to reach the finals, but deep in their hearts they were glad of this. At the end of the project, Grigory Leps was very proud of his ward, as he managed to meet all his expectations. fight for Grand Prize The show “The Voice” was lucky for four contestants: Era Kann (Basta’s team), Mikhail Ozerov (Alexander Gradsky’s team), Olga Zadonskaya (Polina Gagarina’s team) and Hieromonk Photius (Grigory Leps’ team).

In December 2015, the clergyman sang the song Per te (“For you”) and captivated all television viewers with it. During live broadcast More than 900,000 viewers voted for him. As a result, he won a phenomenal victory, receiving 75% of all votes. Having officially become the winner, he was given the keys to a brand new car. Monk Photius serves in the St. Paphnutevsky Monastery

At one time, already a clergyman, the guy dreamed of giving back to his homeland and becoming a military man. Unfortunately, doctors discovered problems with his vision and rejected him. Since then everything free time he devoted himself to music and the church.

Perhaps it was thanks to his perseverance and determination that he managed not only to win the show, but also to teach a lesson to all people who doubt their abilities.

Hieromonk Photius today

Today, Hieromonk Photius is the first clergyman to become widely popular “in the world.” Glory came to Hieromonk Photius after his victory in famous project"Voice". To some extent, the clergy became a pioneer, because the participation of the clergy in commercial music projects seemed unthinkable for most listeners. Father Photius proved that love for God and devotion to music - quite compatible things. The monk’s songs carry beauty, peace and special warmth, and he himself serves good example for the public.

Biography of Hieromonk Photius

Father's childhood

The following facts are truly known about the life of Hieromonk Photius in childhood:

• After completing 9 years of schooling, Vitaly decided to continue his education at music school.
• Studying in Russia did not last long, only one year. After that the parents young man decided to move. The choice fell on Kaiserslautern city in Germany. There Vitaly learned to play the organ.
• During these years, the guy first began to earn money by participating in organ concerts, and also did not forget about church services.
• In the city where Vitaly lived with his family there was an Orthodox church, which he often visited and sang in the choir, sometimes working as a sexton.
• Photius never managed to get comfortable in a foreign country; he was always drawn to his homeland and in 2005, he returned to Russia.

Serving God, monasticism

Some time after returning to his native place, the young man visited the Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra as a pilgrim.

He was in the monastery for only two weeks, but he was left with a lot of impressions. Memories from childhood returned, questions arose about my true purpose. However, at that moment, Vitaly understood that life in the monastery was very difficult and he was not yet ready for this.

Nevertheless, this time was very fruitful, he read the Gospel again, studied the lives of the saints and saw Orthodox Church in a new light.

Vitaly decided that he needed advice from another person. Schema-Archimandrite Blasius was known as a wise old man, and many religious people went to him for help. Blasius advised him to become a monk. So, Vitaly became the worshiper Photius, an inhabitant St. Pafnutev Borovsky Monastery.

The parents, of course, experienced serious distress when they learned about their son’s decision. Mother blessed Vitaly’s choice, realizing that this was not a blind dream. Although it was very difficult for her. The father tried to convince the young man, but it was impossible and he had no choice but to simply accept it.

Vitaly’s choice was absolutely conscious, following the call of his heart. It's no secret that some people go to a monastery to hide from problems and compensate for their unsettled situation. Few are capable leave worldly well-being, and devote himself to service from now on, living in a small modest cell.

Vitaly has always been very capable in music and a great future was predicted for him. Once in the monastery, he was prepared for the fact that, if necessary, he might have to give up his dream.

How many trials he had to endure as a novice! But he persevered through hard work.

In the monastery, Vitaly made a lot of efforts to make his voice sound better. After some time, he began to attend vocal classes with the honored teacher Viktor Tvardovsky. The hieromonk speaks of him with particular warmth. Then, due to lack of time, Photius practiced singing on his own, using the technique of the same Tvardovsky.

The teacher improved the vocal technique of Father Photius, his repertoire significantly expanded and enriched. The voice became well-trained and well-trained, capable of performing even complex opera roles.

With the consent of the archpriest, together with his brothers from the monastery, Father Photius participated in events, singing songs in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

Apparently, the Lord counted the young man’s talent necessary people, and all creative activity came as a matter of course, without any special ideas.

Hobbies of a priest

Father - very multifaceted and versatile developed person . He is not only a regent, but also designs a magazine for children and helps the Sunday school theater.

People around me never cease to wonder how such outward softness can hide such strong personality. Photius thinks a lot about others and does his best to help those who need support. It has a very purposeful character and definitely achieves what he wants.

Besides:

Project "Voice"

Hieromonk Photius on social networks

Participation in “The Voice” forced the musician to create accounts in in social networks, For example: VK, Instagram, Twitter, and also has a YouTube channel. The pages are constantly updated and contain current information. True, it is not known whether Hieromonk Photius is personally involved in this. Music and creativity in contact can be published by his concert manager or fans of creativity.

On Periscope, the priest conducts broadcasts where he speaks on pressing topics, conducts video walks, talks about preparing the current dinner, or shows how he drives a car. Such activities benefit modern youth. After all, boys and girls associate the Church with something old-fashioned, and the life of a monk seems completely miserable and boring. Thanks to the priest’s activity on the Internet, young people became interested in religious topics.

Previously, people not associated with the church were even confused with the name of the rank of “hieromonk.” Some young people even added the prefix neuromon, probably confusing it with a popular group.

The monk’s subscribers note that Photius has a wonderful sense of humor and his videos are very pleasant to watch. They publish their discussions on forums, but the monk does not have a personal website.

Monastery Choir, winner of the television show “The Voice”.

Biography

Born into a non-religious family. Graduated secondary school No. 77 in Nizhny Novgorod.

At a young age, he prepared to become a musician, studied piano, sang solo at a music school and in a children's church choir. I dreamed of becoming a composer, writing music for films. At the age of 16, he interrupted his studies at a music school, where he studied in the music theory department. After completing one course, in 2002 he emigrated with his whole family to Germany. Lived in Kaiserslautern. There he studied organ playing. He made money by playing the organ at Catholic and Protestant church services and participated in organ concerts.

January 2, 2011 in the church in honor of the saint righteous John Kronstadt in the city of Balabanov, Borovsky district, Kaluga region, was ordained to the rank of hierodeacon by Metropolitan of Kaluga and Borovsky Clement (Kapalin).

On August 24, 2012, in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary of Borovsk Pafnutiev Monastery, the abbot of the monastery, Archimandrite Seraphim, was tonsured into a mantle with the name Photius in honor of the martyr Photius of Nicomedia.

At the first “blind” audition, he performed Lensky’s aria from the opera “Eugene Onegin”. As soon as Hieromonk Photius sang the first lines at the blind audition: “Where, where, where have you gone, the golden days of my fate?”, Grigory Leps interrupted blind audition, taking him into his team, and singer Alexander Gradsky could not resist and at the end of the performance sang part of the aria with him. He joined the team of Grigory Leps, with whom he reached the finals and won the project. The next day, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' congratulated the winner:

Congratulations to Father Photius on winning the “Voice” competition. From the very beginning, the enterprise was very controversial and even, I would like to say, dangerous for the monk. Because the stage and the monastic vocation seem to be incompatible. But the result, surprisingly, turned out to be positive - I think, both for Father Photius and for everyone who listened to him and who loved him. And therefore, congratulating Father Photius, I would like to wish him to preserve that naturalness of behavior, modesty, which is inherent in the monastic rank and by which people - both church and non-church - determine the spiritual state of the clergyman. Keep in your heart what I wish for you in the difficult time for you that comes after winning the competition. I also wish to remember that the monastic path you have chosen in its meaning and meaning exceeds the victory that you have won. After all, many voted not only for the voice, but also for the image.

In January 2016, information appeared in the media that the clergy did not give Father Photius his blessing to continue participating in festivals and concerts.

On September 22, 2016, at a meeting of abbots and abbesses in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, the acting abbot of the St. Pafnutyev Borovsky Monastery, Hieromonk Pafnuty asked Patriarch Kirill:

What to do with the resident of the monastery, the “Voice of Russia” Hieromonk Photius, who is constantly on tour, has collected a lot of capital... when one correspondent asked Father Photius the question: “Why did you start singing?” - Father Photius replied: “I became bored in the monastery.” I appeal to Your Holiness: help me, what should I do with him? After all, he not only sings, but also speaks...

To which the Patriarch replied:

Here it turned out that a very young monk acquired nationwide fame and, most importantly, popular sympathy. If there was only fame, and there was no such love from people, I would use my power and forbid him to perform. But I know how many people, through Father Photius, discover for themselves Orthodox faith.

Hieromonk Photius denied accusations that he was bored in the monastery, and he still performed monastic obediences.

Part of the funds he collects from concerts goes towards restoration or construction works in churches that need help.

Hieromonk Photius - organizing the concert, ordering artists on the official website of the agency. To organize performances, tours, invitations to corporate events call +7-499-343-53-23, +7-964-647-20-40

Welcome to the official website of agent Hieromonk Photius, a priest who became famous for his victory in the fourth season music project"Voice". The tenor, who before his tonsure bore the name Vitaly Mochalov, was born on November 11, 1985 in Nizhny Novgorod. Piano game The future monk studied vocals and vocals at the city music school. As a child, Vitaly sang in school and church choirs and dreamed of being a professional composer.

Creative achievements

At the age of 15, the guy entered the Nizhny Novgorod Music College, but studied there for only a year, as he moved to Germany with his family. While living in Kaiserslautern, Mochalov continued to study music: he sang and mastered playing the organ. At the age of 20, the young man decided to become an Orthodox priest. For this purpose, in the mid-2000s he returned to Russia. Vitaly’s place of service was St. Paphnutius Borovsky monastery, located in the Kaluga region.

After tonsure, the monastery minister was named Photius. Despite the renunciation of everything worldly, the order to study music did not disappear in the monk’s life. For some time, the priest was taught vocal skills by Viktor Tvardovsky, a Moscow teacher and soloist. opera houses. Then Photius continued to study independently, adopting unique technique former teacher. Over time, he became the best monastery singer, and then the regent (leader) of the church choir.

In September 2015, Hieromonk Photius made his first appearance on television as part of the “Voice” program. The participation of a priest in the show was controversial, but the church organization ultimately gave the go-ahead. At the blind audition, the monk performed an excerpt from the opera “Eugene Onegin” (Lensky’s aria) and ended up on the team of producer Grigory Leps. In the final of the music competition, three quarters of the TV viewers voted for Photius. Thus, the hieromonk became the winner of the “Voice-4” project. Called the result of participation positive Orthodox priest Patriarch Kirill himself is also in the competition.

Nowadays

At the beginning of 2016, all finalists of the project took part in the all-Russian tour. Blessing on touring activities Photius also received it. The first concert with the participation of the hieromonk took place on February 21 in Krasnodar. Now Vitaly Mochalov performs a lot, donating the proceeds for the construction of churches. More information You can learn about the work of Hieromonk Photius on his official website.

Hieromonk Photius ordering concerts, contacts, organizing performances of artists. To invite a star to a wedding, corporate party, anniversary - you can contact us by phone in Moscow +7-499-343-53-23, +7-964-647-20-40, on the official website of the agent, write to the mail, contacts menu.