(Izvekov) Patriarch Pimen (Извеков)
Patriarch Pimen (in the world — Sergey Mikhailovich Izvekov) was the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (1971-1990), one of the key church figures of the late Soviet period.
Biography
Birth and the beginning of the journey. He was born on July 10, 1910 in Bogorodsk (now Noginsk). He spent his childhood and youth in Bogorodsk and the surrounding area (including Glukhovo, where his father worked at a factory). In Bogorodsk's Epiphany Cathedral, Sergei Izvekov sang in the choir from childhood, and became the cathedral's regent at the age of 15. It was here that his attitude to worship and church culture was laid — later he was also known as the author of spiritual poetry. He chose the monastic path early, taking the veil with the name Pimen in 1927.
Difficult years. In the 1930s and 40s, he survived arrests, exile, and work on construction sites; during World War II, he served in the army. Later he returned to church ministry.
Climbing the church stairs. He was the governor of Pskov‑Pechersk Monastery, then Trinity‑St. Sergius Lavra (where he was engaged in the restoration of churches), he successively became bishop, archbishop, metropolitan. In 1970, he became Locum tenens of the Patriarchal Throne.
The Patriarchate. He was elected Patriarch in 1971 at the Local Council; his enthronement took place on June 3 at the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhovo. He headed the Russian Orthodox Church until his death on May 3, 1990.
Contribution to the history of the Church: key areas of service
The 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus (1988). Large-scale celebrations took place under Patriarch Pimen, which became a turning point: they actually opened up the opportunity for a freer development of church life and the return of churches.
Preservation of the church structure under state control. His ministry came under years of strict state supervision; historians often emphasize that Pimen tried to preserve the unity of the Church and support parish and monastic life in these conditions.
International and peacemaking ministry. The Patriarch participated in inter-Orthodox contacts and peace-building initiatives, and advocated dialogue between Christian churches.
Development of spiritual education and publishing activities. Under him, theological schools were strengthened, and the publication of liturgical and theological books continued.
Memory in an urban environment
There is a Patriarchal Street in Noginsk (formerly 9 January Street), and a memorial exposition operates in the Epiphany Cathedral.
The Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center (or rather, the museum of Patriarch Pimen at the Epiphany Cathedral) has an exhibition dedicated to his life.: there are personal items (vestments, books, photographs, sound recordings), materials about different stages of the journey — from youth in Bogorodsk to the patriarchal ministry.