In 2015, a video clip for the song “Trample” spread across the Internet. Its performer was a certain Neuromonk Feofan. "Who is this really?" — netizens asked each other. However, there was no accompanying information. Two years have passed, and the musical project is still continuing its work. Who is Neuromonk Feofan really and what is he famous for?
Compound
It is known that behind the pseudonym there is not one, but at least two people. This is the soloist and DJ Nikodim. The first is a tall guy with a fake beard. In public, he always appears in a robe resembling a schema, with patterns along the edging and in bast shoes. His face is hidden by a hood, and in his hands he usually holds a staff in which a laser pointer is hidden. Neuromonk Feofan sings songs with a characteristic voice and the use of Slavic words and outdated words. The musical project comes from St. Petersburg.
Story
Who is this really - Neuromonk Feofan? The group still maintains anonymity from the intrusive media. But, despite this, Afisha magazine managed to lift the veil a little and interview DJ Nikodim, the second member of the group. He talked about himself and the history of the creation of the group. Nicodemus has a higher education. For a long time he studied music professionally. And when he met Feofan (who is a self-taught musician), he told him many interesting things. The guys became friends based on common interests.
Feofan was actively recording songs even before the formation of the group (since about 2008). The idea to join forces into an original musical project arose during a walk in the forest.
Criticism
Who is this really - Neuromonk Feofan? Critics of the group's work puzzled their brains for a long time and painfully. But they were not interested in the true names of the participants, but in what they wanted to say with their songs. Thus, Sergei Shnurov called the guys “Orthodox atheists” and “believing Komsomol members.” But it was a positive assessment. The leader of the Leningrad group approved the style and creativity in general of the newly minted artists, as well as their active activities on social networks.
Other music critics also noted the freshness and originality of the combination of Russian folk motifs and electronic dance music. They compared the St. Petersburg musical project with the already widely known “MC Vspyshkin” and “Ivan Kupala”. According to experts, the group focuses on the visual component, and the musical part is unpretentious, too simple.
Journalist of the Zvuki.ru portal Victoria Bazoeva dedicated a short article to the group, where she positively assessed the level of stylization of the group. However, she expressed doubts about the mixing of modern words and historicisms and the good perception of this by connoisseurs of historical reconstruction.
On the question of who it really is, “Neuromonk Feofan,” many agreed that the group represents the direction of conceptual postmodernism. Although her work is in many ways opposed to the activities of apologists of modern art, for example, Vladimir Sorokin.
The meaning of the term “hieromonk”
From historical data, almost every Orthodox believer knows that in the initial stages of the development of Orthodoxy, church ministers, that is, monks, did not have the right to accept this holy order. Such prohibitions at that time were associated with the hermit life that monks led. As a consequence of this everyday situation, they did not have the right to engage in any social activities or pastoral activities, with which the priest’s service in the name of the Almighty is in fact very closely connected.
Consequently, if we turn to the sources of historical data and the emergence of Orthodox customs, it becomes clear that in the Christian Orthodox faith the hieromonk could not exist, since this meaning not only sounded contradictory, but was also unthinkable. But subsequently, after years, centuries, that is, time, many monks began to form not only their own communities, but also to build monasteries and temples. As a result of such actions, a certain need arose to choose a leader. Over time, this development gave a new round in Orthodox history, many monks were elected as leaders, as a result of which they were presented for ordination. It was in this way that the very first priests arose, who were previously considered hermits and could not engage in public affairs. It is also worth noting that initially the hieromonk’s sermon was heard only for a limited circle of people, that is, for the monastery brethren; subsequently, on certain days, the hieromonk preached a sermon to all pilgrims who came to the monastery.
It is also worth recalling the fact that the ancient inhabitants of the monastery were often located in deserted and deserted places, so pilgrims and Orthodox believers visited this temple extremely rarely. Years later, namely in the Middle Ages, monasteries began to emerge near cities, and after some time even in the largest centers. Turning to historical sources, you can learn that in the Middle Ages, monasteries were founded only by people who bore some rights, that is, such people were barons, aristocrats, and, of course, monks. As a result of this development, the life of the hieromonk in the temple, unlike his colleagues on the periphery of civilizations, was more connected with politics than with sacred or spiritual service to the Almighty and Orthodox believers.
If you look at the modern world, you can see many differences, because today's monks do not try to seclude themselves, that is, they do not hide from the modern world, as they did before. As a result of this development, many monasteries are now located in the city center or within its boundaries. It is also worth noting that in the Middle Ages only the most spiritual and educated priests could be ordained as a priest, but nowadays on the territory of a monastery you can find a huge number of monks who have the priesthood. Naturally, there are certain restrictions, but most of the monks who have been in the monastery for a long time are awarded this title.
Albums
The group has three albums in total. The first “There is drama in the soul, and bright Rus' in the heart” was presented in 2015. According to the musicians themselves, it was the first attempt to combine Russian song, balalaika, the breadth of the Russian soul and the direction of drum and bass. The experiment was a success. The album consisted of 17 tracks, which were positively assessed by music observer Alexey Mazhaev (InterMedia). The word "dram" was often used in the lyrics. However, this did not stop the critic from defining the group's style as electropop with folk elements. The album clearly conveys the propaganda of cultural revival and the accompanying irony about it. The original themes of the compositions about the Old Russian Olympic Games and open airs do not let you get bored.
The second collection, “Great are the forces of good,” was released in 2016. No less success awaited him. Within two weeks, the album entered the iTunes chart as one of the most frequently listened to. Neuromonk Feofan did not change his sound. However, some critics did not appreciate such dedication to style. For example, Stanislav Sorochinsky, a REF News blogger, called the sound of the new record predictable and monotonous. And Alexey Mazhaev, in a review of the album, expressed the opinion that the performer becomes hostage to one image, which has no development. In addition, some tracks (for example, “I’m dancing everywhere”), in their sound, are closer not to drum and bass, but to Soviet music. Critics also noted the lack of a clear style of the collection. Every now and then you can feel the influence of Russian rock and folk.
The second album included 9 compositions. The last of them – “Stepson of the Rules” – is reminiscent in style of the work of the “Technology” group.
At the beginning of 2022, Neuromonk Feofan released his third album “Dance. Sing,” which was immediately highlighted by Stanislav Sorochinsky. According to him, the collection “sounds like one big song.” Although the team’s task now is not to surprise listeners (“the bicycle has already been invented by them”), but to entertain people working hard in stuffy offices.
Six compositions became the group's singles. From the last album, this list included the tracks “And Now the Bear Sings” and “Old Russian Soul”.
The meaning of the word hieromonk
Examples of the use of the word hieromonk in literature.
They place a faience bowl with water for the blessing of water, and the hieromonks themselves will bring candles and Athonite incense.
Behind the monastery wall, Votyaks and Russians sacrifice rams and calves, they are immediately beaten, the hieromonk reads prayers, blesses and sanctifies the meat, which is served through a special window on the inside of the fence.
Hieromonk Gabriel came to us,” the abbot continues, “he was a novice in Jvari in recent years, when John died and George was left alone.
Father wanted them to live there, since Hieromonk Hierax, one of his closest spiritual children and assistants, lived in this house on the second floor.
We ask for your holy prayers, we bow low and remain unworthy of your prayers and many-sinful servants Hieromonk Hilary Hieromonk Melchizedek Monk Diomede.
It was Hieromonk Irenaeus, who had been sent here from Torent last winter to teach Laim the subtleties of etiquette and prepare him in every detail for the ceremony of accession to the throne.
The Most Reverend Bishop of Kargopol Varnava came to see Rasputin in Tyumen and with him a hieromonk who had an award - a golden pectoral cross.
Among them are Archpriests Peter Skipetrov, Joseph Smirnov, Pavel Dernov, Hegumen Gervasy, Hieromonk Gerasim, priests Mikhail Chafranov, Pavel Kushnikov, Peter Pokryvalo, Deacon John of Kastor and many others.
Having wandered along the long corridors, the hieromonk realized that the gods of cannon fire had divided this entire artillery Olympus into sections: carriage, gun, powder, shell, ballistic and others.
Literally, there was nothing new in this statement, and the hieromonk only stated facts that had long been known to everyone, however, given his glance cast at Matthias, a clear hint was read in Irenaeus’s words that the most important changes are expected after Laim’s return will finally The regency council was destroyed.
I told Father Hieromonk that if I don’t get married today, I will be in terrible trouble.
But how did she live, beyond her sadness, during these dark, long nine years, surrounded by stupid hypocrites, arrogant relatives, boring hieromonks, fat priests, hypocritically protected by her companion and not allowed out of the house beyond the sad yard overgrown with grass and the small front garden behind home?
I can guarantee that in the depths of his soul the Hieromonk animates him, classifies him as a spirit - rather good, however, than evil.
In the silence that followed, Hieromonk Nicodemus said: “I said: you should never rush.”
And it was necessary to find them, because we were not discussing in private - besides Pithek, there were also Hieromonk, and George, and the Flexible Hand, and much depended on whose scale they would sit on.
Source: Maxim Moshkov library
Video clips
The group has only shot two videos so far. The first one, for the song “Trample,” received almost seven million views on the YouTube channel. The second video clip, “The hut is shaking,” is less popular. Today it has only collected about two million views.
In the videos, the musician traditionally, as on stage, appears in his stage schema. Who he really is, Neuromonk Feofan, and what his name is in everyday life, is impossible to understand. And comments from fans and simply curious users remain unanswered.
When asked why he doesn’t reveal himself, the musician himself answers simply. Neuromonk Feofan is the image with which the style and creativity of the group is associated. Its acceptance and approval should not be associated with the identity of the true performer.
Who can become a hieromonk?
A monk who decides to become a mentor or is nominated for ordination by other monks has the right to become a hieromonk. As a rule, this is a person who has lived as a monk for quite some time and has some advantage over those who have just taken monastic vows.
Interesting! The rank of hieromonk can be received both by priests who have decided to become monks, and by monks who have been ordained, allowing them to perform church sacraments themselves, and have received the status of a priest.
Hieromonk's place of service
As a rule, a hieromonk serves at male monasteries, as has been the case since ancient times. However, this means a certain closeness and isolation of the church life of the hieromonk, therefore in today’s world the hieromonk has the right to serve in his church, which is most often located in rural areas.
The hieromonk is supposed to be addressed with the words: “Your Reverence!”
Nowadays, a hieromonk can conduct such church sacraments as:
- communion;
- confession;
- funeral service;
- Unction.
He also conducts the Divine Liturgy and prayer service.
How to contact a hieromonk
The generally accepted address for parishioners to a hieromonk is “father,” adding a name, for example, Father Sergius, and you can also address them with a word such as “father.”
Both of these addresses will be appropriate, however, in a more formal situation it is better to choose the first option, and the second option can be used in a personal conversation.
Concerts
The beginning of 2015 was significant for the group. After all, her debut album was released then. A concert tour was dedicated to this event. The tour took place in cities of Russia and Belarus. The program had the original name “Yadren Zador”, and the collection entered the “golden ten” of iTunes.
Also, the group “Neuromonk Feofan” took part in the festivals “Kubana”, “Invasion”, VK Fest, “Wild Mint” and “Epic Coast”.
Today, musicians often perform in joint concerts with other stars: Basta, Marcel, Noize MC, etc.
Interesting Facts
- The wife of Neuromonk Feofan danced in a bear costume in the video “The Hut Is Shaking.” Her name is unknown.
- In 2016, a musical project from St. Petersburg received the status of a popular Internet meme.
- A year after the release of the debut album, the Yandex. Music" recognized Neuromonk Feofan as an independent performer of the year.
- At a concert in Moscow, one of the fans apparently decided to reveal to everyone who he really is - Neuromonk Feofan. During the mass dancing and fun, he reached out to the musician and wanted to pull off his hood. However, he was stopped in time.
- On September 19, 2022, the mysterious performer of the group gave an interview to Yuri Dudu. The conversation turned out to be very frank for the artist. He talked about how his work began. How did the idea of combining balalaika and drum and bass come about? But, most importantly, the artist answered the question that torments all his fans: “Who is he really - Neuromonk Feofan, what’s his name?” The musician called the name “Oleg” without any hesitation. He also said that he is 30 years old, he grew up in Kupchino (St. Petersburg) and graduated from the State University of Aerospace Instrumentation with honors.
Black and white priest - what is the difference?
In the Orthodox Church, all clergy are divided into 2 categories - black and white. The black clergy includes monks who have taken monastic vows, while the white clergy includes priests who have not taken monastic vows.
Important! The most important difference between the black and white clergy is that clergy members of the white clergy can marry.
There is a prejudice among people, undoubtedly connected with the semantics of color, that white clergy are better than black ones. This question requires additional clarification, because in various questions that parishioners often address to the priest, a white or black priest can be useful.
The rank of hieromonk corresponds to the rank of priest in the white clergy
For example, if a person turns to the priest with a question about family problems, then a white priest will answer this question more practically, due to the fact that he himself has a family. But if a pilgrim or monk turns to a priest with a question concerning deeply spiritual quests, then the help of a black hieromonk would be more appropriate here, because he himself walked this path.
