Andrey Tkachev is a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as a missionary and preacher. Known for participating in many television programs.
At 48 years old, Andrei Tkachev has published a lot of literature that is read not only by older people, but also by young people
The biography of Andrei Tkachev is very interesting, his parents wanted him to be a military man
The biography of Andrei Tkachev is full of interesting moments. He was born on December 30, 1969 in the Ukrainian city of Lvov.
He was baptized in early childhood. But although he was born in Ukraine, he still studied at a Russian school. At his early age, he said that his conversion to Christianity in those years was rather a kind of “melancholy and nonsense.”
The only photo showing Andrei's parents with him and his sister
His parents really wanted the boy to be a military man. At the age of 15, Andrei entered the Moscow Suvorov Military School. And after that he entered the military institute of the USSR Ministry of Defense in Moscow. To the Faculty of Special Propaganda.
But he did not finish his studies there, explaining that he did not want to study anymore.
Bhagavad Gita
monument of Indian thought in Sanskrit. Andrey Tkachev was interested in the teachings of this book
During his military service, he became acquainted with the Bhagavad Gita. It was very educational for him. Andrey learned a lot, and thus expanded his horizons. However, this did not influence his choice of Christianity.
After the army, Andrey works as a loader in a store
Afterwards he returns to his native Lviv, where he begins working as a loader in a store. At the same time he goes to work as a sexton and a watchman in an Orthodox church.
A year later, on the advice of his spiritual fathers, he decided to enter the theological seminary to become a priest.
Andrei's future fate was somewhat influenced by his friend, who loved to read the Gospel and visited Orthodox monasteries.
From 1992 to 1994 he studied at the Kyiv Theological Seminary. Here he met the future Archimandrite Longin and Archimandrite Kirill.
Archimandrite Longin is an archimandrite of the Russian Orthodox Church, also a publicist and film screenwriter. I previously knew Andrei Tkachev
But then Andrei was expelled due to non-attendance at lectures. After a long time, Father Andrei called himself self-taught, because he led a more active lifestyle, since he did not have any time to attend classes and prepare for them.
On May 6, 1993, he was ordained a deacon. After November 5, 1993, he was ordained a priest.
For 12 years he was a member of the clergy of the Church of St. George the Victorious in Lvov.
The Church of St. George the Victorious is the only example in Lviv of architecture in the neo-Byzantine style, characteristic of Bukovina. It was here that Andrei was a cleric for 12 years
In 2005, he will move to Kyiv, and then to Russia - to film television programs
In 2005, Andrey moved with his family to Kyiv due to the need for filming. At that time, he was already acting in television shows.
He later said that when he moved to Kyiv, he did not have a document on his transfer to another church for service. He served several friends in different churches.
Soon, at the request of the parishioners of the Church of Agapit of Pechersk, he was taken into the clergy by the rector. After which Andrei Tkachev himself becomes the rector of this temple.
year 2014
Father Andrei is appointed to the clergy of the house church of the Martyr Tatiana in Russia
In 2013, he became the head of the missionary department, which is located in the Kyiv Diocese. Here he takes part in filming on the Ukrainian Orthodox channel “Kievan Rus”.
In June 2014, the priest comes to Russia. He is appointed to the clergy of the house church of the martyr Tatiana.
And on August 18 of the same year he became a temporary clergyman in the Church of the Resurrection of the Word on the Assumption Vrazhka. The rector of the temple here is Nikolai Balashov.
The Church of the Resurrection of the Word on Uspenskaya Vrazhka is located in the historical center of Moscow. Andrei Tkachev was appointed here to the position of clergy in 2014
Nikolai Balashov also noted that Andrei Tkachev’s place of ministry will be the St. Basil the Great Gymnasium near Moscow.
And he will serve in the Church of the Resurrection of the Word only on days free from school obediences.
Throughout his time serving in Russia, Father Andrei talks about constant criticism towards the state of Ukraine:
“The farther you are from the quasi-state “Ukraine”, the easier it is to breathe and to give an assessment. I drove a kilometer from the border - it’s already easier, a thousand - it’s quite easy. Unfortunately, many in Russia do not fully understand what a plague-plagued place this land has now become, full of all-Russian Orthodox shrines. There is a real collective madness going on there! People have gone crazy from their godlessness. The notorious religiosity of the “Ukrainian people” for the most part turned out to be empty.”
Andrey Tkachev
priest, archpriest
Afterwards, in 2022, Andrei Tkachev was released from obedience in the Church of the Resurrection. And he was appointed full-time cleric of the Church of St. Basil the Great. It is located in the village of Zaitsevo, Odintsovo district, Moscow region.
Where does the priest serve now? Andrei Tkachev still serves in this very church in the village of Zaitsevo.
In the Church of St. Basil the Great, Father Andrei conducts divine liturgies to this day
Father Andrei does not tell anyone about his family
Andrei got married in 1992, but he does not display photos of his family anywhere.
Father never talks about his personal life. If he is asked questions about his family, he tries to change the topic.
The only thing that is known is that he has four children. Having moved to Russia, he avoids registering on social networks and publishing various photos.
One day a photo of the priest with a woman appeared, and many believe that this is his wife, whom he does not want to show. But judging by the photo at home, that’s all we can assume
Social network "Elitsa"
The activities of Andrei Tkachev are clear evidence that in his pastoral ministry he uses all possible means available to modern man: sermons in churches, television programs, books, websites and even social networks.
Elitsy.ru is one of the newest projects of the restless missionary thinker. Here, network users have an excellent opportunity not only to listen to the instructions of Archpriest Andrei Tkachev, but also to ask him questions. Every morning, site visitors can receive parting words in the form of wishes and thoughts.
During his time, Father wrote many interesting and educational books.
Father wrote and published many of his books. Let's look at the most famous of them.
Homecoming. When faith is born.
The entire book is built on liveliness and simplicity. It was released in 2015
Description of the book: “Returning Home” is a real revelation for those who are just coming to the Holy Church. Father Andrey explains very simply and clearly why the Church is needed. And also why people go there.
The main feature of this wonderful book is its liveliness and simplicity. Returning home is a kind of path from oneself, who got lost, to oneself, who has found a spiritual homeland.
Missionary notes.
The book is woven from joy and anxiety. Year of manufacture: 2015
Description of the book: a book about when joy and anxiety ask to come out. And it is very difficult to keep them to yourself.
Missionary work is both joy and anxiety. Joy about the risen Christ and anxiety about those who do not know about it or, knowing it, live unworthy of the Christian name.
From these two thin threads - joy and anxiety, a new book from the Sretensky Monastery publishing house was woven and created. Anyone who is interested can purchase this book.
Christ to the seven churches.
The book consists of reflection on the words of the Lord to the Church on its historical path. Year of release 2015
Description of the book: the voice of Christ in the Gospel is the voice of Christ who has not yet risen, who has not yet conquered death.
The words of Christ that he said after his Resurrection are not entirely clear to every believer and for many remain an inexplicable mystery.
Meanwhile, these are words concerning the depth of the existence of the Church from Pentecost to the Last Judgment. This book is a kind of reflection on the words of the Lord to the Church along its entire historical and complex path.
The first miracle. Conversations about family and marriage.
The book talks about how there is no greater secret than family life. Year of manufacture 2010
Description of the book: the book tells the story that family life is not so simple. The fact that family life is a kind of secret, which Father Andrei tries to describe in great detail in his wonderful book.
Journalism and writing
In his articles and books, Father Andrei tries to reach modern society. He calls himself a journalist, writing about topical, current events. He tries to capture the present time for future descendants in his reports and write in such a way that what is presented is interesting even after centuries.
The most famous works of the Author:
- "Letter to God";
- "Return to Paradise";
- "We are eternal!"
These books are a reflection of the archpriest's thoughts, enclosed in stories. Usually, each story is written in a succinct, concise form, but very bright and exciting. The author conveys well the episodes of the life of the saints, and also describes the life of ordinary Christians.
Many books are dialogues with a clergyman and are built on the principle: question - answer. The topics of the dialogues are very diverse: giving birth and raising children, sports, art, love relationships, personality psychology. But there are also deeper headings: fear, passion, old age, questions to God, life and death.
As an ordinary person, the author has first-hand knowledge of human fears and passions. But he also understands them much more deeply than many people. This is why his answers are valuable.
The author’s work “Fugitive from the World” caused widespread discussion. We are talking here about the famous philosopher of the 18th century - Grigory Skovoroda. Tkachev looked at him without embellishment, looking at all the features. Many predecessors almost deified Skovoroda. Tkachev remained objective and expressed his own unbiased opinion.
The priest noted that reading Grigory Savvich is not so easy and he himself is not as harmless as he might seem. And yet it is worth doing, but only with prayer.
In addition to his activities as a writer, the archpriest participated in the work of Orthodox magazines and websites. With the help of magazines about Orthodoxy, the clergyman directed his efforts to educate and bless the younger generation. An example of such a project is Otrok. ua. Here the priest has been working for many years as an author and member of the editorial board.
You can listen and watch the priest’s sermons and spiritual conversations on a special website
Earlier we talked about the fact that the priest participated in various television programs. But not everyone, due to their circumstances, can have time to watch all the programs with his participation.
Father Andrei is always responsible for all words spoken during his lectures and sermons. He always speaks all his words from the bottom of his heart to help all parishioners
That is why a special website has now been created where you can watch and simply listen to all the spiritual conversations, lectures, and sermons of Andrei Tkachev.
The purpose of creating this project is to bring together the sermons, broadcasts, and articles of Father Andrei Tkachev, to make them easy to read, watch and listen to for anyone.
In the “Holy Truth” section, priest Andrei Tkachev shares his wonderful and interesting lectures for everyone. On the page with audio sermons you can listen to lectures by Andrei Tkachev.
The latest sermons of Archpriest Andrei Tkachev and conversations with the priest dated December 6, 2022 can be listened to on the page with audio and video recordings.
You can watch the video sermon and video conversation on the video page.
An example of a video sermon by Andrei Tkachev. Theme: “The Gospel as an instruction for life.” Topics covered include confession.
The site is very easy to use. Anyone who wants to familiarize themselves with lectures and conversations can easily do so.
Decent people no longer talk about Archpriest Andrei Tkachev. I mean intelligent Orthodox Christians who, when asked “did you read what Tkachev said?” my eyes are already twitching and my teeth are grinding. “How much can you say about this uncouth outcast, an arrogant misogynist who ran away from his flock? Let's talk about good things! Let's ignore them! Ignoring is easy and pleasant, but will Tkachev disappear from this? And most importantly, will his admirers disappear, sharing communion with you in the same cup, welcoming and justifying his rudeness with delight?
What if someone doesn’t know what we’re actually talking about?
For the first time, Orthodox Christians were shocked by Tkachev’s style of preaching back in Kyiv, when during the days of the Maidan he declared in a sermon that he did not pray for the “rebels” and did not feel sorry for them, but prayed for the strengthening of power. Soon after this, he ended up in Moscow - whip preachers are in great demand in Russia.
Here he began to inspiredly throw mud at his abandoned homeland and incite hatred towards Ukrainians: “Ukraine, with all its swinish ideology, with its demonic mentality, everyday Satanism, is not at all fraternal.”
Then a recording surfaced with open propaganda of violence against women, in which Tkachev glorified the burqa, called on men to break women “over the knee, beat off her horns, with a crowbar, the edge of the palm, whoever is strong, bend her, rub her, push her into a washing machine, do I don’t know what’s wrong with her,” and shouted that “women are arrogant - if she doesn’t get hit in the forehead at least once in her life, she won’t understand. They need to give birth and be afraid.” Then, forced to justify himself, he will call all this a “painful metaphor”, misunderstood by “offended ill-wishers.”
If you watch some of Tkachev’s videos over the last year, without knowing this background, you might be surprised that some people don’t like him so much? Well, such a normal dad, alive, speaks a modern language, opposes ritual beliefs, promotes family values, everything is as usual in priestly rhetoric - only lively, simple, not abstruse, as the audience writes - dynamic, strict, convincing.
But sometimes Tkachev’s true face breaks through, which makes even loyal viewers and fans write in the comments: “Oh. Andrey, maybe you need to rest, or go to confession yourself... Do you see yourself? God's help to you and spiritual health. It has shaken for you. Forgive for Christ's sake."
And it’s interesting that the preacher’s outbursts of uncontrollable anger are caused by only one topic - women who behave incorrectly, from Tkachev’s point of view. First of all, these are women and girls leading an unchaste lifestyle, “harlots” and “sluts,” “shameless bastards, libertines,” as well as independent women who dare to live by their own mind, without relying on a man or not conforming to church laws.
“A woman is not created to manage life,” says Tkachev. - She was created to cook porridge, wipe her ass, wash pots. Hang curtains. And be happy. And don't have abortions. For this there must be a man who controls life. He feeds her, takes care of her, does not give her to the executioner’s table and is responsible for life.”
There is clearly something personal here, some kind of drama, rooted in childhood or youth. It’s pointless to guess, but you don’t have to be a psychologist to see: nothing evokes such hatred in Tkachev as fornication, and predominantly female. In general, he sees the root of all evil, contrary to the patristic tradition, not in pride at all - but in fornication. “Fornication is an integral, fundamental reality that motivates people to commit all crimes.”
But even an Orthodox spectator who asked the question: what to do when, having moved away from confession, you remember another sin, may get the hot hand. Normal neophyte question. Unexpectedly, he caused a surge of anger in Tkachev: the poor woman was immediately accused of seeing only minor sins, “dust,” and not seeing terrible prodigal sins. Apparently, Dad saw through the screen the spiritual essence of the questioner and recommended that she, alone with herself, “pick through her own shit” and not burden the priests.
Along the way, he called those going to confession with pieces of paper a gang of schizophrenics. “Wow, I wish you... Not those times, otherwise I would have built you if God had given me power.”
The public's reaction to such behavior on air speaks volumes. The audience was mostly female: “Well done, super. That's the only way it's needed. Alive, real, very powerful.” “We really need you!!. Apparently, this is the only way to talk to us...” “So, so, father, maybe our brains will fall into place!” For simple workers who are fed up with their constantly nagging wives, this theology of abuse is like a balm for the soul: “True love is severity. Continue in the same spirit Archpriest Andrey Tkachev.” “Orthodox charismatic!!! Handsome! Everything is on point!! The best Orthodox preacher of our time!” “Hot daddy, correct. In our time, this is all we need. So that it burns and hits you on the head. Backhand."
Why be surprised: after all, the majority of Orthodox women are girls who were yelled at in childhood and who were beaten with a belt for failing grades, who are accustomed to their father yelling at his wife or even beating her, who were yelled at at school, who were humiliated by lovers and husbands , bosses for whom abuse is their natural environment.
Everything would be simple if Tkachev was a mediocre, uneducated, unintelligent boor. Despite the lack of a completed higher education (he studied for two years at the Moscow Military Institute under the Ministry of Defense at the Faculty of Special Propaganda), he is well-read, and not only in patristic literature, he does not mumble, does not mince words, is artistic and intelligent. Listeners and viewers sometimes have a question: is it under the influence of certain substances that a person sometimes “carries” so much? Is it his true views or a conscious play on the public, a subtly thought-out image?
Even twenty years ago, they say, he was not like this. At that time, many believers were waiting for his publications in the Youth magazine and valued him for his ability to speak a language understandable to churchgoing youth.
So, what is the secret of Tkachev’s success?
Psychologist Natalia Skuratovskaya :
“Firstly, the current type is a demonstratively brutal boor with jokes and jokes. This image of a “hero of our time” has been diligently supported in recent years by state propaganda aimed at “patriotism and militarism.”
Secondly, deliberately expressive facial expressions and gestures - he looks lively against the general gray background, stands out, but “in a simple way,” without causing a feeling of class rejection.
Thirdly, authoritative manners: “Someone Orthodox comes in and says: “Now I’m in charge...” - people like this, especially in times of alarming uncertainty, paternalism and the illusion of a “strong hand.”
Fourthly, clear images of the enemy - this unites fans of the genre and instills in them the idea that they are not “the worst of all.”
I’ll add on my own behalf - Andrei Tkachev gives the impression of a man who has the habit of taking a drink from the bottle. I especially emphasize that it makes an impression. I can’t say for sure, this is clearer to those who don’t know him from videos on YouTube. What is striking is the simplification of thinking and sudden emotional swings typical of drinkers. Well, this is understandable and close to the Russian public; Tkachev can replace a father for adults who is so common in many families - a barely yelling, hard-drinking subject, confident in his right to educate with cuffs and a belt.
Again, simplicity - many people love it. The circle of those people who need Schmemann, Blum and Chistyakov is narrow; they are terribly far from the people. Their calm, reflective, overly intelligent intonations are unpleasant - they are alien to the common people, annoying, like a hat and glasses once were. They are for gourmets. And Tkachev is something like shawarma, a clearly and sharply fragrant fast food. Church Zhirinovsky, which you can watch while slapping yourself on the thighs: “No, look how you bent!”
But I’m interested in understanding where it came from, and most importantly, why there is so much of it? Him and Fr. Dmitry Smirnov . But Tkachev is twenty years younger, he, of course, is already ahead of his grandfather. Turn on the iron - Tkachev is there. On “Spas”, on “Elitsa”, on “Tsargrad”, on “Radonezh”, on “Russian People's Line”, and he also has his own website, a separate channel on YouTube, where under each video there are tens of thousands of views, a page on VK , Odnoklassniki, Instagram recently appeared, there are already 153 thousand subscribers. A certain YouTube blogger Shakhmatov, a pale imitation of Dudu, recorded an episode with Tkachev for a completely secular audience: it’s called “An Interview with Archpriest (Colonel) Andrei Tkachev.” I think Dud’s broadcast is still ahead. The secular audience cannot help but be interested in pop in the “godfather” or godfather format - unbreakable self-confidence, contempt for others, coupled with the appearance of someone who often drinks without a snack...
All this frantic missionary activity, of course, needs financial support - it is unlikely that monetization of a YouTube channel can be its only source.
Tkachev also manages to teach the children of oligarchs and officials the Law of God at the elite Basil the Great gymnasium, where you have to pay almost 800 thousand a year for a child’s education, another 600 thousand upon admission, and another hundred thousand upon transfer from 4th to 5th grade. The head of the school’s board of trustees is Konstantin Malofeev, who has been known to support separatists in Ukraine. Is it not this odious character who is actively promoting Tkachev? It’s good to have a well-fed media priest who, if something happens, will “dynamically, strictly, convincingly” convey the desired position to the people, talk about the messianism of Russian statehood and that you can’t rebel - rebels are damned; or speak out about pension reform - and with such meekness, not to mention women’s confessions! “I,” he says , “don’t get involved in this matter. Enjoy the pension you have. Modern man is not worthy even of what he has. There are specialists, including His Majesty the President, let them decide. Imagine that you live under the Tsar Father - what is your pension? No pension. Suvorov crossed the Alps at the age of 70. Here's a pensioner for you! You need to hang around until you die! You have to work while you’re moving.”
“This person should radically limit communication with people, not to mention accepting confession and public preaching. He clearly revels in attention from fans and acts out his sadistic tendencies, especially towards women. This is a serious danger both for the Church and for his soul,” one sober person wrote in the comments under one of Tkachev’s last sensational videos. Does the Church understand this danger?
I think, on the contrary: Tkachev is a very convenient person, and clearly not only for the hierarchy, which immediately limits the media activity of clergy who dare to have a personal position. So the explanation that Tkachev is broadcasting from every angle because he has the right to a personal opinion will not work. The broadcast of his obscurantist opinions is clearly convenient for his superiors, and therefore, they also bear responsibility for the aggression and misogyny he spreads.
Alas, Tkachev is the face of modern Russian Orthodoxy, his message to society.
SOURCE: achilla.ru
In quotes, Father Andrei talks about his position in life
Famous quotes from Father Andrei Tkachev:
- You can confess all your life, but never repent.
- It would be nice to be like air - always needed and always invisible. Don’t impose yourself on anyone, don’t suck the blood out of anyone, and at the same time arrive on time to where you are needed just at that time. This is a great talent.
- If only we had a good sclerosis for other people's mistakes, stupid words and bad jokes! How much more peace there would be in man.
- A person can be deprived of a lot. But there is something that you can lose only through your own fault. From laziness or pride, from boredom or anger, you can one day lose the most important treasure of the heart - faith.
- Some are looking for her, others are afraid. For the former it is air, for the latter it is judgment. She is a rare guest in our homes, but without her the soul cannot mature and grow. You can truly hear your own voice only next to her. We are talking about silence.
About the Frying Pan
The book “Fugitive from the World” caused particular controversy. Archpriest Andrei Tkachev is not afraid to address complex and taboo topics. Here we are talking about a bright personality of the eighteenth century - Grigory Skovoroda.
Examining, as if through a magnifying glass, the personality traits of the philosopher, Andrei Tkachev does not sing his praises, as many of his predecessors did. He only notes the love of almost everyone for Skovoroda - from nationalists to communists, and they love not from great intelligence or from what they read, but just like that.
The priest, as always, looks at things sensibly and notes that reading Grigory Savvich is not easy work, and he himself is by no means as harmless as he seems, but it’s worth reading into him. However, one should certainly approach this “immersion” with prayer.
