The best voice in contact is Father Photius. “Voice of Russia” Hieromonk Photius: Spirituality allows creativity to be honest
Hieromonk Photius is the only Russian clergyman who managed to become famous thanks to a television project. Despite all his devotion to his monastery, music and the love of singing occupied a huge place in his soul from childhood.
Chorister of the Holy Paphnute Monastery, Hieromonk Photius (Mochalov)
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
Vitaly Mochalov (future Hieromonk Photius) was born on November 11, 1985 in a city called Gorky, which over time was renamed Nizhny Novgorod. From an early age, the boy was interested in music and deep in his soul knew that his life would be connected with creativity.
At the age of 7, the young man could boast of good piano playing and a good voice. He received basic skills at a local music school, which for a long time did not 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.
Vitaly Mochalov (Fotiy) in childhood
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.
Hieromonk Photius in his youth
After studying for only 1 year, the parents decided to move 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
In 2005, when the young man turned 20 years old, he returned to Russia and entered service at the St. Pafnutevsky Monastery in the Kaluga region. It was during this period of his life that an ordinary guy, whom his parents named Vitaly, turned into hieromonk Photius. He made the decision on his own, so his family didn’t even try to convince their son.
Father Photius
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 perfectly master English and German. 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 that the respected teacher developed. 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”
Hieromonk Photius was supposed to participate in the “Voice” project back in 2013, he was even invited to the casting, but at that time he was not ready to go for a blessing. In fact, he did not immediately dare to send an application, since he believed that a worshiper had no place on such a show.
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, and perhaps numerous prayers of 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 himself on the big stage for the first time, 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.
Fotiy Mochalov was born in 1985 in the city of Nizhny Novgorod. However, at that time the city was called Gorky, and Photius responded to the name Vitaly.
Vitaly grew up as a creative boy and was interested in music since childhood. He graduated from music school, studied vocals, played the piano, and even entered a music school. The boy had one dream - to become a composer and write music for films.
But soon the family emigrated to Germany, where Vitaly began studying organ music and learning to play this complex instrument. Here in Germany, she began working part-time in a church, playing the organ during prayer services.
In 2005, Vitaly returned to his homeland and expressed a desire to take monastic vows. In 2013 he was ordained to the rank of hieromonk. But Photius did not abandon his passion for music, and even managed to record two cover albums. And in his parish, in addition to performing his direct duties as a hieromonk, Photius is engaged in design and layout in the publishing house and continues to sing.
The priest's fame was brought to him by the television project "The Voice", in which an unusual church minister amazed the judges and viewers with his strong vocals and original performance. Moreover, Photius won the “Voice”. On Instagram, Fotiy Mochalov often published pictures from recordings of the TV show and actively communicated with his fans. It is a pity that in 2016 it became known that Photius did not receive the blessing to participate in the concerts. So you can hear the famous voice only by visiting the St. Paphnutius Borovsk Monastery, where the hieromonk serves.
What does a priest post on Instagram?
Contrary to expectations, Fotiy Mochalov did not abandon Instagram and continues to publish pictures and photo reports about all the significant events taking place in his life.
What can you find on a priest’s Instagram?
First, of course, a photo of Photius himself. To his credit, it should be noted that Photius accepts all the conditions of Instagram photography. Therefore, in addition to ordinary photographs, there are also selfies and all kinds of “looks”. But everything is done in a discreet manner - you won’t find any candid photos on Fotiy Mochalov’s Instagram.
Secondly, Photius actively shares news from his busy life with subscribers. These are recordings of his rehearsals and performances, photos from services at the monastery, reports on meetings with charitable foundations and footage from various television programs in which Fotiy Mochalov takes part.
Thirdly, Fotiy Mochalov’s Instagram is also filled with humor. The priest is not averse to cheering up his subscribers in the morning by publishing some funny picture or funny video.
Fotiy Mochalov already has almost 30 thousand subscribers on Instagram. Join us.
Hieromonk Photius (in the world - Vitaly Vladimirovich Mochalov, born November 11, 1985) - monk of the St. Paphnutyev Borovsky Monastery, regent of the monastery choir. In 2015, he won the television project “The Voice”.
Father Photius (Mochalov) today is perhaps the most famous hieromonk in the country. His voice and manner of performance truly sank into the soul not only of the viewers of one of the television shows in which he became the winner. The Internet audience also fell in love with the modest and quiet young monk. Father Photius is currently on a concert tour throughout Russia. We talked to him on the day of his concert in Krasnoyarsk.
Father Photius, you often come into contact with the world of pop music, which many ordinary people, especially young people, find attractive and ideal. What really lies behind the spotlights and bright decorations?
When there is bread, you also want spectacles. Then people go to the concert hall and get what they want. Music is different, as are artists. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, everyday life goes on, full of work.
Some focus on the show, on dancing, on appearance, while others “get out of it” by being shocking. And there are people like me. Here the stage image is not at all important, because I never had a goal to be an artist, a public person. I have never been attracted to the world of show business, especially in the form that is imposed on us on TV.
- But now you are a media person, largely thanks to TV.
What I am doing now is not mass culture. I have a very unique repertoire. It is based on the classics, on original works that are a borderline genre. These are crossover, rock ballads. There are also various surprises - sometimes I perform songs in Norwegian, Armenian, Serbian.
When I see the uniqueness of a piece, when I am amazed by the beauty of the melody, I want to take it into my repertoire and make my own cover. I want people to touch these beautiful creations that they otherwise won’t hear anywhere. I try to popularize unusual music.
- Do you meet truly religious people in the pop world? Is this a practice or an exception?
It happened that I crossed paths with people whom I had previously only seen on TV. I was once again convinced that they are the same people as the others - they have an ordinary life, but at the same time they have a stage image. When you see “stars” in an informal setting, hear what they are talking about, what ideas are in their heads, you meet people among them who are far from stupid, even wise. Spirituality can also be found there. Probably like everywhere else.
Taking this opportunity, I will ask a question from one hieromonk from the Krasnoyarsk Assumption Monastery: “Do you experience spiritual joy from your creativity?”
I would not say that my creativity directly influences spiritual life. It's just my business, my hobby. This is art. On the contrary, art can be influenced by spiritual life, the ministry that I have had for eleven years in the monastery. It is spirituality that allows creativity to be honest and open; it brings words to the hearts. I don't think there is a reverse effect.
We hear dissatisfied reviews from believers towards monastics engaged in creative work. Especially if it can be called “worldly”...
People who go to a monastery are a priori not lazy people. They are not in the mood to lie on the sofa in their cell for days. They are already prepared for the fact that they will have to get up very early every morning, go to prayer, bow down, and perform obediences. I think that every monk has a thirst for achievement. And everyone finds some kind of sublimation in the form of some kind of craft, some kind of creativity. Everyone is doing something. Not necessarily art. He could be a carpenter or a cook. And he will do it well, so that everyone is happy.
Now I have thoughts that my concert tour is some kind of feat. After all, this is very difficult, especially considering that I am not a public person, but I need to stand on stage. And this process is not mechanical, we always vary the program. I always personally care about the quality of performance, I always give my best. Constant moving... It's not even physically easy. The main thing is to try to do a little more than you can. That's why I don't see anything criminal in my work.
- Is it probably especially difficult to tour during Lent?
During fasting days the number of concerts will be reduced. And in the first week, of course, there will be no performances. You need to pray in a monastery. The program will also change, there will be more spiritual texts.
In general, with God, fasting is not so difficult. The most important thing is love. The Lord did not come to earth to forbid us to eat cottage cheese. He did not bring us rituals, not even canons. Christ was crucified so that we would understand what love is. Loving our neighbors more during Lent will be much better than worrying about the ingredients in the soup. So the main feat at this time is not physical, but spiritual.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill said in one of his interviews: “Many people, through Father Photius, discover the Orthodox faith.” This is a very high assessment of your creativity and service. Do you consider yourself a missionary?
To some extent, I am a missionary. Only my mission is not verbal. Although there are texts that make a person think and lead him to repentance. This, of course, does not mean that he will immediately run to church for confession after the concert. No, I am not trying to achieve this effect. For me, the main thing is that a person’s soul opens, so that he listens to what is going on in his soul at the moment. This is probably my missionary activity. This is my ministry.
Yuri Paskhalsky specially for the newspaper “Orthodox Word of Siberia” and the website of “Kasyanovsky House”
Today, Hieromonk Photius is the first clergyman to become widely popular “in the world.” Fame came to Hieromonk Photius after winning the famous project “The 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 as a 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 a music school.
- Studying in Russia did not last long, only one year. After this, the young man’s parents 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 the 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 considered the young man’s talent necessary for people, and all creative activity came as a matter of course, without any special ideas.
Hobbies of a priest
Father - very multifaceted and versatile 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 be amazed at how such a strong personality can be hidden behind the outer softness. 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 on 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.
Hieromonk Photius (world name Vitaly Mochalov) was born in the city of Gorky on November 11, 1985 into a non-religious family.
Childhood of Vitaly Molchanov
The future priest’s childhood was spent under the “sign of music”; he was drawn to singing, but despite this, for a long time the boy was not accepted into music school, citing the fact that he had crooked fingers. Having overcome difficulties, he was able to graduate from school in piano. At the same time, Vitaly studied solo singing and even performed in an ensemble. In his dreams, he saw himself as a composer writing music for films. After his voice began to break in his teens, solo performances became impossible and he began singing in a church choir. It was from this moment that his churching began. And after completing nine classes, he entered a music school, where he studied music theory for one course.
Vitaly's parents emigrated to Germany in 2002, he moved with them, which is why he stopped attending music school, but began to study playing the organ. In the city of Kaiserslautern, he began to earn money by playing at Protestant and Catholic services, and took part in concerts.
Hieromonk Photius
When Vitaly turned 20 years old, in 2005 he returned to Russia, the city of Borovsk. He decided to become a monk and went to the St. Paphnutievsky Monastery, located in the Kaluga region. The decision was personal, it did not depend on external circumstances. After taking monastic vows, he continued his music studies, improved his voice, and took vocal lessons. Photius took several lessons from V. Tvardovsky in Moscow, the teacher himself came to the monastery and taught classes. At the same time, he was interested in foreign languages, photography, computer layout, and sang in the church choir.
Photius took Ionian tonsure in 2010, and three years later he was ordained to the rank of hieromonk.
While a resident, he recorded two discs and took part in performances, in particular at the Kaluga Philharmonic.
Now Photius is the regent of the Holy Paphnutev Monastery in the city of Borovsk.
Vitaly Mochalov applied for the “Voice” project in 2013 and was invited to the casting. But he did not dare to go for the blessing, so he did not participate in the competition. In general, he did not immediately decide on this event, because he believed that there was no place for a worshiper there. Over time, he gained courage and decided for himself that “The Voice” is, first of all, a competition, and only then a show. The confessor and the metropolitan, after two years of persuasion, released Photius; in 2015, he again applied and received permission.
According to the priest, his task was to win the competition without tarnishing the honor of the monastery and the dignity of the entire church. The abbot and spiritual father prayed for him while the competition lasted. Photius associates participation in the project with a mission calling people to improvement and spiritual growth with the help of opera music and romances. At the blind audition, he performed an aria from Eugene Onegin and was immediately liked by the judges. Having joined Leps' team, he was able to reach the finals and win the competition. The next day, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' congratulated Photius on his victory.
For some time, the hierarchy did not give the hieromonk permission for subsequent performances and participation in concerts, but more recently it became known that the blessing had been given and the finalist of the show “The Voice” Photius would go on tour with concerts in Russian cities and would record his CD in the studio.
Vitaly Mochalov intends to continue to engage in creativity, but according to him, he came into the world of music as a priest, a priest and will leave.
Hieromonk Photius "Monologue"
Hieromonk Photius "Good night, gentlemen"
Hieromonk Photius and Gregory Leps "Labyrinth"
Father Photius "Lensky's Aria"
