Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod Gregory (Chukov) in Memory of his Contemporaries

Metropolitan Gregory (Chukov, 1870–1955) is an outstanding figure of the Russian Orthodox Church in early-mid 20th century, a close associate of Patriarchs Sergius (Stragorodsky) and Alexius I (Simansky). In recent times, the activities of Metropolitan Gregory have been of great interest. However, a very important question of the perception of the Metropolitan’s personality by his contemporaries remains insufficiently studied. The purpose of this article is an attempt to study the Metropolitan’s image as it developed in the minds of his contemporaries, primarily those of them who were in close contact with Metropolitan Gregory in their activities, and thereby to fill the gap noted above in the study of his life. Among the memoirs about the Metropolitan published, but not yet subject to a special study, of particular interest are the ones of those who knew him well — Nikolai Alexandrovich Zabolotsky (1922–1999) and Alexander Alexandrovich Osipov (1911–1967). Based on their analysis, the author comes to the conclusion that his contemporaries admired, first of all, his work on the revival of theological schools in the city on the Neva — the Academy and the Seminary. For students of theological schools, his personality was a real example of selfless service to the Church and the people, an image of a strict and at the same time fair pastor. Memoirists constantly cited specific examples of his modesty and dedication, concern for the needs of professors and students of theological schools, and emphasized his deep mind and evident wisdom.