Annual trip 2016 to Veliky Novgorod: the return of an ancient tradition

At the beginning of 2016 the leader of the Society, Gregor Huber, had met with Fr. Alexei Yandushev-Rumyantsev, the rector of the Novgorod parish from 2015-2016, in Moscow. Father Alexei liked the idea of offering the Tridentine Mass in his parish, as he himself knows the Tridentine Mass well and understands its value. Shortly after however, Fr Alexei was sent to study in Rome for several years, and the Prior changed. At the same time, concerns arose as to whether the successor would support the decision of the previous rector.

Prior to his departure, Father Alexei had handed over all his affairs to his successor, Fr Alexei Shakhov, and warned him about making a deal with the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To our joy, the new Prior did not change anything. During the preliminary visit of Gregor Huber to Veliky Novgorod on July 16, 2016, to see Fr Alexei Shakhov, Fr Shakhov confirmed that the deal remains in force and the Society can organize the Tridentine Mass in his parish. This was the first time Father Mikhail Ermashkevich OP had participated in the trip. Fr Mikhail Ermashkevich OP, rector of the parish in the town of Senno, Belarus, has for many years been regularly helping the congregation in Moscow, replacing Father Augustine Zenzel SDB during his holidays and conducting spiritual retreats during Advent and Lent.

The Society's annual trips begin in 2012, when Fr Thomas Huber served the Triduums in Kursk and Vladimir. Subsequently, also with Fr. Thomas, there were trips to other cities: Berezniki (2013), Tula (2014), Tver and Perm (both in 2015). This year, Father Mikhail was faced with the task of maintaining the already established tradition.

The Society's annual trips begin in 2012, when Fr Thomas Huber served the Triduums in Kursk and Vladimir. Subsequently, also with Fr. Thomas, there were trips to other cities: Berezniki (2013), Tula (2014), Tver and Perm (both in 2015). This year, Father Mikhail was faced with the task of maintaining the already established tradition.

Catholicism in Veliky Novgorod has existed practically since the baptism of Russia. Already in the 11th century in Novgorod there were Latin missionaries, and "Novgorod women carried their children for prayer without distinction to Orthodox and Catholic priests". In the 12th century there were two Catholic churches in Novgorod. The project of the currently existing church was approved in 1891, the church itself was consecrated in the name of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul on September 8, 1893. It was built to replace a burnt-out wooden church, which had stood for fifteen years, from which the priest saved the Holy Gifts during the fire, risking his life. After the revolution, the church operated until 1933, when it was closed and the priests were repressed. The list of seized property includes, among other things: 5 altars, 48 ornaments and 19 cope.

The church building was handed over to the club of motorists, and after the war the “Rodina” (from Russian and means “home”) children’s cinema was located in it.

The parish was able to get a small part of the building in 1993, but the church was fully returned to Catholics in 1996. On September 19, 2010 Moscow Archbishop Pavel Pezzi consecrated the restored belfry of the church.

Friday September 9th

According to the liturgical calendar of 1962, was a IVth class feast day. The Society always uses this opportunity to serve the Requiem mass. The head of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Gregor Huber, and the local minister, Pavel Zheznyakovsky, served.

Saturday September 10

On Saturday like the day before, the Mass was served by Gregor Huber and Pavel Zheznyakovsky. On this day the liturgical calendar prescribed white vestments and a III class feast - St. Nicholas of Tolentin. During the Mass, three sisters from the Franciscan congregation, the Mary Missionary (FMM), prayed.

Sunday September 11th

It was the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, a second class feast, and the liturgical color was green. Finally, a solemn sung Mass was offered. It was possible thanks to the help of the parish organist Ilya Dovgo and another local minister, Georgy Kevorkyan, who served at the Mass.

The Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus expresses its gratitude to Fr. Alexey Shakhov for the opportunity to serve at these Tridentine Masses. We wish God's blessing to the whole Novgorod parish.

P.S. Gregor Huber:

Unfortunately the Prior didn’t explain the parishioners what sort of “just another Mass in Latin” would be offered that weekend and why this event was rare and special, and that is why most of people preferred to attend the Novus Ordo Mass rather than the Tridentine Mass.

Of course, the Society does not expect entire parishes to immediately realize the value of Catholic Tradition and pre-reform liturgy when its representatives arrive. We welcome every person at Mass and believe that if at least one soul has become closer to God through the Tridentine Mass as a result of the Society's visit, our efforts have not been in vain.

More stories about our trips you can read here.