Fr. Georgi Petroff Ibrishimoff: anExemplary Shepherd of the Church (Life, Ministry and Works)

Abstract

Clara Toneva, nun Methodia (Kraycheva), Fr. Georgi Petroff Ibrishi-moff: an Exemplary Shepherd of the Church (Life, Ministry and Works). We live in an era with several spiritual and religious traditions. Orthodox Christians are neither isolated from nor protected against teachings and practices that are alien to Orthodoxy. Moreover, secular spirituality today is incompatible with the mystery of Christian faith. Like an eagle, Christian faith requires both of its wings to fly: the Word of God, embodied in the God-man Jesus Christ, and obedience to His commandments. In the 1980s, Father Georgi Petrov Ibrishimov (1903–1988) delivered fervent sermons and wrote extensively on the holistic aspect of faith. The creativity of this humble and devoted ecclesiastic man was evident in his preaching and personal ex-ample. He helped many who had strayed from the Orthodox faith return to it. A standout student at the Seminary, he received additional training at the Theological Faculty, which deepened his understanding of the Christian faith. Fr. Georgi applied his knowledge to save souls, dedicating his time and effort to this mission. In his missionary lectures, which resulted from extensive research on sects, he discussed essential issues of the Christian faith, including dogmatic and sacramental matters (Baptism, Confession, Repentance), the Eucharist, the Church, the veneration of the Virgin Mary, the angels, the saints, the icons, the Cross of Christ and His Resurrection, and the veneration of the dead. He addressed issues such as the division among believers and refuted contemporary uncanonical teachings related to the observance of the Old Testament Sabbath (Saturday). His missionary work led to several studies, including “Reasons for the Division of Believers,” “The Sabbath (Saturday) and Sunday in the Light of the Holy Scripture,” “Sacramental and Hierarchical Priesthood,” and “Teaching of the Pentecostals on New Birth from the Holy Spirit and Baptism with the Holy Spirit.” The first two are examined in detail in this research. The dual role of Fr. Georgi’s works—as an apology for the Orthodox faith and a source of salvation for lost souls—was skillfully embodied in his life as a shepherd and preacher of God’s Word. Therefore, his works have retained their relevance over time. With this brief study, we also wish to pay homage to this exemplary ecclesiastical man, benefiting from his words and deeds.