Vissarion

Vissarion smiling

Vissarion (born Sergey Anatolyevitch Torop on January 14, 1961) is a Russian mystic and spiritual leader who founded the Church of the Last Testament. He is often referred to by his followers as the "Christ of Siberia" or "Jesus of Siberia."

Early Life

Sergey Torop was born in Krasnodar, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. Before his spiritual awakening, he worked as a traffic policeman. In 1990, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Torop claimed to have experienced a spiritual revelation, which led him to adopt the name Vissarion and begin his mission as a spiritual leader.

Teachings

Vissarion's teachings combine elements of Christianity, Buddhism, New Age beliefs, and environmentalism. He preaches about the importance of living in harmony with nature, the need for spiritual evolution, and the imminent end of the world as we know it. His followers adhere to a strict vegan diet and abstain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and using money.

Church of the Last Testament

The Church of the Last Testament was founded by Vissarion in 1991. The church's headquarters is located in the remote Siberian region of Krasnoyarsk Krai, near the village of Petropavlovka. The community, often referred to as the "City of the Sun," is home to several thousand followers who live according to Vissarion's teachings.

Community Life

The followers of Vissarion live a communal lifestyle, sharing resources and responsibilities. They engage in sustainable farming, construction, and various crafts. The community places a strong emphasis on spirituality, meditation, and prayer. Education for children within the community focuses on both traditional subjects and spiritual teachings.

Controversies

Vissarion and his community have faced criticism and scrutiny from both the Russian government and the media. Critics have labeled the group a cult, and there have been concerns about the well-being and autonomy of its members. In September 2020, Vissarion and two of his aides were arrested by Russian authorities on charges of creating a religious organization that allegedly extorted money from followers and subjected them to emotional abuse.

See Also

• New religious movements
• List of people who have claimed to be Jesus
• Siberia