Since the 16th century, in the second week after Trinity in Rus’, all saints were remembered with prayer and reverence. Some of them are widely known, others less so, but the Russian Orthodox Church honors them all. After the reforms of the 18th century, during synodal times, the holiday was forgotten. But times of difficult trials have come. During the period of revolutions and persecution of the church, the question of its unity and internal support arose again. And then it was decided to revive the holiday. Remembering the Russian saints, we not only show them respect.
We absorb their wisdom, admire the power of faith, and gain hope that difficult times on earth are nothing compared to eternal bliss with the Lord. They serve as an example for us to follow, they give us the strength not to give up in difficult situations.
And there were plenty of such situations under Soviet rule.
How many names were added to the list of new martyrs during the persecution! One name stands out in particular. This is the name of St. Athanasius, in the world of Sakharov. It is he who is the author of the new service in honor of Russian saints.
Bishop Athanasius completed his work only in 1952, having previously undergone arrests, trials and imprisonment in northern camps. Until his death, he edited the service.
In 2000, his name joined the list of new Russian saints.
No country in the world has as many saints as Rus’. Starting with the first martyrs, Boris and Gleb, it is martyrdom that most often leads to holiness in our country. Their martyrdom does not call us to revenge, but calls us to courage.
Like Metropolitan Vladimir, who all the way to the place of execution did not spew curses, but sang the monastic rite for burial. Like 300 priests who were buried alive in the Magadan ditch, from where the words of prayer were heard until the end.
The Church of martyrs, elders, hermits and truth-seekers even today defends the purity of the Orthodox faith, strives for unity, love, and respect. Everything that the saints who shone in the Russian land taught us from ancient times with their very lives.
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