As the old saying goes, “There is no worse punishment than living in a time of change.” But there is no better blessing for a true Christian than not only to persevere, but to strengthen the faith, to fight heresy. This is what Patriarch Tikhon has been doing since the beginning of the Red Terror. To be elected to the patriarchal throne at a time when the persecution of the church reached incredible proportions — it required great spiritual steadfastness. Patriarch Tikhon served as an example of courage and feat of faith, his messages were a guiding star for believers in difficult times.
Efforts to preserve the church, defend the Orthodox canons, and fight the Renovationists undermined the Patriarch’s forces. He went to the Lord in 1925.
The funeral took place only in the presence of several bishops, in the small Don Cathedral. The body was put under a bush. In 1927, the monastery was closed and immediately spread rumors that the body of the Patriarch was removed from the grave and either burned or buried in an unmarked grave.
Rumors were also confirmed that the leader of the Renovationists Vvedensky served the Liturgy in vestments, which were made in a single copy and in which Tikhon was buried.
However, in the early 90s, the famous scientist S.A. Belyaev came across information that claimed that the episcopal vestments were made not in one, but in triplicate. Then it was decided to open the grave of the Patriarch. With the blessing of Alexy II, the work began in February 1992.
And the next day they found a marble slab, under which a wooden coffin with the name of Tikhon, the day of his enthronement and the dates of his life rested.
On February 22, in the presence of the Patriarch, members of the Synod and the excavation team, the coffin lid was opened. She suffered greatly and the hearts of those present froze in anticipation that this happened to the relics. But no. Before those present appeared imperishable relics of the Patriarch, covered with a velvet mantle.
The relics were washed, dressed in new patriarchal clothes, and the old ones were given for restoration.
They served a thank you prayer service, the body was transferred to a special cancer.
On April 5, the relics were solemnly brought to the Great Cathedral of the Don Monastery in Moscow, where they still rest.
It is symbolic that the acquisition of relics also occurred in troubled times. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the dashing 90s. The Lord, in his mercy, sent Patriarch Tikhon to a difficult era for the country, and then his power in a new year of trials to strengthen the church, help the believers and inspire them to the feat of faith.
Celebration
February 22
Charity FondHoly Land
Investment in the Soul!
