Russia, St Petersburg Folder, its roads and rivers.kmz

Russia, St Petersburg Folder, its roads and rivers

St Petersburg, Russia (Peterburg or Petrograd)
St Petersburg; Icon of the Mother of God of Konevits, Commemorated on July 10 ; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10; Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Commemorated on July 19 ; Martyr Ilia Chavchavadze of Georgia, Commemorated on July 20; Icon of the Mother of God "œthe Joy of All who sorrow"Â (with coins) in St Petersburg, Commemorated on July 23; Repose of St Jacob Netsvetov the Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska, Commemorated on July 26; Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Herman of Solovki, Commemorated on July 30; Hieromartyr Benjamin the Metropolitan of Petrograd and Gdovsk, Commemorated July 31 ; Martyr Sergius the Archimandrite of Petrograd, Commemorated July 31 ; Venerable Anthony the Roman and Abbot of Novgorod, Commemorated on August 3; Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7; Venerable Anthony of Optina, Commemorated on August 7 ; Icon of the Mother of God "œthe Converser"Â, Commemorated on August 14; St Macarius the Roman, Commemorated on August 15; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated on August 30; Passion-Bearer Gleb, in Holy Baptism David, Commemorated September 5 ; Venerable Macarius of Optina, Commemorated on September 7 ; Venerable Joseph the Abbot of Volokolamsk, Volotsk, Commemorated on September 9 ; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on September 11 ; Martyr Juvenal of Alaska, Commemorated September 24; Icon of the Mother of God of Andronicus, Commemorated on October 22 ; Icon of the Mother of God "the Joy of All Who Sorrow", Commemorated October 24 ; Repose of St Philaret (Drozdov) the Metropolitan of Moscow ; Icon of the Mother of God of Tsarskoe Selo, Commemorated on November 27 ; Repose of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated December 20 ; St Euthymius (Takaishvili), Commemorated January 3 ; Hieromartyr Philip the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated January 9 ; Venerable Athanasius the Abbot of Syandemsk, Vologda, Commemorated on January 18 ; Venerable Macarius the Roman of Novgorod, Commemorated on January 19 ; Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg, Commemorated January 24 ; St Gabriel, Bishop of Imereti, Commemorated January 25 ; St Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kiev and Gallich, Commemorated January 25 ; Venerable Anatole I of Optina, Commemorated on January 25 ; Venerable Nicephorus of Vazheozersk, Commemorated on February 9; St John, Archbishop of Novgorod, Commemorated February 10 ; St Vsevolod (in holy baptism Gabriel) the Wonderworker of Pskov, Commemorated February 11 ; St Nicholas, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Japan, Commemorated on February 16; Icon of the Mother of God Weeping "œTikhvin"Â on Mt Athos, Commemorated on February 17 ; Venerable Theodore of Sanaxar, Commemorated on February 19 ; Beheading of the Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of the Pskov Caves, February 20 ; Venerable Polycarp of Briansk, Commemorated February 23 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; St Meletius, Archbishop of Kharkov and Akhtyr, Commemorated on February 28; Venerable Martyrius of Zelenets, Pskov, Commemorated on March 1; Icon of the Mother of God "œCzestochowa"Â, Commemorated on March 6; Venerable Athanasius of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Repose of St Nicholas of Zhicha, Commemorated on March 18; Monkmartyr Euphrosynus of Blue Jay Lake, Novgorod, Commemorated on March 20 ; Venerable Seraphim of Virits, Commemorated on March 21; St Sophronius the Bishop of Irkutsk, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable Barsanuphius of Optina, Commemorated on April 1; St Tikhon the Patriarch of Moscow, and Enlightener of North America, Commemorated on April 7; TIKHON, PATRIARCH OF RUSSIA AND CONFESSOR, (7 April 1925); Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17; Venerable Euthymius the Enlightener of Karelia and Finland, Commemorated on April 18; Icon of the Mother of God"œStaro Rus"Â Old Russian, Commemorated on May 4; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19; Venerable Euphrosyne the Abbess of Polotsk, Commemorated on May 23; Venerable Dionysius the Abbot of Glushetsk, Vologda, Commemorated on June 1; Finding of the relics of the Venerable Bassian the Monk of Pertomsk, Solovki, Commemorated on June 5; Repose of St Theodore Yaroslavich the older brother of St Alexander Nevsky in Novgorod, Commemorated on June 5; Glorification of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated on June 8 ; Commemoration of the Appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to a Monk on Mt. Athos, and the Revelation of the Hymn, "œIt Is Truly Meet..."Â Or Axion Estin, Commemorated on June 11; Venerable Arsenius the Abbot of Konevits, Commemorated on June 12; Venerable Anthony the Abbot of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated on June 24; Venerable Nikon of Optina, Commemorated on June 25 ; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on June 28; Icon of the Mother of God"œOur Lady of Sitka"Â, Commemorated on July 8 ;

Petrograd (Peterburg, St Petersburg, Neva River)
Petrograd: St Petersburg; Hieromartyr Benjamin the Metropolitan of Petrograd and Gdovsk, Commemorated on July 31; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated on August 30; Hieromartyr Hilarion, Archbishop of Vereiya; St Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kiev and Gallich, Commemorated January 25 ;

Gulf of Finland
Gulf of Finland;

Russia, St Petersburg History Folder

Russia, St Petersburg, 1240, Battle of the Neva, over Catholic Swedes, Norwegians and Finns
St Petersburg, 1240, Battle of the Neva; Passion-Bearer Gleb, in Holy Baptism David, Commemorated September 5 ; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on September 11 ; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated on November 23 ; Venerable Xenophon the Abbot of Robeika, Novgorod, Commemorated on June 28;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1240-1263, Saint, Alexander Nevsky, battles of Neva and Ice
St Petersburg Saint, 1240-1263, Alexander Nevsky; St Charitina the Princess of Lithuania, Commemorated on October 5; Repose of St Theodore Yaroslavich the older brother of St Alexander Nevsky in Novgorod, Commemorated on June 5 ;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1329-1353, Saint, Herman of Valaam
Valaam Island (Lake Ladoga); Venerable Herman the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on June 28; Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on June 28; Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on September 11 ;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1329-1353, Saint, Sergius of Valaam
Valaam Island (Lake Ladoga); Venerable Herman the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on June 28; Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on June 28; Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on September 11 ;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1370-1420, St Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets Svir River, and Pali Island, Lake Onega
Russia, St Petersburg, 1370-1420, St Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets Svir River, and Pali Island, Lake Onega; Paleostrov and Olonets, Karelia, Russia ; St Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets, Commemorated August 21 ; Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets, born at Pskov, was the founder of monastic life on Pali island in Lake Onega at the end of the fourteenth century. Despite the desolation of the island, brethren soon gathered near him. He built for them a church in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, and a trapeza church in honor of the holy Prophet Elias. saint spent the final years of his life in a cave half a verst from the monastery, in unceasing prayer. The ascetic added the wearing of heavy chains to his struggles. saint’s blessed repose occurred around the year 1420. His relics were transferred to the monastery church by his disciple, Saint Abramius of Paleostrov (August 21), who was also glorified by his ascetical life, and was buried in the Paleostrov monastery beside his Elder. St Theophan the Recluse the Bishop of Tambov; Venerable Athanasius the Abbot of Syandemsk, Vologda; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19; Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets, born at Pskov, was the founder of monastic life on Pali island in Lake Onega at the end of the fourteenth century. Despite the desolation of the island, brethren soon gathered near him. He built for them a church in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, and a trapeza church in honor of the holy Prophet Elias. The saint spent the final years of his life in a cave half a verst from the monastery, in unceasing prayer. The ascetic added the wearing of heavy chains to his struggles. The saint’s blessed repose occurred around the year 1420. His relics were transferred to the monastery church by his disciple, Saint Abramius of Paleostrov (August 21), who was also glorified by his ascetical life, and was buried in the Paleostrov monastery beside his Elder.

Russia, St Petersburg, 1383, Converser Icon, MOG and St Nick converse with S George, to replace metal cross with wood
Russia, St Petersburg, 1383, Converser Icon, MOG and St Nick converse with Sacristan George, to replace metal cross with wood; depicts the Mother of God and Saint Nicholas of Myra conversing with the sacristan George. This event occurred soon after the appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in 1383, when the Most Holy Theotokos Herself commanded sacristan George to say that they should replace the metal cross on the newly-constructed temple in Her honor at Tikhvin with a wooden one. Icon of the Mother of God the Converse, Commemorated on August 14; “Converser” Icon of the Mother of God is so named since it depicts the Mother of God and Saint Nicholas of Myra conversing with the sacristan George. This event occurred soon after the appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in 1383, when the Most Holy Theotokos Herself commanded sacristan George to say that they should replace the metal cross on the newly-constructed temple in Her honor at Tikhvin with a wooden one. the place of this vision a chapel was built in honor of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. The chapel burned several times (the first time was in 1390 at the same time as the church of the Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos). In 1515, a wooden church was built and a monastery founded in honor of this holy icon. Russia, St Petersburg, 1383, Appearance of Tihkvin Icon, Lake Ladoga; 1383, seventy years before the fall of Constantinople at the hands of the Turks, fishermen on Lake Ladoga in the principality of Novgorod the Great witnessed the icon miraculously hovering over the lake'™s waters amidst a radiant light. Lake Ladoga; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; to ancient tradition, the wonderworking icon of Tikhvin is one of several painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. The icon was taken from Jerusalem to Constantinople in the fifth century, where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae, which was built especially for this purpose. 1383, seventy years before the fall of Constantinople at the hands of the Turks, fishermen on Lake Ladoga in the principality of Novgorod the Great witnessed the icon miraculously hovering over the lake’s waters amidst a radiant light. to an early sixteenth century Russian manuscript, “The Tale of Miracles of the Icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God,â€ the Theotokos herself decided that her image should leave Constantinople, perhaps in anticipation of the impending fall of the Byzantine Empire. after its miraculous appearance, the icon was discovered in several neighboring towns, including the village of Motchenitsy on the bank of the Tikhvinka River, before it finally appeared near the town of Tikhvin. A wooden church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos was built on the site of the icon’s final resting place. Miraculously, the icon survived a number of fires. the early sixteenth century, through the zeal of Great Prince Basil Ivanovich, a stone church was built to replace the original wooden structure. In 1560, by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, a men’s monastery was established near the church and enclosed with a stone wall. 1613-1614, the Swedish army, having seized Novgorod, made several attempts to destroy the monastery. The countless prayers offered to the Theotokos before the icon were heard, and the monastery was spared. On one occasion, after monks had been alerted to the approaching Swedish army, they decided to flee and to take the icon with them. But the monks soon discovered that they could not remove the icon from its shrine. Seeing this as a sign of the Theotokos’ protection, the monks decided not to abandon the monastery, begging the Theotokos to spare them and their beloved spiritual home. To their amazement, a large Muscovite army appeared to defend the monastery. the Swedes encountered the army, they retreated immediately. Word of this miracle spread rapidly, and imperial emissaries soon visited the monastery. Accompanied by a copy of the wonderworking icon, they set off for the village of Stolbovo, 33 miles from Tikhvin, where they concluded a peace treaty with the Swedes on February 10, 1617. the copy of the icon was taken to Moscow and enshrined in the Kremlin’s Dormition Cathedral. the same icon was placed in the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) cathedral in Novgorod at the request of the city’s faithful, who also found themselves under attack by the Swedes. Once again, through the intercession of the Theotokos, the city was spared. the centuries, the icon’s fame spread far and wide. Copies of the wonderworking icon began to adorn churches throughout the land. Some of these copies also proved to be sources of miracles, and it was not uncommon to find the faithful praying before the icon to seek healing for children who were ill. fewer than 24 processions with the icon were celebrated each year at the Tikhvin Monastery, where the icon was enshrined. A decorative cover, or “riza,â€ adorned the icon, exposing only the faces and hands of the Holy Virgin and Christ child. Numerous precious stones studded the riza, and many of the faithful, desiring to express thanksgiving for prayers answered through the Theotokos’ intercession, affixed precious jewelry to the riza. miraculous is the fact that the icon was preserved from destruction or sale after the Russian Revolution, which ushered in a 74-year persecution of the Church. During the 1920s, the communist government demanded that the Russian Orthodox Church turn over countless icons and other precious liturgical items, which through the nationalization of private property were considered the property of “the people.â€ Many of these sacred items were sold, allegedly to raise money to feed the Russian and Ukrainian population which was afflicted by famine. the World War II German occupation, the Nazis removed the icon from the Tikhvin Monastery, from where it was taken to Pskov and subsequently to Riga, Latvia. When the city was evacuated, Bishop John [Garklavs] of Riga, in whose care the icon was placed, took the icon to Bavaria, where it was venerated by Orthodox faithful who had been displaced because of the war. Soviet agents had spotted the icon, Bishop John was permitted to take the icon to the United States in 1949, under the pretext that the icon in his care was a reproduction, the work of a simple monk, and that it was of little historic or monetary value. Shortly after his arrival in the United States, Bishop John, who was later elevated to the rank of Archbishop, was elected to oversee the Diocese of Chicago, and the icon was regularly displayed and venerated in Chicago’s Holy Trinity Cathedral. John frequently took the icon on pilgrimage to various places throughout the United States and Canada. After his retirement in the late 1970s and death on Palm Sunday in 1982, Archpriest Sergei Garklavs, Bishop John’s adopted son, became the caretaker of the icon. In 2003, over a decade after the fall of communism and the resurrection of the Russian Orthodox Church, the decision was made to return the precious icon to its original home. icon began its year-long journey to Russia at the 99th annual Pilgrimage to Saint Tikhon Monastery, South Canaan, Pennsylvania, May 23-26, 2003. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, together with members of the Holy Synod of Bishops and guest hierarchs, greeted the icon, which was available for veneration by the faithful. icon follows the Hodegetria model and is similar in style to the ancient Iveron icon of Our Lady. It differs in that the Christ child’s legs are crossed, while the sole of His foot is turned to the viewer. Several historic sources note that several other Hodegetria icons of the Theotokos had been brought to Russia in the 1380s, during the rule of the saintly prince Demetrius Donskoy. -- Archpriest John Matusiak

Russia, St Petersburg, 1468-1533, Alexander, Abbot of Svir, contemplative miracles, appearances, incorruptible relics, myrrh
Russia, St Petersburg, 1468-1533, Alexander, Abbot of Svir; Svirsky or Alexander of Svir (1448–1533) was an Eastern Orthodox saint, monk, and hegumen of the Russian Orthodox Church.[1] (his baptismal name) was born to a peasant family in the Novgorod Republic, east of Ladoga. At the age of 19, he left home for the Valaam Monastery and became a monk and occasional isolation. In 1506, Serapion, Archbishop of Novgorod, appointed him Hegumen of the Trinity monastery, which later became known as Alexander-Svirsky Monastery.[2] Alexander became known for his righteous life and contemplative miracles, including the appearances of the Trinity and the Virgin Mary with the Holy Child. His feast day is commemorated on April 17 and August 30,[3] according to the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar. of Saint Alexander were found on April 17 (27), 1641. According to the Vita of the saint, they were found incorruptible.[4] October 22, 1918, the coffin with the relics of Alexander Svirsky was opened. According to Soviet reports, instead of relics, a wax doll was supposedly found.[5][6][7] However, testimony of the monks present, as well as a later Soviet commission under the direction of Grigory Zinoviev, demonstrated that a human body instead of a wax figure was present in the coffin.[8][9][10] Russia, Moscow, 1641, Finding incorrupt relics of Venerable Alexander, Abbot of Svir ; Alexander of Svir died on August 30, 1533. His incorrupt relics were uncovered in 1641 during the reconstruction of the Transfiguration cathedral. April 17, 1641, the relics of Saint Alexander of Svir were found and examined. The discovery was accompanied by special signs; on April 15 and 16 there was extraordinary thunder and lightning, which ran along the ground above the grave of the holy founder of the monastery. Then during the Divine Liturgy on April 17 (the Saturday of the Righteous Lazarus) the workers were digging a hole for the walls of the new stone church of the Transfiguration of the Lord; and in the altar of the old church they found the Saint's coffin. The ground above it was in the shape of a cave, with nothing to support it. the monks came down to see the decayed coffin (only the lower board was well preserved). When Igoumen Abraham removed the top board, a strong fragrance was noticed. The Saint's body was intact, and was clothed in a mantya and the schema. His face was covered, and beneath the schema, part of his beard could be seen; both legs lay as if he were recently deceased, with the right foot upward, and the left foot facing to the side, both feet were in sandals. his body emanated a fragrance like myrrh, or flowers. Metropolitan Aphthonios of Novgorod was present at the uncovering of the relics. With reverence and joy, the relics were placed in a new coffin and were taken to the temple of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker in that same Hermitage. monks, who had seen the incorrupt flesh of their heavenly patron, were amazed, and they made a detailed description of the shrine. Particularly surprising was the face, which was so life-like that the Saint seemed asleep. The face matched the icons which had been painted by his contemporaries. The authors of the description also noted the unusual position of the Saint's hands and feet and the amber-yellow color of his skin. Soon the relics were placed in a silver reliquary donated by Tsar Michael, and were moved to the newly rebuilt Transfiguration Cathedral. the same time, the commemoration of Saint Alexander was appointed on two dates: August 30, the day of his blessed repose, and April 17, the day of the uncovering of his relics. incorrupt relics of the saint were removed from the Svir Monastery by the Bolsheviks on December 20, 1918 after several unsuccessful attempts to confiscate them. There was an infamous campaign to liquidate the relics of the saints which continued from 1919 to 1922. Many relics of Russsian saints were stolen and subjected to “scientific examination” or displayed in antireligious museums. Some were completely destroyed. to prove that the relics were fakes, the Soviets conducted many tests. However, the tests only confirmed that the relics were genuine. Finally, the holy relics were sent to Petrograd’s Military Medical Academy. There they remained for nearly eighty years. second uncovering of Saint Alexander’s relics took place in December 1997. relics were found to be incorrupt, just as they were when they were confiscated. The saint’s appearance matched the description in the records from 1641. Once it was determined that these were in fact the relics of Saint Alexander, Metropolitan Vladimir of Saint Petersburg permitted them to be taken to the church of Saint Sophia and her three daughters Faith, Hope, and Love (September 17) for four months before their return to the Svir Monastery. As people venerated Saint Alexander’s relics they noticed a fragrant myrrh flowing from them. holy relics were taken to the Saint Alexander of Svir Monastery in November 1998, and miraculous healings continue to take place before them. August 30 for the Life of Saint Alexander. Svir River; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Alexander of Svir was born on July 15, 1448, on the Feast Day of the Prophet Amos, and was named for him in Baptism. Saint Alexander was a beacon of monasticism in the deep forests of the Russian North, living in asceticism, and so he received remarkable gifts by the All-Holy Spirit. parents, Stephen and Vassa (Vasilisa) were peasants living in the village of Mandera near Lake Ladoga, on the shores of the Oyata River, a tributary of the Svira River. They had adult sons and daughters who had left the home of their parents. Stephen and Vassa longed to have another son, and prayed that God would grant their wish. The couple heard a voice from on high: “Rejoice, good man and wife, you shall bear a son, in whose birth God will give comfort to His Church.” grew up to be an extraordinary child. He was always obedient and gentle, he avoided games, jokes and foul talk; he wore poor clothing and so weakened himself with fasting that it caused his mother much anxiety. When he came of age, he met some monks from Valaam who had come to the Oyata to purchase various necessities, and on other monastery business. this time Valaam was already known as a monastery of great piety and strict ascetic life. After speaking with the monks, the young man was fascinated by their account of Skete life (with two or three monks living together) and the solitary life of the anchorite. Knowing that his parents had arranged a marriage for him, the young man fled secretly to Valaam when he was nineteen. An Angel of the Lord appeared to him the guise of a traveler, and showed him the way to the island. Amos lived at the monastery as a novice for seven years, leading an austere life. He spent his days at work, and his nights in vigil and prayer. Sometimes, he prayed in the forest bare-chested, covered with mosquitoes and gnats, until it was time for Matins. the year 1474, Amos was tonsured with the new name Alexander. After several years, his parents eventually learned where their son had gone from some Karelians visiting Mandera. Following the example of their son, the parents also went to monasteries and were tonsured with the names Sergius and Barbara. After their deaths, Saint Alexander, with the blessing of the Igumen of the monastery, settled on an island, where he built a cell in the crevice of a cliff and continued his spiritual endeavors. fame of his asceticism spread far and wide. Then in 1485, Saint Alexander departed from Valaam and, after receiving instructions from on high, chose a place in the forest by the shores of a beautiful lake, which was later called Holy Lake. Here he built a shack, living in solitude for seven years, eating only what he gathered in the forest.1 this time, Alexander experienced terrible suffering from hunger, frost, sickness and demonic temptations, but the Lord sustained the righteous one's spiritual and bodily strength. Once, he was afflicted with a terrible pain in his stomach. Not only was he unable to get up off the ground, but he couldn't even lift his head. He just lay there and chanted Psalms. Then an Angel appeared to him. Placing his hand on the sore spot, he made the Sign of the Cross over the Saint and healed him. 1493 while hunting for deer, a nearby landowner named Andrew Zavalishin happened to discover the Saint's cell. Andrew told him of a fiery pillar he had seen over this place, and begged him to tell him about his life. The Saint was deeply saddened by this, because he had not able to hide himself from men. After making the other promise not to tell anyone about him until after his death, Saint Alexander spoke to him about his life in the wilderness, where he had lived for seven years without seeing anyone, how he had subsisted on plants alone, and how he had been healed of a pain in his stomach by an Angel. After that, Andrew began to visit Saint Alexander often. Finally, following the Saint's advice, he went to Valaam, where he was tonsured with the name Adrian. Saint Adrian founded the Ondrusov monastery, and led a holy life (Saint Andrew is commemorated on August 26 and May 17). Zavalishin was unable to remain silent about the holy ascetic, despite the promise he had given. News of the righteous one began to spread widely, and soon monks gathered around him. Therefore, Saint Alexander withdrew from the brethren and built a cell 130 sazhen from the monastery. There he encountered a multitude of temptations. The demons assumed the forms of wild animals. Hissing like snakes, they ordered him to leave. Saint Alexander's prayers scorched and scattered the demons like a fiery flame. 1508, twenty-three years after he came to this secluded spot, the Life-Creating Trinity appeared to Saint Alexander. One night he was praying in his cell. Suddenly, there was a dazzling light, and he saw three Angels in resplendent white garments approaching him. They shone with a pure brightness greater than the sun. Each held a staff in His hand. Saint Alexander fell down in terror, and after recovering his senses, he prostrated himself upon the ground. Raising him by the hand, the Angels said: “Have faith, blessed one, and do not be afraid.” Saint was told to build a church and a monastery. He fell to his knees, protesting his own unworthiness, but the Lord raised him up and ordered him to carry out the instructions he had been given. Saint Alexander asked to whom the church ought to be dedicated. The Lord said: "Beloved, as you see us speaking with you in Three Persons, so build the church in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the consubstantial Trinity. Peace I leave you; my peace I give you.” Saint Alexander beheld the Lord with outstretched wings, moving along the ground until He became invisible. appearance is acknowledged as unique in history of the Russian Orthodox Church After this vision, the Saint began thinking of where to build the church. Once, as he was praying to God, he heard a voice. Gazing up to the heavens, he saw an Angel of the Lord clothed in a mantiya and klobuk, such as Saint Pachomios (May 15) had seen. Angel, standing in the air with outstretched wings and upraised hands, proclaimed: “One is Holy, One is the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the Glory of God the Father. Amen.” Then he turned to Saint Alexander saying, “Build a church here in honor of the Lord Who has appeared to you in Three Persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Undivided Trinity.” making the Sign of the Cross over the place three times, the Angel became invisible. that same year he built a wooden church in honor of the Life-Creating Trinity (a stone church was built here in 1526). At the same time as the church was built, the brethren urged Saint Alexander to be ordained to the holy priesthood. For a long time he refused, considering himself unworthy. Then the brethren implored Saint Serapion, the Archbishop of Novgorod (March 16), to convince him to accept this office. So that very year Saint Alexander went to Novgorod and was ordained by the holy Archbishop. Soon afterward, the brethren also asked the Saint to be their Superior. Igumen, Saint Alexander became even more humble than before. He wore tattered clothes, and he slept on the bare ground. He himself prepared food, kneaded dough and baked bread. On one occasion, there was not enough firewood, so the steward asked the Saint to send any unoccupied monks to gather firewood. Saint Alexander replied, "I am not busy." Then he began to chop firewood. Another time, he carried water. all were asleep, the saint was often busy grinding wheat with hand-stones to make more bread. Every night, he went around to all the cells, and if he heard vain conversations, he tapped softly on the door and left. In the morning, if the brother readily acknowledged his guilt and repented, he was forgiven. On the other hand, if the brother tried to justify himself, he was admonished and given a penance. the end of his life, Saint Alexander decided to build a stone church in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. One evening, after chanting an Akathist to the Mother of God, he settled down to rest in his cell. Suddenly, he said to his cell attendant Athanasios, “Child, be sober and alert, because at this very hour we shall have a wondrous and astounding visitation." a voice like thunder said, “Behold, the Lord and His Mother are coming.” Alexander hastened to the entrance to the cell, which it was illumined by a great light shining throughout the monastery, brighter than the rays of the sun. The Saint beheld the Most Pure Mother of God upon the foundation of the Protection church, and sitting where the altar would be, like a Queen upon a throne. She held the Infant Christ in her arms, and a multitude of Angels stood before her, with shining with indescribable radiance. fell down to the ground, unable to endure the great light. The Most Holy Theotokos said, “Arise, chosen one of my Son and God. I have come here to visit you, my dear one, and to see the foundation of my church. Since you have prayed for your disciples and for your monastery, henceforth they shall have all that they need; not only during your lifetime, but also after your death. I shall be with your monastery always, providing an abundance of what is required. Behold, and note carefully how many are the monks who have come into your flock. You must guide them on the path of salvation in the name of the Holy Trinity.” Saint arose and saw a multitude of monks carrying stones and bricks for the foundation. Again the Mother of God said: “My dear one, if someone brings even one brick for the building of my church, in the name of Jesus Christ, my Son and God, he shall not lose his reward.” saying this, she became invisible. year before his death, Saint Alexander foresaw the time of his departure from this life. He summoned the brethren and gave them his final instructions, commending them to the Mother of God. The brethren wept at the thought of being separated from their beloved Father. When they asked where he wished to be buried he said, "Bind my sinful body by the legs and drop it into a the marsh then, after covering it with moss, trample on it with your feet." brethren replied, "No, Father, we cannot do this.” the holy ascetic said that if they would not do as he asked, then they should bury him near the church of the Transfiguration. Saint Alexander departed to the heavenly Kingdom on August 30, 1533 at the age of 85. miracles of healing took place at his grave for those who came there with faith. 1545, his disciple and successor, Igumen Herodion, compiled his Life. In 1547 local veneration of the Saint began and a Service was composed for him. On April 17,1641, during the rebuilding of the Transfiguration church, the incorrupt relics of Saint Alexander of Svir were uncovered, and his universal veneration was established on two dates: the day of his repose, August 30, and on April 17, the day of his glorification (and the uncovering of his relics). Alexander of Svir instructed a multitude of disciples, just as the Mother of God had promised him. These Include Ignatius of Ostrov, Leonid of Ostrov, Cornelius of Ostrov, Dionysios of Ostrov, Athanasios of Ostrov, Theodore of Ostrov, and Therapon of Ostrov. addition to these saints, there are disciples and conversers with Saint Alexander of Svir, who have separate days of commemoration: Saint Athanasios of Syandem (January 18), Saint Gennadios of Vasheozersk (February 9), Saint Makarios of Orodezh (August 9), Saint Adrian of Ondrosov (May 17), Saint Nikephoros of Vasheozersk (February 9), Saint Gennadios of Kostroma and Liubimograd (January 23). these saints (except Saint Gennadios of Kostroma) are depicted on the Icon of the monastic Fathers who shone forth in the land of Karelia (the icon is in the church at the Seminary in Kuopio, Finland). The Synaxis of the Saints who have shone forth in Karelia is celebrated by the Finnish Orthodox Church on the Saturday which falls between October 31 and November 6. incorrupt relics of Saint Alexander were removed from the Svir Monastery by the Bolsheviks on December 20, 1918 after several unsuccessful attempts to confiscate them. There was an infamous campaign to destroy the relics of the Saints which continued from 1919 to 1922. Many relics of Russsian Saints were stolen and subjected to "scientific examination” or displayed in anti-religious museums. Some of them were completely destroyed.2 second uncovering of Saint Alexander’s relics took place in December of 1997. relics were found to be incorrupt, just as they were when they were confiscated. The saint’s appearance matched the description in the records from 1641. Once it was determined that these were truly the relics of Saint Alexander, Metropolitan Vladimir of Saint Petersburg permitted them to be taken to the church of Saint Sophia and her three daughters Faith, Hope, and Love (September 17) for four months before they were returned to the Monastery. As people venerated Saint Alexander’s relics, they noticed a fragrant myrrh flowing from them. holy relics were taken to the Saint Alexander of Svir Monastery in November 1998, and miraculous cures continue to take place before them. Later at this place, Holy Lake, 36 versts from the future city of Olonets and 6 versts from the River Svira, Saint Alexander founded the monastery of the Life-Creating Trinity, and 130 sazhen (i.e. 910 feet) from it, at Lake Roschina, he built a cell on the future site of the Saint Alexander of Svir Monastery. The Soviets conducted many tests, hoping to prove that the relics were fakes. However, the tests only confirmed that the relics were genuine. Finally, the holy relics were sent to Petrograd’s Military Medical Academy, where they remained for almost eighty years. Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1493-1549, Saint, Adrian of Ondrusov, aka Andrew Zavalushin
Russia, Moscow, 1493-1549, Saint, Adrian of Ondrusov, aka Andrew Zavalushin; Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated on August 26;

Stolbovo, 1617 (Treaty of Stolbovo)
Stolbovo (Treaty of Stolbovo) which ended Russia's war with Sweden. Stolbovo is south of Lake Ladgoda and 33 Miles from Tikhvin. Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1383, Appearance of Tihkvin Icon, Fisherman, Lake Ladoga
Russia, St Petersburg, 1383, Appearance of Tihkvin Icon, Lake Ladoga; 1383, seventy years before the fall of Constantinople at the hands of the Turks, fishermen on Lake Ladoga in the principality of Novgorod the Great witnessed the icon miraculously hovering over the lake’s waters amidst a radiant light. Lake Ladoga; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; to ancient tradition, the wonderworking icon of Tikhvin is one of several painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. The icon was taken from Jerusalem to Constantinople in the fifth century, where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae, which was built especially for this purpose. 1383, seventy years before the fall of Constantinople at the hands of the Turks, fishermen on Lake Ladoga in the principality of Novgorod the Great witnessed the icon miraculously hovering over the lake’s waters amidst a radiant light. to an early sixteenth century Russian manuscript, “The Tale of Miracles of the Icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God,â€ the Theotokos herself decided that her image should leave Constantinople, perhaps in anticipation of the impending fall of the Byzantine Empire. after its miraculous appearance, the icon was discovered in several neighboring towns, including the village of Motchenitsy on the bank of the Tikhvinka River, before it finally appeared near the town of Tikhvin. A wooden church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos was built on the site of the icon’s final resting place. Miraculously, the icon survived a number of fires. the early sixteenth century, through the zeal of Great Prince Basil Ivanovich, a stone church was built to replace the original wooden structure. In 1560, by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, a men’s monastery was established near the church and enclosed with a stone wall. 1613-1614, the Swedish army, having seized Novgorod, made several attempts to destroy the monastery. The countless prayers offered to the Theotokos before the icon were heard, and the monastery was spared. On one occasion, after monks had been alerted to the approaching Swedish army, they decided to flee and to take the icon with them. But the monks soon discovered that they could not remove the icon from its shrine. Seeing this as a sign of the Theotokos’ protection, the monks decided not to abandon the monastery, begging the Theotokos to spare them and their beloved spiritual home. To their amazement, a large Muscovite army appeared to defend the monastery. the Swedes encountered the army, they retreated immediately. Word of this miracle spread rapidly, and imperial emissaries soon visited the monastery. Accompanied by a copy of the wonderworking icon, they set off for the village of Stolbovo, 33 miles from Tikhvin, where they concluded a peace treaty with the Swedes on February 10, 1617. the copy of the icon was taken to Moscow and enshrined in the Kremlin’s Dormition Cathedral. the same icon was placed in the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) cathedral in Novgorod at the request of the city’s faithful, who also found themselves under attack by the Swedes. Once again, through the intercession of the Theotokos, the city was spared. the centuries, the icon’s fame spread far and wide. Copies of the wonderworking icon began to adorn churches throughout the land. Some of these copies also proved to be sources of miracles, and it was not uncommon to find the faithful praying before the icon to seek healing for children who were ill. fewer than 24 processions with the icon were celebrated each year at the Tikhvin Monastery, where the icon was enshrined. A decorative cover, or “riza,â€ adorned the icon, exposing only the faces and hands of the Holy Virgin and Christ child. Numerous precious stones studded the riza, and many of the faithful, desiring to express thanksgiving for prayers answered through the Theotokos’ intercession, affixed precious jewelry to the riza. miraculous is the fact that the icon was preserved from destruction or sale after the Russian Revolution, which ushered in a 74-year persecution of the Church. During the 1920s, the communist government demanded that the Russian Orthodox Church turn over countless icons and other precious liturgical items, which through the nationalization of private property were considered the property of “the people.â€ Many of these sacred items were sold, allegedly to raise money to feed the Russian and Ukrainian population which was afflicted by famine. the World War II German occupation, the Nazis removed the icon from the Tikhvin Monastery, from where it was taken to Pskov and subsequently to Riga, Latvia. When the city was evacuated, Bishop John [Garklavs] of Riga, in whose care the icon was placed, took the icon to Bavaria, where it was venerated by Orthodox faithful who had been displaced because of the war. Soviet agents had spotted the icon, Bishop John was permitted to take the icon to the United States in 1949, under the pretext that the icon in his care was a reproduction, the work of a simple monk, and that it was of little historic or monetary value. Shortly after his arrival in the United States, Bishop John, who was later elevated to the rank of Archbishop, was elected to oversee the Diocese of Chicago, and the icon was regularly displayed and venerated in Chicago’s Holy Trinity Cathedral. John frequently took the icon on pilgrimage to various places throughout the United States and Canada. After his retirement in the late 1970s and death on Palm Sunday in 1982, Archpriest Sergei Garklavs, Bishop John’s adopted son, became the caretaker of the icon. In 2003, over a decade after the fall of communism and the resurrection of the Russian Orthodox Church, the decision was made to return the precious icon to its original home. icon began its year-long journey to Russia at the 99th annual Pilgrimage to Saint Tikhon Monastery, South Canaan, Pennsylvania, May 23-26, 2003. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, together with members of the Holy Synod of Bishops and guest hierarchs, greeted the icon, which was available for veneration by the faithful. icon follows the Hodegetria model and is similar in style to the ancient Iveron icon of Our Lady. It differs in that the Christ child’s legs are crossed, while the sole of His foot is turned to the viewer. Several historic sources note that several other Hodegetria icons of the Theotokos had been brought to Russia in the 1380s, during the rule of the saintly prince Demetrius Donskoy. -- Archpriest John Matusiak

Russia, St Petersburg, 1641, Finding incorrupt relics of Venerable Alexander, Abbot of Svir
Russia, Moscow, 1641, Finding incorrupt relics of Venerable Alexander, Abbot of Svir ; Alexander of Svir died on August 30, 1533. His incorrupt relics were uncovered in 1641 during the reconstruction of the Transfiguration cathedral. April 17, 1641, the relics of Saint Alexander of Svir were found and examined. The discovery was accompanied by special signs; on April 15 and 16 there was extraordinary thunder and lightning, which ran along the ground above the grave of the holy founder of the monastery. Then during the Divine Liturgy on April 17 (the Saturday of the Righteous Lazarus) the workers were digging a hole for the walls of the new stone church of the Transfiguration of the Lord; and in the altar of the old church they found the Saint's coffin. The ground above it was in the shape of a cave, with nothing to support it. the monks came down to see the decayed coffin (only the lower board was well preserved). When Igoumen Abraham removed the top board, a strong fragrance was noticed. The Saint's body was intact, and was clothed in a mantya and the schema. His face was covered, and beneath the schema, part of his beard could be seen; both legs lay as if he were recently deceased, with the right foot upward, and the left foot facing to the side, both feet were in sandals. his body emanated a fragrance like myrrh, or flowers. Metropolitan Aphthonios of Novgorod was present at the uncovering of the relics. With reverence and joy, the relics were placed in a new coffin and were taken to the temple of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker in that same Hermitage. monks, who had seen the incorrupt flesh of their heavenly patron, were amazed, and they made a detailed description of the shrine. Particularly surprising was the face, which was so life-like that the Saint seemed asleep. The face matched the icons which had been painted by his contemporaries. The authors of the description also noted the unusual position of the Saint's hands and feet and the amber-yellow color of his skin. Soon the relics were placed in a silver reliquary donated by Tsar Michael, and were moved to the newly rebuilt Transfiguration Cathedral. the same time, the commemoration of Saint Alexander was appointed on two dates: August 30, the day of his blessed repose, and April 17, the day of the uncovering of his relics. incorrupt relics of the saint were removed from the Svir Monastery by the Bolsheviks on December 20, 1918 after several unsuccessful attempts to confiscate them. There was an infamous campaign to liquidate the relics of the saints which continued from 1919 to 1922. Many relics of Russsian saints were stolen and subjected to “scientific examination” or displayed in antireligious museums. Some were completely destroyed. to prove that the relics were fakes, the Soviets conducted many tests. However, the tests only confirmed that the relics were genuine. Finally, the holy relics were sent to Petrograd’s Military Medical Academy. There they remained for nearly eighty years. second uncovering of Saint Alexander’s relics took place in December 1997. relics were found to be incorrupt, just as they were when they were confiscated. The saint’s appearance matched the description in the records from 1641. Once it was determined that these were in fact the relics of Saint Alexander, Metropolitan Vladimir of Saint Petersburg permitted them to be taken to the church of Saint Sophia and her three daughters Faith, Hope, and Love (September 17) for four months before their return to the Svir Monastery. As people venerated Saint Alexander’s relics they noticed a fragrant myrrh flowing from them. holy relics were taken to the Saint Alexander of Svir Monastery in November 1998, and miraculous healings continue to take place before them. August 30 for the Life of Saint Alexander. Svir River; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Alexander of Svir was born on July 15, 1448, on the Feast Day of the Prophet Amos, and was named for him in Baptism. Saint Alexander was a beacon of monasticism in the deep forests of the Russian North, living in asceticism, and so he received remarkable gifts by the All-Holy Spirit. parents, Stephen and Vassa (Vasilisa) were peasants living in the village of Mandera near Lake Ladoga, on the shores of the Oyata River, a tributary of the Svira River. They had adult sons and daughters who had left the home of their parents. Stephen and Vassa longed to have another son, and prayed that God would grant their wish. The couple heard a voice from on high: “Rejoice, good man and wife, you shall bear a son, in whose birth God will give comfort to His Church.” grew up to be an extraordinary child. He was always obedient and gentle, he avoided games, jokes and foul talk; he wore poor clothing and so weakened himself with fasting that it caused his mother much anxiety. When he came of age, he met some monks from Valaam who had come to the Oyata to purchase various necessities, and on other monastery business. this time Valaam was already known as a monastery of great piety and strict ascetic life. After speaking with the monks, the young man was fascinated by their account of Skete life (with two or three monks living together) and the solitary life of the anchorite. Knowing that his parents had arranged a marriage for him, the young man fled secretly to Valaam when he was nineteen. An Angel of the Lord appeared to him the guise of a traveler, and showed him the way to the island. Amos lived at the monastery as a novice for seven years, leading an austere life. He spent his days at work, and his nights in vigil and prayer. Sometimes, he prayed in the forest bare-chested, covered with mosquitoes and gnats, until it was time for Matins. the year 1474, Amos was tonsured with the new name Alexander. After several years, his parents eventually learned where their son had gone from some Karelians visiting Mandera. Following the example of their son, the parents also went to monasteries and were tonsured with the names Sergius and Barbara. After their deaths, Saint Alexander, with the blessing of the Igumen of the monastery, settled on an island, where he built a cell in the crevice of a cliff and continued his spiritual endeavors. fame of his asceticism spread far and wide. Then in 1485, Saint Alexander departed from Valaam and, after receiving instructions from on high, chose a place in the forest by the shores of a beautiful lake, which was later called Holy Lake. Here he built a shack, living in solitude for seven years, eating only what he gathered in the forest.1 this time, Alexander experienced terrible suffering from hunger, frost, sickness and demonic temptations, but the Lord sustained the righteous one's spiritual and bodily strength. Once, he was afflicted with a terrible pain in his stomach. Not only was he unable to get up off the ground, but he couldn't even lift his head. He just lay there and chanted Psalms. Then an Angel appeared to him. Placing his hand on the sore spot, he made the Sign of the Cross over the Saint and healed him. 1493 while hunting for deer, a nearby landowner named Andrew Zavalishin happened to discover the Saint's cell. Andrew told him of a fiery pillar he had seen over this place, and begged him to tell him about his life. The Saint was deeply saddened by this, because he had not able to hide himself from men. After making the other promise not to tell anyone about him until after his death, Saint Alexander spoke to him about his life in the wilderness, where he had lived for seven years without seeing anyone, how he had subsisted on plants alone, and how he had been healed of a pain in his stomach by an Angel. After that, Andrew began to visit Saint Alexander often. Finally, following the Saint's advice, he went to Valaam, where he was tonsured with the name Adrian. Saint Adrian founded the Ondrusov monastery, and led a holy life (Saint Andrew is commemorated on August 26 and May 17). Zavalishin was unable to remain silent about the holy ascetic, despite the promise he had given. News of the righteous one began to spread widely, and soon monks gathered around him. Therefore, Saint Alexander withdrew from the brethren and built a cell 130 sazhen from the monastery. There he encountered a multitude of temptations. The demons assumed the forms of wild animals. Hissing like snakes, they ordered him to leave. Saint Alexander's prayers scorched and scattered the demons like a fiery flame. 1508, twenty-three years after he came to this secluded spot, the Life-Creating Trinity appeared to Saint Alexander. One night he was praying in his cell. Suddenly, there was a dazzling light, and he saw three Angels in resplendent white garments approaching him. They shone with a pure brightness greater than the sun. Each held a staff in His hand. Saint Alexander fell down in terror, and after recovering his senses, he prostrated himself upon the ground. Raising him by the hand, the Angels said: “Have faith, blessed one, and do not be afraid.” Saint was told to build a church and a monastery. He fell to his knees, protesting his own unworthiness, but the Lord raised him up and ordered him to carry out the instructions he had been given. Saint Alexander asked to whom the church ought to be dedicated. The Lord said: "Beloved, as you see us speaking with you in Three Persons, so build the church in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the consubstantial Trinity. Peace I leave you; my peace I give you.” Saint Alexander beheld the Lord with outstretched wings, moving along the ground until He became invisible. appearance is acknowledged as unique in history of the Russian Orthodox Church After this vision, the Saint began thinking of where to build the church. Once, as he was praying to God, he heard a voice. Gazing up to the heavens, he saw an Angel of the Lord clothed in a mantiya and klobuk, such as Saint Pachomios (May 15) had seen. Angel, standing in the air with outstretched wings and upraised hands, proclaimed: “One is Holy, One is the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the Glory of God the Father. Amen.” Then he turned to Saint Alexander saying, “Build a church here in honor of the Lord Who has appeared to you in Three Persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Undivided Trinity.” making the Sign of the Cross over the place three times, the Angel became invisible. that same year he built a wooden church in honor of the Life-Creating Trinity (a stone church was built here in 1526). At the same time as the church was built, the brethren urged Saint Alexander to be ordained to the holy priesthood. For a long time he refused, considering himself unworthy. Then the brethren implored Saint Serapion, the Archbishop of Novgorod (March 16), to convince him to accept this office. So that very year Saint Alexander went to Novgorod and was ordained by the holy Archbishop. Soon afterward, the brethren also asked the Saint to be their Superior. Igumen, Saint Alexander became even more humble than before. He wore tattered clothes, and he slept on the bare ground. He himself prepared food, kneaded dough and baked bread. On one occasion, there was not enough firewood, so the steward asked the Saint to send any unoccupied monks to gather firewood. Saint Alexander replied, "I am not busy." Then he began to chop firewood. Another time, he carried water. all were asleep, the saint was often busy grinding wheat with hand-stones to make more bread. Every night, he went around to all the cells, and if he heard vain conversations, he tapped softly on the door and left. In the morning, if the brother readily acknowledged his guilt and repented, he was forgiven. On the other hand, if the brother tried to justify himself, he was admonished and given a penance. the end of his life, Saint Alexander decided to build a stone church in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. One evening, after chanting an Akathist to the Mother of God, he settled down to rest in his cell. Suddenly, he said to his cell attendant Athanasios, “Child, be sober and alert, because at this very hour we shall have a wondrous and astounding visitation." a voice like thunder said, “Behold, the Lord and His Mother are coming.” Alexander hastened to the entrance to the cell, which it was illumined by a great light shining throughout the monastery, brighter than the rays of the sun. The Saint beheld the Most Pure Mother of God upon the foundation of the Protection church, and sitting where the altar would be, like a Queen upon a throne. She held the Infant Christ in her arms, and a multitude of Angels stood before her, with shining with indescribable radiance. fell down to the ground, unable to endure the great light. The Most Holy Theotokos said, “Arise, chosen one of my Son and God. I have come here to visit you, my dear one, and to see the foundation of my church. Since you have prayed for your disciples and for your monastery, henceforth they shall have all that they need; not only during your lifetime, but also after your death. I shall be with your monastery always, providing an abundance of what is required. Behold, and note carefully how many are the monks who have come into your flock. You must guide them on the path of salvation in the name of the Holy Trinity.” Saint arose and saw a multitude of monks carrying stones and bricks for the foundation. Again the Mother of God said: “My dear one, if someone brings even one brick for the building of my church, in the name of Jesus Christ, my Son and God, he shall not lose his reward.” saying this, she became invisible. year before his death, Saint Alexander foresaw the time of his departure from this life. He summoned the brethren and gave them his final instructions, commending them to the Mother of God. The brethren wept at the thought of being separated from their beloved Father. When they asked where he wished to be buried he said, "Bind my sinful body by the legs and drop it into a the marsh then, after covering it with moss, trample on it with your feet." brethren replied, "No, Father, we cannot do this.” the holy ascetic said that if they would not do as he asked, then they should bury him near the church of the Transfiguration. Saint Alexander departed to the heavenly Kingdom on August 30, 1533 at the age of 85. miracles of healing took place at his grave for those who came there with faith. 1545, his disciple and successor, Igumen Herodion, compiled his Life. In 1547 local veneration of the Saint began and a Service was composed for him. On April 17,1641, during the rebuilding of the Transfiguration church, the incorrupt relics of Saint Alexander of Svir were uncovered, and his universal veneration was established on two dates: the day of his repose, August 30, and on April 17, the day of his glorification (and the uncovering of his relics). Alexander of Svir instructed a multitude of disciples, just as the Mother of God had promised him. These Include Ignatius of Ostrov, Leonid of Ostrov, Cornelius of Ostrov, Dionysios of Ostrov, Athanasios of Ostrov, Theodore of Ostrov, and Therapon of Ostrov. addition to these saints, there are disciples and conversers with Saint Alexander of Svir, who have separate days of commemoration: Saint Athanasios of Syandem (January 18), Saint Gennadios of Vasheozersk (February 9), Saint Makarios of Orodezh (August 9), Saint Adrian of Ondrosov (May 17), Saint Nikephoros of Vasheozersk (February 9), Saint Gennadios of Kostroma and Liubimograd (January 23). these saints (except Saint Gennadios of Kostroma) are depicted on the Icon of the monastic Fathers who shone forth in the land of Karelia (the icon is in the church at the Seminary in Kuopio, Finland). The Synaxis of the Saints who have shone forth in Karelia is celebrated by the Finnish Orthodox Church on the Saturday which falls between October 31 and November 6. incorrupt relics of Saint Alexander were removed from the Svir Monastery by the Bolsheviks on December 20, 1918 after several unsuccessful attempts to confiscate them. There was an infamous campaign to destroy the relics of the Saints which continued from 1919 to 1922. Many relics of Russsian Saints were stolen and subjected to "scientific examination” or displayed in anti-religious museums. Some of them were completely destroyed.2 second uncovering of Saint Alexander’s relics took place in December of 1997. relics were found to be incorrupt, just as they were when they were confiscated. The saint’s appearance matched the description in the records from 1641. Once it was determined that these were truly the relics of Saint Alexander, Metropolitan Vladimir of Saint Petersburg permitted them to be taken to the church of Saint Sophia and her three daughters Faith, Hope, and Love (September 17) for four months before they were returned to the Monastery. As people venerated Saint Alexander’s relics, they noticed a fragrant myrrh flowing from them. holy relics were taken to the Saint Alexander of Svir Monastery in November 1998, and miraculous cures continue to take place before them. Later at this place, Holy Lake, 36 versts from the future city of Olonets and 6 versts from the River Svira, Saint Alexander founded the monastery of the Life-Creating Trinity, and 130 sazhen (i.e. 910 feet) from it, at Lake Roschina, he built a cell on the future site of the Saint Alexander of Svir Monastery. The Soviets conducted many tests, hoping to prove that the relics were fakes. However, the tests only confirmed that the relics were genuine. Finally, the holy relics were sent to Petrograd’s Military Medical Academy, where they remained for almost eighty years. Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1721, Nishtad Peace, Treaty of Nystad. August 30, 1721
Nishtad Peace, Treaty of Nystad. August 30, 1721; Great Northern War 1700-1721; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated on August 30;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1721-1917 , Russian Empire (capital normally St Petersburg)
Russian Empire, Capital St Petersburg except for two years in Moscow of the 200 years of the Empire 1721-1917 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Andronicus, Commemorated on October 22 ;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1757-1825, Iconographer, Vladimir Lukich Borovikovsky, Free Mason
St Petersburg Iconographer, 1757-1825, Vladimir Lukich Borovikovsky; Lukich Borovikovsky (July 24 O.S. (August 4, N.S.) 1757, Mirgorod - April 6 O.S. (April 18, N.S.) 1825, St. Petersburg) was a prominent Russian artist of Ukrainian background,[2] who served at the court of Catherine the Great and dominated portraiture in the Russian Empire at the turn of the 19th century. Borovikovsky was born in Mirgorod,[3][4] Cossack Hetmanate, Russian Empire (now Ukraine) on July 24, 1757 in a family with Ukrainian Cossack background.[5] His father, Luka Borovik, was an icon-painter.[6] According to the family tradition, all four of Borovik's sons served as Cossacks in Mirgorod regiment, but Vladimir retired early at the rank of poruchik and devoted his life to art — mostly icon painting for local churches. lived in Mirgorod until 1788, where he painted icons and portraits in the Cossack Baroque tradition.[7] His friend Vasily Kapnist was preparing an accommodation for Empress Catherine II in Kremenchuk during her travel to newly conquered Crimea. Kapnist asked Borovikovsky to paint two allegoric paintings (Peter I of Russia and Catherine II as peasants sowing seeds and Catherine II as a Minerva) for her rooms. The paintings so pleased the Empress that she requested that the painter move to Saint Petersburg. September 1788 Borovikovsky lived in Saint Petersburg where he changed his surname from the Cossack Borovyk to the more aristocratic-sounding Borovikovsky. For his first ten years in Saint Petersburg, he lived in the house of the poet, architect, musician and art theorist, Prince Nikolay Lvov, whose ideas strongly influenced Borovikovsky's art. At the age of 30 years, he was too old to attend St. Petersburg Imperial Academy of Arts, so he took private lessons from Dmitry Levitzky and later from Austrian painter Johann Baptist Lampi. 1795 he was appointed an academician. He became a popular portrait painter and created about 500 portraits during his lifetime, 400 of which survived to the 21st century. He had his own studio, and often relied on assistants to paint the less important parts of a portrait. His sitters included members of the imperial family, courtiers, generals, many aristocrats, and figures from the Russian artistic and literary worlds. Most of his portraits are intimate in style. most notable are: Portrait of Catherine II, Empress of Russia (1794) Portrait of E. N. Arsenyeva (1796) Portrait of M. I. Lopukhina (1797) Portrait of F. A. Borovsky (1799) Portrait of Paul I, Emperor of Russia (1800) Portrait of Prince A. B. Kurakin (1801–1802) Portrait of Princess A. G. Gagarina and Princess V. G. Gagarina (1802). Portrait of Serbian Prince Karadjordje' 1816 never taught in the Imperial Academy of Art but pupils lived in his home. Among them were Alexey Venetsianov and Bugaevsky-Blagodarny (who painted the only survived portrait of Vladimir Borovikovsky). 1819 Borovikovsky became a Freemason, member of a lodge Dying Sphinx. At that time he mostly painted icons, including Iconostasis of the Smolensky Cemetery church and some icons for Kazan Cathedral in Saint-Petersburg. April 6, 1825 he died suddenly of a heart attack and was interred in the Lazarevskoe Cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in Saint Petersburg. Icon of the Mother of God œOur Lady of SitkaÂ, Commemorated on July 8;

Russia, St Petersburg, 1776-1837, Herman, Wonderworker, N Valaam Spruce Is Alaska, what do you love, 40 years & can't completely
Russia, St Petersburg, 1776-1837, Herman, Serpukhov merchants, Trinity-Sergius St Petersburg, Sarov, Nazarius, Sanaxar, Sergius Hermitage, Valaam on Lake Ladoga, Innocent, Serdobol marble q, Herman's wilderness, Aleutian Is, chain Kamchatka to N America, natives, 10 men selected, holy zeal several thousand accepted, school, church, Phoenix, The New Valaam — Spruce Island, his home, clothes, bed, blanket, pillow, food, fertilizer, visits, reestablish understandng in families, children, Epedemic, admonished fear, spiritual teacher, school, chapel near cell, powerful sermons w students singing, Sophia Vlasova lived there, Yanovsky, naval captain and educated men lost for an answer before him, one general question, what do you love above all, certainly we love god, but I have been trying 40 yrs, and can't love him completely, always remember him, try to please him, he talked of eternity, salvation, our destinies under God, lives of Saints, Prologue, nothing frivolous, description- short, pale, sparkly grey-blue eyes, few grey hairs, pleasant voice, Peter's martyrdom, Spanish Jesuit torture, saved by Monterey order, Supernatural gifts, icon stopping flood, moss fire break, epedemic unites the aleuts, I will not be forgotten, 30 yrs from now you will be old when I will be remembered, death prophecies; Valaam Monastery ; Repose of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America, Commemorated December 13 ; Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America. A spiritual mission was organized in 1793 with volunteers from the monks of the Valaam Monastery. were sent to preach the Word of God to the native inhabitants of northwestern America, who had come under the sovereignty of Russia only ten years before. Saint Herman was one of the members of this mission. Herman came from a family of merchants of Serpukhov, a city of the Moscow diocese. name before he was tonsured, and his family name are not known. There is a possibility, however, that his baptismal name was Gerasimus. had a great zeal for piety from his youth, and he entered monastic life at sixteen. (This was in 1772, if we assume that Herman was born in 1756, although sometimes 1760 is given as the date of his birth.) he entered the Trinity-Sergius Hermitage which was located near the Gulf of Finland on the Peterhof Road, about 15 versts (about 10 miles) from Saint Petersburg. also spent time at at Sarov, where he first met Father Nazarius, who became his Elder at Valaam. Later, Saint Herman followed him to Sanaxar where Saint Theodore (February 19) was their igumen. Healing the Saint Sergius Hermitage there occurred the following incident to Father Herman. On the right side of his throat under his chin there appeared an abscess. The swelling grew rapidly, disfiguring his face. It became difficult for him to swallow, and the odor was unbearable. In this critical condition Father Herman awaited death. He did not appeal to a physician of this world, but locking his cell he fell before an icon of the Mother of God. With fervent tears he prayed, asking of Her that he might be healed. He prayed the whole night. Then he took a wet towel and with it wiped the face of the Most Holy Mother, and with this towel he covered the swelling. He continued to pray with tears until he fell asleep from sheer exhaustion on the floor. In a dream he saw the Virgin Mary healing him. Herman awoke in the morning, he found to his great surprise that he was fully healed. The swelling had disappeared, even though the abscess had not broken through, leaving behind but a small mark as though a reminder of the miracle. to whom this healing was described did not believe it, arguing that it was necessary for the abscess to have either broken through of its own accord or to have been cut open. But the words of the physicians were the words of human experience, for where the grace of God operates there the order of nature is overcome. Such occurrences humble human reason under the strong hand of God’s Mercy. at Valaam five or six years Father Herman continued to live in the Saint Sergius Hermitage, and then he transferred to the Valaam Monastery, which was widely scattered on the large islands in the waters of the great Lake Ladoga. came to love the Valaam haven with all his soul, as he came to love its unforgettable Superior, the pious Elder Nazarius, and all the brethren. wrote to Father Nazarius later from America, “Your fatherly goodness to me, humble one, will be erased out of my heart neither by the terrible, unpassable Siberian lands, nor by the dark forests. Nor will it be wiped out by the swift flow of the great rivers; nor will the awful ocean quench these feelings. In my mind I imagine my beloved Valaam, looking to it beyond the great ocean.” praised the Elder Nazarius in his letters as, “the most reverend, and my beloved father,” and the brethren of Valaam he called, “my beloved and dearest.” The place where he lived in America, deserted Spruce Island, he called “New Valaam.” And as we can see, he always remained in spiritual contact with his spiritual homeland, for as late as 1823, that is after thirty years of his life within the borders of America, he wrote letters to the successor of Father Nazarius, the lgumen Innocent. Barlaam, later lgumen of Valaam, and a contemporary of Father Herman, who accepted his tonsure from Father Nazarius, wrote thus of the life of Father Herman. “Father Herman went through the various obediences here, and being ‘well disposed toward everything’ was in the course of events sent to Serdobol to oversee there the work of quarrying marble. Brothers loved Father Herman, and awaited impatiently his return to the cloisters from Serdobol. Recognizing the zeal of the young hermit the wise elder, Father Nazarius, released him to take abode in the wilderness. wilderness was in the deep forest about a mile from the cloister: to this day this place has retained the name ‘Herman’s.’ On holy days, Father Herman returned to the monastery from the wilderness. Then it was that at Little Vespers he would stand in the choir and sing in his pleasant tenor the responses with the brethren from the Canon, ‘O Sweetest Jesus, save us sinners. Most Holy Theotokos, Save us,’ and tears would fall like hail from his eyes.” First Mission to America the second half of the 18th century the borders of Holy Russia expanded to the north. In those years Russian merchants discovered the Aleutian Islands which formed in the Pacific Ocean a chain from the eastern shores of Kamchatka to the western shores of North America. the opening of these islands there was revealed the sacred necessity to illumine with the light of the Gospel the native inhabitants. the blessing of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Gabriel gave to the Elder Nazarius the task of selecting capable persons from the brethern of Valaam for this holy endeavor. Ten men were selected, and among them was Father Herman. chosen men left Valaam for the place of their great appointment in 1793. (The members of this historical mission were: Archimandrite Joseph (Bolotoff), the Hieromonks, Juvenal, Macarius, Athanasius, Stephan and Nectarius, Hierodeacons, Nectarius and Stephen, and the monks Joasaph, and Herman.) a result of the holy zeal of the preachers the light of the evangelic sermon quickly poured out among the sons of Russia, and several thousand pagans accepted Christianity. school for the education of newly-baptized children was organized, and a church was built at the place where the missionaries lived. by the inscrutable providence of God the general progress of the mission was unsatisfactory. After five years of very productive labor, Archimandrite Joasaph, who had just been elevated to the rank of bishop, was drowned with his party. (This occurred on the Pacific Ocean between Kamchatka and the Aleutian Islands. The ship, Phoenix, one of the first sea-going ships built in Alaska, sailed from Okhotsk carrying the first Bishop for the American Mission and his party. The Phoenix was caught in one of the many storms which periodically sweep the northern Pacific, and the ship and all hands perished together with Bishop Joasaph and his party.) this the zealous Hieromonk Juvenal was granted the martyr’s crown. The others died one after another until in the end only Father Herman remained. The Lord permitted him to labor longer than any of his brethren in the apostolic task of enlightening the Aleutians. New Valaam — Spruce Island America, Father Herman chose as his place of habitation Spruce Island, which he called New Valaam. This island is separated by a strait about a mile and a quarter wide from Kodiak Island on which had been built a wooden monastery for the residence of the members of the mission, and a wooden church dedicated to the Resurrection of the Savior. (New Valaam was named for Valaam on Lake Ladoga, the monastery from which Father Herman came to America. It is interesting to note that Valaam is also located on an island, although, this island is in a fresh water lake, whereas, Spruce Island is on the Pacific Ocean, although near other islands and the Alaskan mainland.) Island is not large, and is almost completely covered by a forest. Almost through its middle a small brook flows to the sea. Herman selected this picturesque island for the location of his hermitage. He dug a cave out of the ground with his own hands, and in it he lived his first full summer. winter there was built for him a cell near the cave, in which he lived until his death. The cave was converted by him into a place for his burial. A wooden chapel, and a wooden house to be used as a schoolhouse and a guest house were built not too distant from his cell. A garden was laid out in front of his cell. For more than forty years Father Herman lived here. Herman’s Way of Life Herman himself spaded the garden, planted potatoes and cabbage and various vegetables in it. For winter, he preserved mushrooms, salting or drying them. The salt was obtained by him from ocean water. It is said that a wicker basket in which the Elder carried seaweed from the shore, was so large that it was difficult for one person to carry. The seaweed was used for fertilizing the soil. But to the astonishment of all, Father Herman carried a basket filled with seaweed for a long distance without any help at all. By chance his disciple, Gerasim, saw him one winter night carrying a large log which normally would be carried by four men; and he was bare footed. Thus worked the Elder, and everything that he acquired as a result of his immeasurable labors was used for the feeding and clothing of orphans and also for books for his students. clothes were the same for winter as for summer. He did not wear a shirt; instead he wore a smock of deer skin, which he did not take off for several years at a time, nor did he change it, so that the fur in it was completely worn away, and the leather became glossy. Then there were his boots or shoes, cassock (podrasnik), an ancient and faded out cassock (riasa) full of patchwork, and his headdress (klobuk). He went everywhere in these clothes, and at all times; in the rain, in snowstorms, and during the coldest freezing weather. this, Father Herman followed the example of many Eastern Ascetic Fathers and Monks who showed the greatest concern for the welfare and needs of others. Yet, they themselves wore the oldest possible clothes to show their great humility before God, and their detachment from worldly things. small bench covered with a time-worn deerskin served as Father Herman’s bed. He used two bricks for a pillow; these were hidden from visitors by a skin or a shirt. There was no blanket. Instead, he covered himself with a wooden board which lay on the stove. This board Father Herman, himself called his blanket, and he willed that it be used to cover his remains; it was as long as he was tall. “During my stay in the cell of Father Herman,” writes the creole Constantine Larionov, “I, a sinner, sat on his ‘blanket’-and I consider this the acme of my fortune!” (‘creole’ is the name by which the Russians referred to the children of mixed marriages of native Indians of Alaska, Eskimo and Aleuts with Russians.) the occasions when Father Herman was the guest of administrators of the American Company and in the course of their soul-saving talks he sat up with them until midnight. He never spent the night with them, but regardless of the weather he always returned to his hermitage. for some extraordinary reason it was necessary for him to spend the night away from his cell, then in the morning the bed which had been prepared for him would be found untouched; the Elder not having slept at all. The same was true in his hermitage where having spent the night in talks, he never rested. Elder ate very little. As a guest, he scarcely tasted the food, and remained without dinner. In his cell his dinner consisted of a very small portion of a small fish or some vegetables. His body, emaciated as a result of his labors, his vigils, and fasting, was crushed by chains which weighed about sixteen pounds. These chains are kept to this day in the chapel. Telling of these deeds of Father Herman, his disciple, the Aleut Ignaty Aligyaga, added, “Yes, Apa led a very hard life, and no one can imitate his life!” (The Aleutian word “Apa” means Elder or grandfather, and it is a name indicative of the great affection in which he was held). writing of the incidents in the life of the Elder deal, so to speak, with the external aspects of his labor. “His most important works,” says the Bishop Peter, “were his exercises in spiritual endeavor in his isolated cell where no one saw him, but outside the cell they heard him singing and celebrating services to God according to the monastic rule.” This witness of the Bishop is supported by the following answers of Father Herman, himself, “How do you manage to live alone in the forest, Father Herman? Don’t you ever become lonesome?” He answered, “No I am not there alone! God is here, as God is everywhere. The Holy Angels are there. With whom is it better to talk, with people, or with Angels? Most certainly with Angels.” Herman and the Native Alaskans way in which Father Herman looked upon the natives of America, how he understood his own relations with them, and how he was concerned for their needs he expressed himself in one of his letters to the former administrator of the colony, Simeon Yanovsky. wrote, “Our Creator granted to our beloved homeland this land which like a newly-born babe does not yet have the strength for knowledge or understanding. It requires not only protection, because of its infantile weakness and impotence, but also his sustenance. Even for this it does not yet have the ability to make an appeal on its own behalf. And since the welfare of this nation by the Providence of God, it is not known for how long, is dependent on and has been entrusted into the hands of the Russian government which has now been given into your own power, therefore I, the most humble servant of these people, and their nurse (nyanka) stand before you in their behalf, write this petition with tears of blood. Be our Father and our Protector. Certainly we do not know how to be eloquent, so with an inarticulate infant’s tongue we say: Wipe away the tears of the defenseless orphans, cool the hearts melting away in the fire of sorrow. Help us to know what consolation means.” Elder acted the way he felt. He always interceded before the governors in behalf of those who had transgressed. He defended those who had been offended. He helped those who were in need with whatever means he had available. Aleuts, men, women and children, often visited him. Some asked for advice, others complained of oppression, others sought out defense, and still others desired help. Each one received the greatest possible satisfaction from the Elder. discussed their mutual difficulties, and he tried to settle these peacefully. He was especially concerned about reestablishing understanding in families. If he did not succeed in reconciling a husband and wife, the Elder prevailed upon them to separate temporarily. The need for such a procedure he explained thus, “it is better to let them live apart, or believe me, it can be terrible if they are not separated. There have been incidents when a husband killed his wife, or when a wife destroyed her husband.” Herman especially loved children. He made large quantities of biscuits for them, and he baked cookies (krendelki) for them; and the children were fond of the Elder. Father Herman’s love for the Aleuts reached the point of self-denial. Epidemic Strikes ship from the United States brought to Sitka Island, and from there to Kodiak Island, a contagious disease, a fatal illness. began with a fever, a heavy cold, and difficult respiration, and it ended with chills; in three days the victim died. On the island there was neither a doctor nor medicine. The illness spread rapidly through the village, and then throughout the nearby areas. The disease affected all, even infants. The fatalities were so great that for three days there was no one to dig graves, and the bodies remained unburied. An eyewitness said, “I cannot imagine anything more tragic and horrible than the sight which struck me when I visited an Aleutian ‘Kazhim’. This was a large building, or barracks, with dividing sections, in which the Aleuts lived with their families; it contained about 100 people. Here some had died, their cold bodies lay near the living; others were dying; there were groans and weeping which tore at one’s soul.” “I saw mothers over whose bodies cold in death crawled a hungry child, crying and searching in vain for its food...My heart was bursting with compassion! It seemed that if anyone could paint with a worthy brush the full horror of this tragic scene, that he would have successfully aroused fear of death in the most embittered heart.” Herman, during this terrible sickness which lasted a whole month, gradually dying out towards the end, visited the sick, never tiring. He admonished them in their fear, prayed, brought them to penance, or prepared them for death. He never spared himself. Herman as a Spiritual Teacher Elder was concerned in particular for the moral growth of the Aleuts. With this end in mind a school was built for children-the orphans of the Aleuts. himself taught them the Law of God and church music. For this same purpose he gathered the Aleuts on Sunday and Holy Days for prayer in the chapel near his cell. Here his disciple read the Hours and the various prayers while the Elder himself read the Epistle and Gospel. also preached to them. His students sang, and they sang very well. The Aleuts loved to hear his sermons, gathering around him in large numbers. The Elder’s talks were captivating, and his listeners were moved by their wonderous power. He himself writes of one example of the beneficial results of his words. “Glory to the holy destinies of the Merciful God! He has shown me now through his unfathomable Providence a new occurrence which I, who have lived here for twenty years had never seen before on Kodiak,” he wrote. “Recently after Easter, a young girl about twenty years of age who knows Russian well, came to me. heard of the Incarnation of the Son of God and of Eternal Life, she became so inflamed with love for Jesus Christ that she does not wish to leave me. She pleaded eloquently with me. Contrary to my personal inclination and love for solitude, and despite all the hindrances and difficulties which I put forward before accepting her, she has now been living near the school for a month and is not lonesome. looking on this with great wonder, remembered the words of the Savior: ‘that which is hidden from the wise and learned is revealed to babes’” (Matthew 11:25). woman lived at the school until the death of the Elder. She watched for the good conduct of the children who studied in his school. Father Herman willed that after his death she was to continue to live on Spruce Island. Her name was Sophia Vlasova. writes about the character and the eloquence of the talks of the Elder thus: “When I met Father Herman I was thirty years old. I must say that I was educated in the naval corps school; that I knew many sciences having read extensively. But to my regret, the Science of sciences, that is the Law of God, I barely remembered the externals—and these only theoretically, not applying them to life. I was a Christian in name only, but in my soul and in reality, I was a freethinker. I did not admit the divinity and holiness of our religion, for I had read through many atheistic works. Father Herman recognized this immediately and he desired to reconvert me. To my great surprise he spoke so convincingly, wisely—and he argued with such conviction—that it seemed to me that no learning or worldly wisdom could stand one’s ground before his words. conversed with him daily until midnight, and even later, of God’s love, of eternity, of the salvation of souls, and of Christian living. his lips flowed a ceaseless stream of sweet words! By these continual talks and by the prayers of the holy Elder the Lord returned me completely to the way of Truth, and I became a real Christian. I am indebted for all this to Father Herman he is my true benefactor. “Several years ago,” continues Yanovsky, “Father Herman converted a certain naval captain G. to Orthodoxy from the Lutheran Faith. This captain was well educated. Besides many sciences, he was well versed in languages. He knew Russian, English, German, French, Italian and also some Spanish. for all this he could not resist the convictions and proofs of Father Herman. He changed his faith and was united to the Orthodox Church through Chrismation. When he was leaving America, the Elder said to him while they were parting, “Be on guard, if the Lord should take your wife from you then do not marry a German woman under any circumstance. If you do marry a German woman, undoubtedly she will damage your Orthodoxy.” Captain gave his word, but he failed to keep it. The warning of the Elder was prophetic. Indeed, after several years the Captain’s wife did die, and he married a German woman. There is no doubt that his faith weakened or that he left it; for he died suddenly without penance.” on Yanovsky writes, “Once the Elder was invited aboard a frigate which came from Saint Petersburg. The Captain of the frigate was a highly educated man, who had been sent to America by order of the Emperor to make an inspection of all the colonies. There were more than twenty-five officers with the Captain, and they also were educated men. In the company of this group sat a monk of a hermitage, small in stature and wearing very old clothes. All these educated conversationalists were placed in such a position by his wise talks that they did not know how to answer him. The Captain himself used to say, ‘We were lost for an answer before him.’ “Father Herman gave them all one general question: ‘Gentlemen, What do you love above all, and what will each of you wish for your happiness?’ answers were offered ... Some desired wealth, others glory, some a beautiful wife, and still others a beautiful ship he would captain; and so forth in the same vein. ‘It is not true,’ Father Herman said to them concerning this, ‘that all your various wishes can bring us to one conclusion—that each of you desires that which in his own understanding he considers the best, and which is most worthy of his love?’ They all answered, ‘Yes, that is so!’ He then continued, ‘Would you not say, Is not that which is best, above all, and surpassing all, and that which by preference is most worthy of love, the Very Lord, our Jesus Christ, who created us, adorned us with such ideals, gave life to all, sustains everything, nurtures and loves all, who is Himself Love and most beautiful of all men? Should we not then love God above every thing, desire Him more than anything, and search Him out?’ “All said, ‘Why, yes! That’s self-evident!’ Then the Elder asked, ‘But do you love God?’ They all answered, ‘Certainly, we love God. How can we not love God?’ ‘And I a sinner have been trying for more than forty years to love God, I cannot say that I love Him completely,’ Father Herman protested to them. then began to demonstrate to them the way in which we should love God. ‘If we love someone,’ he said, ‘we always remember them; we try to please them. Day and night our heart is concerned with the subject. that the way you gentlemen love God? Do you turn to Him often? Do you always remember Him? Do you always pray to Him and fulfill His holy commandments?’ had to admit that they had not! ‘For our own good, and for our own fortune,’ concluded the Elder, ‘let us at least promise ourselves that from this very minute we will try to love God more than anything and to fulfill His Holy Will!’ Without any doubt this conversation was imprinted in the hearts of the listeners for the rest of their lives.’ “In general, Father Herman liked to talk of eternity, of salvation of the future life, of our destinies under God. He often talked on the lives of the Saints, on the Prologue, but he never spoke about anything frivolous. was so pleasant to hear him that those who conversed with him, the Aleuts and their wives, were so captivated by his talks that often they did not leave him until dawn, and then they left him with reluctance;” thus witnesses the Creole, Constantine Larionov. Description of Father Herman writes a detailed description of Father Herman. “I have a vivid memory,” he said, “Of all the features of the Elder’s face reflecting goodness; his pleasant smile, his meek and attractive mien, his humble and quiet behavior, and his gracious word. He was short of stature. face was pale and covered with wrinkles. eyes were greyish-blue, full of sparkle, on his head there were a few gray hairs. voice was not powerful, but it was very pleasant.” relates two incidents from his conversations with the Elder. “Once,” he writes, “I read to Father Herman the ode, ‘God,’ by Derzhavin. The Elder was surprised, and entranced. He asked me to read it again. I read it once more, “Is it possible that a simple, educated man wrote this?” he asked. “Yes, a learned poet,” I answered. “This has been written under God’s inspiration,” said the Elder. Martyrdom of Peter “On another occasion I was relating to him how the Spanish in California had imprisoned fourteen Aleuts, and how the Jesuits were forcing all of them to accept the Catholic Faith. this Aleut would not agree under any circumstances, saying, ‘We are Christians.’ The Jesuits protested, ‘That’s not true; you are heretics and schismatics. If you do not agree to accept our faith then we will torture all of you.’ Then the Aleuts were placed in cells until evening; two to a cell. At night the Jesuits came to the prison with lanterns and lighted candles. They began to persuade the Aleuts in the cell once again to accept the Catholic Faith. ‘We are Christians,’ was the answer of the Aleuts, ‘and we will not change our Faith.’ Then the Jesuits began to torture them, at first the one while his companion was the witness. cut the toes off his feet, first one joint and then the other joint. And then they cut the first joint on the fingers of the hands, and then the other joint. Afterwards they cut off his feet, and his hands; the blood flowed. The martyr endured all and steadfastly insisted on one thing: ’I am a Christian.’ In such suffering, he bled to death. Jesuit promised to torture to death his comrades also on the next day.... that night an order was received from Monterey stating that the imprisoned Aleuts were to be released immediately, and sent there under escort. Therefore, in the morning all were dispatched to Monterey with the exception of the martyred Aleut. was related to me by a witness, the same Aleut who was the comrade of the tortured Aleut. Afterwards he escaped from imprisonment, and I reported this incident to the supreme authorities in Saint Petersburg. I finished my story, Father Herman asked, ‘And how did they call the martyred Aleut?’ I answered, ‘Peter; I do not remember his family name.’ The Elder stood up before an icon reverently, made the sign of the Cross and pronounced, ’Holy newly-martyred Peter, pray to God for us!’” Spirit of Father Herman’s Teaching order to express the spirit of Father Herman’s teaching, we present here a quotation from a letter that was written by his own hand. “The empty years of these desires separate us from our heavenly homeland, and our Love for these desires and our habits clothe us, as it were, in an odious dress; it is called by the Apostle ‘the external (earthy) man’ (1 Corinthians 15:47). who are wanderers in the journey of this life call to God for aid. We must divest ourselves of this repulsiveness, and put on new desires, and a new love for the coming age. Thus, through this we will know either an attraction or a repulsion for the heavenly homeland. It is possible to do this quickly, but we must follow the example of the sick, who wishing for desired health, do not stop searching for means of curing themselves. But I am not speaking clearly.” desiring anything for himself in life, when he first came to America, he refused in his humility the dignity of hieromonk and archimandrite, deciding to remain forever a common monk, Father Herman, without the least fear before the powerful, strove with all sincerity for God. With gentle love, and disregarding the person, he criticized many for intemperate living, for unworthy behavior, and for oppressing the Aleuts. Evil armed itself against him and gave him all sorts of trouble and sorrow. But God protected the Elder. Administrator of the Colony, Yanovsky, not having yet seen Father Herman, after receiving one of those complaints, had already written to Saint Petersburg of the necessity of his removal. He explained that it seemed that he was arousing the Aleuts against the administration. But this accusation turned out to be unjust, and in the end Yanovsky was numbered among the admirers of Father Herman. an inspector came to Spruce Island with the Administrator of the Colony and with company employees to search through Father Herman’s cell. This party expected to find property of great value in Father Herman’s cell. But when they found nothing of value, an employee of the American Company, Ponomarkhov, began to tear up the floor with an axe, undoubtedly with the consent of his seniors. Then Father Herman said to him, “My friend, you have lifted the axe in vain; this weapon shall deprive you of your life.” Some time later people were needed at Fort Nicholas, and for that reason several Russian employees were sent there from Kodiak; among them was Ponomarkhov; there the natives of Kenai cut off his head while he slept. Temptations of Father Herman great sorrows were borne by Father Herman from evil spirits. He himself revealed this to his disciple, Gerasim. Once when he entered Father Herman’s cell without the usual prayer he received no answer from Father Herman to any of his questions. The next day Gerasim asked him the reason for his silence. On that occasion Father Herman said to him, “When I came to this island and settled in this hermitage the evil spirits approached me ostensibly to be helpful. They came in the form of a man, and in the form of animals. I suffered much from them; from various afflictions and temptations. And that is why I do not speak now to anyone who enters into my presence without prayer.” (It is customary among devout laymen, as well as clergy, to say out loud a prayer, and upon hearing a response ending with Amen, to enter and go to the icon in the room to reverence it, and to say a prayer before greeting the host). Gifts from God dedicated himself fully for the Lord’s service; he strove with zeal solely for the glorification of His Most Holy Name. Far from his homeland in the midst of a variety of afflictions and privations Father Herman spent several decades performing the noblest deeds of self-sacrifice. He was privileged to receive many supernatural gifts from God. the midst of Spruce Island down the hill flows a little stream into the sea. The mouth of this stream was always swept by surf. In the spring when the brook fish appeared the Elder raked away some of the sand at its mouth so that the fish could enter, and at their first appearance they rushed up the stream. His disciple, lgnaty, said, “it was so that if ‘Apa’ would tell me, I would go and get fish in the stream!” Father Herman fed the birds with dried fish, and they would gather in great numbers around his cell. Underneath his cell there lived an ermine. This little animal can not be approached when it has had its young, but the Elder fed it from his own hand. “Was not this a miracle that we had seen?” said his disciple, Ignaty. They also saw Father Herman feeding bears. But when Father Herman died the birds and animals left; even the garden would not give any sort of crops even though someone had willingly taken care of it, Ignaty insisted. Spruce Island there once occurred a flood. The inhabitants came to the Elder in great fear. Father Herman then took an icon of the Mother of God from the home where his students lived, and placed it on a “laida” (a sandy bank) and began to pray. After his prayer he turned to those present and said,“Have no fear, the water will not go any higher than the place where this holy icon stands.” The words of the Elder were fulfilled. After this he promised the same aid from this holy icon in the future, through the intercessions of the Mother of God. He entrusted the icon to his disciple Sophia; in case of future floods the icon was to be placed on the “laida.” This icon is preserved on the island to this day. the request of the Elder, Baron F. P. Wrangel wrote a letter to a Metropolitan (his name is not known) which was dictated by Father Herman. When the letter was completed and read, the Elder congratulated the Baron upon his attaining the rank of admiral. The Baron was taken aback. This was news to him. It was confirmed, but only after an elapse of some time, and just before he departed for Saint Petersburg. Herman said to the administrator Kashevarov, from whom he accepted his son from the font (during the Sacrament of Baptism), “I am sorry for you, my dear ‘kum.’ It’s a shame; the change will be unpleasant for you.” In two years, during a change of administration, Kashevarov was sent to Sitka in chains. the forest on Spruce Island caught fire. The Elder, with his disciple Ignaty, in a thicket of the forest made a belt about a yard wide in which they turned over the moss. They extended it to the foot of the hill. The Elder said, “Rest assured, the fire will not pass this line.” On the next day, according to the testimony of Ignaty, there was no hope of salvation (from the fire) and the fire, pushed by a strong wind, reached the place where the moss had been turned over by the Elder. The fire ran over the moss and halted, leaving untouched the thick forest which was beyond the line. Elder often said that there would be a Bishop for America; this at a time when no one even thought of it, and there was no hope that there would be a Bishop for America. This was related by Bishop Peter, and his prophecy was fulfilled in time. “After my death,” said Father Herman, “there will be an epidemic, many people shall die during it, and the Russians shall unite the Aleuts.” And so it happened. It seems that about a half a year after his passing, there was a smallpox epidemic; the death rate in America during the epidemic was tremendous. In some villages, only a few inhabitants remained alive. This led the administration of the colony to unite the Aleuts; the twelve settlements were consolidated into seven. “Although a long time shall elapse after my death, I will not be forgotten” said Father Herman to his disciples. “My place of habitation will not remain empty. A monk like me, who will be escaping from the glory of men, will come and he will live on Spruce Island, and Spruce Island will not be without people.” (This prophecy has now been fulfilled in its entirety. Just such a monk as Father Herman described lived on Spruce Island for many years; his name was Archimandrite Gerasim, who died on October 13, 1969. This monk took on himself the responsibility of taking care of the Chapel under which the Elder Herman was first buried. Metropolitan Leonty, soon after his elevation to the primacy of the Russian Orthodox Church in America, made a pilgrimage to Spruce Island, and the grave of Herman. for the Future Creole Constantine, when he was not more than twelve years old, was asked by Father Herman, “My beloved one, what do you think; this chapel which they are building now, will it ever stand empty?” The youngster answered, “I do not know, Apa.” “Indeed,” said Constantine, “I did not understand his question at that time, even though the whole conversation with the Elder remains vivid in my memory.” The Elder remained silent for some time, and then said, “My child, remember, in time there will be a monastery in this place.” Herman said to his disciple the Aleut Ignaty Aligyaga, “Thirty years shall pass after my death, and all those living on Spruce Island will have died, but you alone will remain alive. You will be old and poor when I will be remembered.” And indeed after the death of Father Herman thirty years passed when they were reminded of him, and they began to gather information and facts about him, on the basis of which his Life was written. “It is amazing,” exclaims Ignaty, “how a man like us could know all this so long before it happened! However, no, he was no ordinary man! He knew our thoughts, and involuntarily he led us to the point where we revealed them to him, and we received counsel from him.” “When I die,” the Elder said to his disciple, “you will bury me alongside Father Joasaph. You will bury me by yourself, for you will not wait for the priest. Do not wash my body. Lay it on a board. Clasp my hands over my chest, wrap me in my mantia (the monk’s outer cloak), and with its wings cover my face and place the klobuk (monastic head covering) on my head. If anyone wishes to bid farewell to me, let them kiss the Cross. Do not show my face to anyone....” Repose of Father Herman time of the Elder’s passing had come. One day he ordered his disciple Gerasim to light a candle before the Icons, and to read the Acts of the Holy Apostles. After some time his face glowed brightly and he said in a loud voice, “Glory to Thee, O Lord!” He then ordered the reading to be halted, and he announced that the Lord had willed that his life would now be spared for another week. A week later, again by his orders, candles were lit, and the Acts of the Holy Apostles were read. Quietly, the Elder bowed his head on Gerasim’s chest; the cell was filled with a sweet-smelling odor; and his face glowed, and Father Herman was no more! Thus he died in blessedness, he passed away in the sleep of a righteous man in the eighty-first year of his life of great labor the 25th day of December 1837. (It was the 13th of December according to the Julian Calendar, although there are some records which state that he died on November 28th and was buried on December 26th). sent with the sad news to the harbor returned to announce that the administrator of the colony Kashevarov had forbidden the burial of the Elder until his own arrival. He also ordered that a finer coffin be made for Father Herman, and that he would come as soon as possible and would bring a priest with him. But then a great wind came up, a rain fell, and a terrible storm broke. The distance from the harbor to Spruce Island is not great—about a two hour journey—but no one would agree to go to sea in such weather. Thus it continued for a full month, and although the body lay in state for a full month in the warm house of his students, his face did not undergo any change at all, and not the slightest odor emanated from his body. Finally, through the efforts of Kuzma Uchilischev, a coffin was obtained. No one arrived from the harbor, and the inhabitants of Spruce Island alone buried the remains of the Elder in the ground. Thus the words which Father Herman uttered before his death were fulfilled. After this the wind quieted down, and the surface of the sea became as smooth as a mirror. evening, above the village Katani (on Afognak) an unusual pillar of light which reached up to heaven was seen above Spruce Island. Astonished by the miraculous appearance, experienced elders and the Creole Gerasim Vologdin and his wife Anna said, “It seems that Father Herman has left us,” and they began to pray. After a time, they were informed that the Elder had indeed passed away that very night. This same pillar was seen in various places by others. On the night of his death a vision was seen in another of the settlements on Afognak; it seemed as though a man was rising from Spruce Island into the clouds. disciples buried their father, and placed a wooden memorial marker above his grave. Father Peter Kashevarov, the priest on Kodiak, says, “I saw it myself, and I can say that today it seems as though it had never been touched by time; as though it had been cut this day.” witnessed the life of Father Herman glorified by his zealous labors, having seen his miracles, and the fulfillment of his predictions, finally having observed his blessed falling asleep, “in general, all the local inhabitants,” Bishop Peter witnesses, “have the highest esteem for him, as though he was a holy ascetic, and they are fully convinced that he has found favor in the presence of God.” 1842, five years after the passing away of the Elder, Archbishop Innocent of Kamchatka and the Aleutians, was near Kodiak on a sailing vessel which was in great distress. He looked to Spruce Island, and said to himself, “If you have found favor in God’s presence, Father Herman then may the wind change.” It seems as though not more than fifteen minutes had passed, said the bishop, when the wind became favorable, and he successfully reached the shore. In thanksgiving for being saved, Archbishop Innocent himself conducted a Memorial Service (Panikhida) over the grave of the blessed Father Herman. O Holy Father Herman of Alaska, pray unto God for us!

Russia, St Petersburg, 1855-1908, John of Kronstadt, convict exiles, t gospel purposel, joy of living C values, m miracles t Nick
Russia, St Petersburg, 1855-1908, John of Kronstadt Island, St Petersburg, poor, difficult time to keep up in studies, prayer, veil lifted, remembered clearly, first in class, forgiveness, meekness, love, center of C, one path, C death and resurrection, m to china, m girl f Kronstadt, deacon 1855, account for deeds of his flock, daily devine services, murders etc exiled to K, hovels, stay for hours, material needs, Brotherhood for Charity, taught purpose of Gospel, joy of living C values, more miracles than Nick; Kronstadt Island (Kotlin Island, St Petersburg); Kronshtadtsky District; Repose of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated December 20 ; John of Kronstadt was born in the village of Sura in Archangel province on October 19, 1829, and was called John in honor of Saint John of Rila (August 18). parents were very poor but were very devoted to the Church. Even though he was poor, as a young boy John learned to feel compassion for others in their misfortune. neighbors frequently asked him to pray for them, as they noticed this special grace-endowed gift in him. John was ten, his parents were able to raise some money and send him to the local school which was attached to the church. first, the boy had an extremely difficult time with his studies. He worked for days on end, but still failed to keep up. about his life he once recalled an evening when everyone had already gone to bed. “I could not sleep, and I still failed to understand anything I was taught. I still read poorly and could not remember anything I was told. I became so depressed I fell to my knees and began to pray. don’t know whether I had spent a long time in that position or not, but suddenly something shook my whole being. was as if a veil had fallen from my eyes, and my mind had been opened, and I remembered clearly my teacher of that day and his lesson. I also recalled the topic and the examples he had given. I felt so light and joyous inside.” After this experience he did so well he became one of the first in his class to be chosen to go to seminary, and after seminary to the Theological Academy in Saint Petersburg (a great honor at that time). his studies, John thought about the importance of forgiveness, meekness, and love, and came to believe that these were the very center and power of Christianity, and that only one path—the path of humble love—leads to God and the triumph of His righteousness. also thought a great deal about the Savior’s death on the Cross at Golgotha, and pitied those who did not know Jesus Christ. He wished to preach to them about His death and Resurrection. He dreamed about becoming a missionary to distant China, but saw that there was a great deal of work for a genuine pastor of Christ’s flock both in his own city and the surrounding towns. John graduated from the Academy he met Elizabeth Nesvitsky who lived in the town of Kronstadt. They dated, he proposed, and they were married. After his studies, John still desired to learn more about his faith and his Church. was in this frame of mind that he prepared to be a priest and to enter public ministry. He was ordained a deacon on December 10, 1855, and then priest on December 12. He was assigned to Saint Andrew’s Cathedral in the city of Kronstadt. He said, “I made myself a rule to be as sincere as possible in my work, and of strictly watching myself and my inner life.” John wanted most of all to earn the love of the people in his care, because only a loving attitude could provide the firm support and help he needed as he faced the difficult work of the priesthood. His constant thought was how he would come before the Last Judgment and have to give an account, not only for his own deeds, but also the deeds of his flock, for whose education and salvation he was responsible. him no one was a stranger; everyone who came to him for help became a friend and relative. He would tell people “The Church is the best heavenly friend of every sincere Christian.” conducted divine services daily and offered the prayers of the faithful. He called all who rarely receive Holy Communion to prepare themselves and live their lives in a Christian way so that they could receive more often. Listening to Father John, many people changed their lifestyle, repented sincerely, and joyfully received Holy Communion on a regular basis. that time the government exiled murderers, thieves and other criminals to Kronstadt. Life was horrible for the exiles. Even children of exiles would become thieves and criminals. He would go to their dugouts, hovels and shacks to visit with them. Not satisfied with staying for five or ten minutes to administer some rite and then leave, Father John believed he was coming to visit a priceless soul, his brothers and sisters. He would stay for hours, talking, encouraging, comforting, crying, and rejoicing together with them. the beginning he also concerned himself with the material needs of the poor. He would shop for food, go to the pharmacy for prescriptions, to the doctor for help, many times giving the poor his last few coins. The inhabitants of Kronstadt would see him returning home barefoot and without his cassock. Often parishioners would bring shoes to his wife, saying to her, “Your husband has given away his shoes to someone, and will come home barefoot.” He would also write articles for the newspaper exhorting the people of Kronstadt to “support the poor morally and materially.” appeals touched the hearts of many and Father John organized many charitable efforts. Realizing that his individual charity was insufficient for aiding the needy, he founded the Orthodox Christian House Parish Trusteeship of Saint Andrew the First-Called. This brotherhood coordinated many charitable efforts throughout the city and helped many needy people. 1857, he began teaching in the local city schools. He would tell people, “If children cannot listen to the Gospel, it is only because it is taught like any other subject, with bov 1`redom and indifference. Such teaching defeats the purpose of the Gospel. It fails because it forces students only to read words and memorize them instead of making them live in their lives.” To Father John there were no incapable students. He taught in such a way that poor pupils as well as good ones were able to understand. His attention was aimed not so much at forcing students to memorize as to fill their souls with the joy of living according to Christian values, sharing with them the holy thoughts which filled his soul. speaking to other priests about their vocation he would say, “You are a representative of the faith of the Church, O priest; you are a representative of Christ the Lord Himself. You should be a model of meekness, purity, courage, perseverance, patience, and lofty spirit. You are doing the work of God and must not let anything discourage you.” John has performed more miracles than almost any other saint, with the possible exception of Saint Nicholas. Through his prayers he healed the sick, gave hope to the hopeless, and brought sinners to repentance. John labored endlessly in his work for the Lord preaching, teaching, and helping those in need. Having spent his entire life serving God and His people, Father John fell ill and died on December 20, 1908. Almost immediately, people from near and far began to make pilgrimages to the monastery where he was buried. Even today millions of Orthodox Christians in Russia and around the world pray to him to intercede for them as he had always done from his childhood. John was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church on June 8, 1990.

Russia, St Petersburg, North Side Folder, Karelian Isthmus, Sestra River

Sestra River

Sestra River Source (Karelian Istmus)
The Sestra River is the natural boundary between both Russia and Sweden, and Russia and Finland.

Karelian Isthmus, North Side St Petersburg
Karelian Isthmus; Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on September 11 ; Venerable Polycarp of Briansk, Commemorated February 23 ; Venerable Euthymius the Enlightener of Karelia and Finland, Commemorated on April 18;

Vysotsk, North St Petersburg, Russia
Vysotsk; Venerable Joseph the Abbot of Volokolamsk, Volotsk, Commemorated on September 9 ; Venerable Athanasius of Serpukhov, Commemorated on September 12

Kakisalmi, Russia (Karelian Isthmus)
Kakisalmi; Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7;

Sestra River 1

Sestra River Mouth (Gulf of Finland)

Peter and Paul cathedral, northside St Petersberg, 1712
Peter and Paul Cathedral St. Petersburg; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10; Uncovering of the relics of St Joasaph the Bishop of Belgorod, Commemorated September 4 ; St Joasaph the Bishop of Belgorod, Commemorated on December 10; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10;

Petrograd’s Military Medical Academy
Petrograd’s Military Medical Academy; Uncovering of the relics of Venerable Alexander, Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17;

Russian Thebaid of the North, Saint Petersburg
Russian Thebaid of the North; Venerable Dionysius the Abbot of Glushetsk, Vologda, Commemorated on June 1;

Kronstadt Island, St Petersburg
Kronstadt Island (Kotlin Island, St Petersburg); Kronshtadtsky District; Repose of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated December 20 ; John of Kronstadt was born in the village of Sura in Archangel province on October 19, 1829, and was called John in honor of Saint John of Rila (August 18). parents were very poor but were very devoted to the Church. Even though he was poor, as a young boy John learned to feel compassion for others in their misfortune. His neighbors frequently asked him to pray for them, as they noticed this special grace-endowed gift in him. When John was ten, his parents were able to raise some money and send him to the local school which was attached to the church. At first, the boy had an extremely difficult time with his studies. He worked for days on end, but still failed to keep up. about his life he once recalled an evening when everyone had already gone to bed. “I could not sleep, and I still failed to understand anything I was taught. I still read poorly and could not remember anything I was told. I became so depressed I fell to my knees and began to pray. I don’t know whether I had spent a long time in that position or not, but suddenly something shook my whole being. It was as if a veil had fallen from my eyes, and my mind had been opened, and I remembered clearly my teacher of that day and his lesson. I also recalled the topic and the examples he had given. I felt so light and joyous inside.â€ After this experience he did so well he became one of the first in his class to be chosen to go to seminary, and after seminary to the Theological Academy in Saint Petersburg (a great honor at that time). his studies, John thought about the importance of forgiveness, meekness, and love, and came to believe that these were the very center and power of Christianity, and that only one path—the path of humble love—leads to God and the triumph of His righteousness. He also thought a great deal about the Savior’s death on the Cross at Golgotha, and pitied those who did not know Jesus Christ. He wished to preach to them about His death and Resurrection. He dreamed about becoming a missionary to distant China, but saw that there was a great deal of work for a genuine pastor of Christ’s flock both in his own city and the surrounding towns. John graduated from the Academy he met Elizabeth Nesvitsky who lived in the town of Kronstadt. They dated, he proposed, and they were married. After his studies, John still desired to learn more about his faith and his Church. was in this frame of mind that he prepared to be a priest and to enter public ministry. He was ordained a deacon on December 10, 1855, and then priest on December 12. He was assigned to Saint Andrew’s Cathedral in the city of Kronstadt. He said, “I made myself a rule to be as sincere as possible in my work, and of strictly watching myself and my inner life.â€ John wanted most of all to earn the love of the people in his care, because only a loving attitude could provide the firm support and help he needed as he faced the difficult work of the priesthood. His constant thought was how he would come before the Last Judgment and have to give an account, not only for his own deeds, but also the deeds of his flock, for whose education and salvation he was responsible. To him no one was a stranger; everyone who came to him for help became a friend and relative. He would tell people “The Church is the best heavenly friend of every sincere Christian.â€ He conducted divine services daily and offered the prayers of the faithful. He called all who rarely receive Holy Communion to prepare themselves and live their lives in a Christian way so that they could receive more often. Listening to Father John, many people changed their lifestyle, repented sincerely, and joyfully received Holy Communion on a regular basis. that time the government exiled murderers, thieves and other criminals to Kronstadt. Life was horrible for the exiles. Even children of exiles would become thieves and criminals. He would go to their dugouts, hovels and shacks to visit with them. Not satisfied with staying for five or ten minutes to administer some rite and then leave, Father John believed he was coming to visit a priceless soul, his brothers and sisters. He would stay for hours, talking, encouraging, comforting, crying, and rejoicing together with them. the beginning he also concerned himself with the material needs of the poor. He would shop for food, go to the pharmacy for prescriptions, to the doctor for help, many times giving the poor his last few coins. The inhabitants of Kronstadt would see him returning home barefoot and without his cassock. Often parishioners would bring shoes to his wife, saying to her, “Your husband has given away his shoes to someone, and will come home barefoot.â€ He would also write articles for the newspaper exhorting the people of Kronstadt to “support the poor morally and materially.â€ These appeals touched the hearts of many and Father John organized many charitable efforts. Realizing that his individual charity was insufficient for aiding the needy, he founded the Orthodox Christian House Parish Trusteeship of Saint Andrew the First-Called. This brotherhood coordinated many charitable efforts throughout the city and helped many needy people. 1857, he began teaching in the local city schools. He would tell people, “If children cannot listen to the Gospel, it is only because it is taught like any other subject, with boredom and indifference. Such teaching defeats the purpose of the Gospel. It fails because it forces students only to read words and memorize them instead of making them live in their lives.â€ To Father John there were no incapable students. He taught in such a way that poor pupils as well as good ones were able to understand. His attention was aimed not so much at forcing students to memorize as to fill their souls with the joy of living according to Christian values, sharing with them the holy thoughts which filled his soul. speaking to other priests about their vocation he would say, “You are a representative of the faith of the Church, O priest; you are a representative of Christ the Lord Himself. You should be a model of meekness, purity, courage, perseverance, patience, and lofty spirit. You are doing the work of God and must not let anything discourage you.â€ John has performed more miracles than almost any other saint, with the possible exception of Saint Nicholas. Through his prayers he healed the sick, gave hope to the hopeless, and brought sinners to repentance. John labored endlessly in his work for the Lord preaching, teaching, and helping those in need. Having spent his entire life serving God and His people, Father John fell ill and died on December 20, 1908. Almost immediately, people from near and far began to make pilgrimages to the monastery where he was buried. Even today millions of Orthodox Christians in Russia and around the world pray to him to intercede for them as he had always done from his childhood. John was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church on June 8, 1990. Venerable Anatole I of Optina, Commemorated on January 25 ; Glorification of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated on June 8 ; Venerable Nikon of Optina, Commemorated on June 25 ;

Saint Andrew's Cathedral, Kronstadt Island, North St Petersburg
Saint Andrew's Cathedral, Kronstadt; Repose of Saint John of Kronstadt, Commemorated on December 20; John of Kronstadt was born in the village of Sura in Archangel province on October 19, 1829, and was called John in honor of Saint John of Rila (August 18). parents were very poor but were very devoted to the Church. Even though he was poor, as a young boy John learned to feel compassion for others in their misfortune. His neighbors frequently asked him to pray for them, as they noticed this special grace-endowed gift in him. When John was ten, his parents were able to raise some money and send him to the local school which was attached to the church. At first, the boy had an extremely difficult time with his studies. He worked for days on end, but still failed to keep up. about his life he once recalled an evening when everyone had already gone to bed. “I could not sleep, and I still failed to understand anything I was taught. I still read poorly and could not remember anything I was told. I became so depressed I fell to my knees and began to pray. I don’t know whether I had spent a long time in that position or not, but suddenly something shook my whole being. It was as if a veil had fallen from my eyes, and my mind had been opened, and I remembered clearly my teacher of that day and his lesson. I also recalled the topic and the examples he had given. I felt so light and joyous inside.â€ After this experience he did so well he became one of the first in his class to be chosen to go to seminary, and after seminary to the Theological Academy in Saint Petersburg (a great honor at that time). his studies, John thought about the importance of forgiveness, meekness, and love, and came to believe that these were the very center and power of Christianity, and that only one path—the path of humble love—leads to God and the triumph of His righteousness. He also thought a great deal about the Savior’s death on the Cross at Golgotha, and pitied those who did not know Jesus Christ. He wished to preach to them about His death and Resurrection. He dreamed about becoming a missionary to distant China, but saw that there was a great deal of work for a genuine pastor of Christ’s flock both in his own city and the surrounding towns. John graduated from the Academy he met Elizabeth Nesvitsky who lived in the town of Kronstadt. They dated, he proposed, and they were married. After his studies, John still desired to learn more about his faith and his Church. was in this frame of mind that he prepared to be a priest and to enter public ministry. He was ordained a deacon on December 10, 1855, and then priest on December 12. He was assigned to Saint Andrew’s Cathedral in the city of Kronstadt. He said, “I made myself a rule to be as sincere as possible in my work, and of strictly watching myself and my inner life.â€ John wanted most of all to earn the love of the people in his care, because only a loving attitude could provide the firm support and help he needed as he faced the difficult work of the priesthood. His constant thought was how he would come before the Last Judgment and have to give an account, not only for his own deeds, but also the deeds of his flock, for whose education and salvation he was responsible. To him no one was a stranger; everyone who came to him for help became a friend and relative. He would tell people “The Church is the best heavenly friend of every sincere Christian.â€ He conducted divine services daily and offered the prayers of the faithful. He called all who rarely receive Holy Communion to prepare themselves and live their lives in a Christian way so that they could receive more often. Listening to Father John, many people changed their lifestyle, repented sincerely, and joyfully received Holy Communion on a regular basis. that time the government exiled murderers, thieves and other criminals to Kronstadt. Life was horrible for the exiles. Even children of exiles would become thieves and criminals. He would go to their dugouts, hovels and shacks to visit with them. Not satisfied with staying for five or ten minutes to administer some rite and then leave, Father John believed he was coming to visit a priceless soul, his brothers and sisters. He would stay for hours, talking, encouraging, comforting, crying, and rejoicing together with them. the beginning he also concerned himself with the material needs of the poor. He would shop for food, go to the pharmacy for prescriptions, to the doctor for help, many times giving the poor his last few coins. The inhabitants of Kronstadt would see him returning home barefoot and without his cassock. Often parishioners would bring shoes to his wife, saying to her, “Your husband has given away his shoes to someone, and will come home barefoot.â€ He would also write articles for the newspaper exhorting the people of Kronstadt to “support the poor morally and materially.â€ These appeals touched the hearts of many and Father John organized many charitable efforts. Realizing that his individual charity was insufficient for aiding the needy, he founded the Orthodox Christian House Parish Trusteeship of Saint Andrew the First-Called. This brotherhood coordinated many charitable efforts throughout the city and helped many needy people. 1857, he began teaching in the local city schools. He would tell people, “If children cannot listen to the Gospel, it is only because it is taught like any other subject, with boredom and indifference. Such teaching defeats the purpose of the Gospel. It fails because it forces students only to read words and memorize them instead of making them live in their lives.â€ To Father John there were no incapable students. He taught in such a way that poor pupils as well as good ones were able to understand. His attention was aimed not so much at forcing students to memorize as to fill their souls with the joy of living according to Christian values, sharing with them the holy thoughts which filled his soul. speaking to other priests about their vocation he would say, “You are a representative of the faith of the Church, O priest; you are a representative of Christ the Lord Himself. You should be a model of meekness, purity, courage, perseverance, patience, and lofty spirit. You are doing the work of God and must not let anything discourage you.â€ John has performed more miracles than almost any other saint, with the possible exception of Saint Nicholas. Through his prayers he healed the sick, gave hope to the hopeless, and brought sinners to repentance. John labored endlessly in his work for the Lord preaching, teaching, and helping those in need. Having spent his entire life serving God and His people, Father John fell ill and died on December 20, 1908. Almost immediately, people from near and far began to make pilgrimages to the monastery where he was buried. Even today millions of Orthodox Christians in Russia and around the world pray to him to intercede for them as he had always done from his childhood. John was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church on June 8, 1990. Glorification of Saint John of Kronstadt, Commemorated on June 14;

Russia, St Petersburg, Volkhov River Folder

Volkhov River

Volkhov River Source (Novgorod, Lake Ilmen)

Volkhov River 1 (Novgorod, St Georges Monastery)

Volkhov River 2 (Khutyn or Xenophon Monastery)

Volkhov River 3

Oskuya River Mouth (Volkhov River 3)

Volkhov River 4

Tigoda River Mouth (Volkhov River 4)

Volkhov River 5 (Volkhov)

Volkhov, St Petersburg (Volkhov River 5)
Volkhov; Venerable Anthony the Roman and Abbot of Novgorod, commemorated August 3;

Zelenets (Green Island), Trinity Zelenets Monestary, Volkhov District, St Petersburg, 1582
Zelenets, Trinity Zelenets Monestary, Volkhov District, Zelenets (Green Island); Venerable Martyrius of Zelenets, Pskov, Commemorated on March 1;

Volkhov River Mouth (St Petersburg, Lake Ladoga)

Russia, St Petersburg, Syas River Folder

Syas River

Syas River Source (Valdai Hills)

Syas River 1

Syas River 2 (Overview)

Syas River 3

Syas River 4

Syas River 6 (Tikhvinka River)

Russia, St Petersburg, Syas River 6, Tikhvin River Folder

Tikhvinka River

Tikhvinka River Source (Lake Yeglino)

Tikhvinka River 1

Tikhvinka River 2 (Tikhvin)

Tikhvin, St Petersburg area (Tikhvinka River 2)
Tikhvin; Icon of the Mother of God œthe ConverserÂ, Commemorated on August 14; Translation of the Icon of the Mother of God in Triumph to Russia, Commemorated on September 18; Finding of the relics of the Venerable Cyril the Abbot of Novoezersk, Vologda, Commemorated on November 7 ; Venerable Anthony of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated January 17 ; Icon of the Mother of God Weeping "Tikhvin" on Mt Athos, Commemorated February 17; Icon of the Mother of God Weeping œTikhvinÂ on Mt Athos, Commemorated on February 17 ; Venerable Martyrius of Zelenets, Pskov, Commemorated on March 1; Icon of the Mother of God œStaro RusÂ Old Russian, Commemorated on May 4; Venerable Anthony the Abbot of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated on June 24; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26;

Tikhvin Assumption Monastery, 1560
Tikhvin Assumption Monastery; Finding of the relics of the Venerable Cyril the Abbot of Novoezersk, Vologda, Commemorated on November 7 ;

Dymsk, Novgorod (near Tikhvin, St. Petersburg)
Dymsk on Lake Dyma on the outskirts of Tikhvin; Venerable Anthony of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated on January 17 ; Venerable Anthony the Abbot of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated on June 24; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26;

Dyma Lake, Tikhvin, St Petersburg
but Anthony, shunning glory, left the monastery and settled at the shores of Lake Dyma, on the outskirts of the city of Tikhvin Venerable Anthony of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated on January 17; Venerable Anthony the Abbot of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated on June 24;

Tikhvinka River Mouth (Syas River 6)

Syas River Mouth (Lake Ladoga, St Petersburg)

Russia, St Petersburg, South Side Folder, Winter Palace, Spiritual Academy, Gatchina Road

Izhora River

Gatchina Road (Pskov to St Petersburg by Gotchina Palace)

Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage (near St Petersburg) 1734
St Sergius Hermitage; Glorification of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America, Commemorated on August 9 ; HERMAN OF ALASKA, MISSIONARY TO THE ALEUT, 9 August 1837; Repose of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America; St Sophronius the Bishop of Irkutsk, Commemorated on March 30;

Sergius Coastal Monastery of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, in Petrograd, 1734
Sergius Coastal Monastery of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, in Petrograd The poustinia was founded in 1734 as a branch of the great Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in the immediate vicinity of the new Russian capital, St. Petersburg. Catherine Ivanovna, Peter the Great's niece, owned a manor on the bank of the Gulf of Finland. After her death Empress Anna presented the land to her confessor Varlaam, who was also in charge of the Trinity Lavra. katholikon, as photographed by Count von Nostitz in the 1860s earliest buildings of the monastery, including the pentacupolar cathedral, the outer wall and the towers, were designed by Pietro Antonio Trezzini. They were Baroque in character. It was not until 1764 that Strelna Monastery was designated a separate poustinia. Many monks from Strelna entered the Navy to serve as ship chaplains. Saint Herman of Alaska was one of those monks. golden age of the monastery is associated with Saint Ignatius Bryanchaninov who was in charge of the poustinia between 1834 and 1857. Bryanchaninov had the monastery transformed by Aleksey Gornostayev into a showcase for the Russian Revival style. The new Ascension Cathedral was built to a Neo-Byzantine design. the Russian Revolution the Soviets suppressed the monastery (1931), destroyed the cemetery and adapted the grounds to serve as a labor camp, or a work farm. The buildings sustained further damage during World War II. After the property was occupied by a police school in the early 1960s, Trezzini's cathedral and several other churches were blown up. The remaining buildings were returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1993. Martyr Sergius the Archimandrite of Petrograd; - Martyr Sergius the Archimandrite of Petrograd, Commemorated on July 31 Sergius (Shein) was executed along with Metropolitan Benjamin of Petrograd on July 31, 1922. During his trial, he explained that as a monk he had renounced the world in order to dedicate himself to God. Only the flimsiest of threads still connected him with the outside world, he asserted. “Does this tribunal imagine,” he said, “that severing this thread which connects me with life could frighten me? Do your deed. I pity you, and I pray for you.” a short deliberation, the chairman of the tribunal announced that Metropolitan Benjamin and ten others were to be shot. The prisoners were taken from jail and executed a few miles from Petrograd.

Kopore Fortress (relative high point, southwest of St Petersburg)
Kopore; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated November 23, The Teutonic Knights remained a dangerous enemy. In a lightning-quick campaign in 1241 St Alexander recaptured the ancient Russian fortress of Kopore, expelling the knights. But in 1242, the Germans succeeded capturing Pskov.;

Orlov (Gatchina Palace)
Hieromartyr and Venerable Kuksha of the Kiev Near Caves, Commemorated on August 27; Venerable Leonid of Optina, Commemorated October 11 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, October 12 ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ;

Gatchina Palace, 1766
Gatchina Palace; Hieromartyr and Venerable Kuksha of the Kiev Near Caves, Commemorated August 27 ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, October 12 ;

Gatchina (Road St Petersburg to Pskov)
Gatchina (Road St Petersburg to Pskov); Gatchina Palace; Translation of a Particle of the Life Giving Cross from Malta to Gatchina, Commemorated October 12 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, October 12 ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ;

Pavlovsk Institute - Pavlovsk Palace, St Petersburg, 1777
Pavlovsk Institute - Pavlovsk Palace; Glorification of the Priestmartyr Alexander Hotovitzky, Commemorated on December 4

Sophia Cathedral, Pushkin, St Petersburg
Sophia Cathedral, in Sophia, near Pushkin and St. Petersburg ; St John, Archbishop of Novgorod, Commemorated February 10 ; Venerable Euphrosyne the Abbess of Polotsk, Commemorated on May 23;

Tsarskoye Selo, St Petersburg
Tsarskoye Selo; Priestmartyr John Kochurov, Commemorated October 31 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Tsarskoe Selo, Commemorated November 27 ;

Saint Katherine'™s Cathedral, Tsarskoye Selo, St Petersburg
Saint Katherine'™s Cathedral, Tsarskoye Selo, St Petersburg; Priestmartyr John Kochurov, Commemorated on October 31;

St. Petersburg University, 1724
St. Petersburg University; St Euthymius (Takaishvili);

Moscow Triumphal Gate, St Petersburg, 1834, for 1829 victory over Turks
Moscow Triumphal Gate; Repose of St Philaret (Drozdov) the Metropolitan of Moscow, Commemorated November 19 ; Metropolitan Philaret was asked to dedicate the new Triumphal Gate in Moscow, and Tsar Nicholas I was also present. Seeing statues of pagan gods on the Gate, the Metropolitan refused to bless it. The Tsar became angry, and many people criticized the saint™s refusal to participate. He felt that he had followed his conscience in this matter, but still felt disturbed by it, and so he prayed until he finally dropped off to sleep. He was awakened around 5 A.M. by the sound of someone opening the door which he usually kept locked. The Metropolitan sat up and saw Saint Sergius of Radonezh (September 25) leaning over his bed. œDon'™t worry,Â he said, It will all pass.Then he disappeared.

Resurrection-New Divyevo Monastery, Moskovskiy Ave., 100, St. Petersburg 196084
Resurrection-New Divyevo Monastery, Moskovskiy Ave., 100, St. Petersburg 196084; Moscow Triumphal Gate; Repose of St Philaret (Drozdov) the Metropolitan of Moscow, Commemorated November 19 ; Metropolitan Philaret was asked to dedicate the new Triumphal Gate in Moscow, and Tsar Nicholas I was also present. Seeing statues of pagan gods on the Gate, the Metropolitan refused to bless it. The Tsar became angry, and many people criticized the saint™s refusal to participate. He felt that he had followed his conscience in this matter, but still felt disturbed by it, and so he prayed until he finally dropped off to sleep. He was awakened around 5 A.M. by the sound of someone opening the door which he usually kept locked. The Metropolitan sat up and saw Saint Sergius of Radonezh (September 25) leaning over his bed. œDon'™t worry,Â he said, It will all pass.Then he disappeared. Venerable Seraphim of Vyritsa, Commemorated on March 21;

St Petersburg Theological Academy, 1797
St Petersburg Theological Academy; Glorification of St Tikhon, the Apostle to America, Commemorated October 9 ; Priestmartyr John Kochurov, Commemorated on October 31; Repose of St Philaret (Drozdov) the Metropolitan of Moscow, Commemorated November 19; Glorification of the Priestmartyr Alexander Hotovitzky, Commemorated December 3; St Gabriel, Bishop of Imereti, Commemorated January 25 ; St Nicholas, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Japan, Commemorated on February 16; St Meletius, Archbishop of Kharkov and Akhtyr, Commemorated on February 28; St Tikhon the Patriarch of Moscow, and Enlightener of North America, Commemorated on April 7 ; TIKHON, PATRIARCH OF RUSSIA AND CONFESSOR, (7 April 1925); Glorification of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated on June 8 ;

St Alexander Nevsky Spiritual Academy, St Petersburg, 1797
St Alexander Nevsky Spiritual Academy; Repose of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated December 20 ; Venerable Theodore of Sanaxar, Commemorated on February 19; St Meletius, Archbishop of Kharkov and Akhtyr, Commemorated on February 28; Repose of St Nicholas of Zhicha, Commemorated on March 18; St Tikhon the Patriarch of Moscow, and Enlightener of North America, Commemorated on April 7 ;

St Petersburg Naval Academy, 1701
St Petersburg Naval Academy; Repose of St Jacob Netsvetov the Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska, Commemorated on July 26;

Kazan Cathedral, St. Petersburg, 1801, western, enlightened, modeled on Peter's Basilica Rome
Kazan Cathedral, St. Petersburg; Cathedral or Kazanskiy Kafedralniy Sobor , also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, is a cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church on the Nevsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, one of the most venerated icons in Russia. of the cathedral started in 1801 and continued for ten years under the supervision of Alexander Sergeyevich Stroganov.[2] its completion in 1811, the new temple replaced the Church of Nativity of the Theotokos, which was disassembled when the Kazan Cathedral was consecrated. architect Andrey Voronikhin[3] modelled the building on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.[2] Some art historians assert that Emperor Paul (reigned 1796–1801) intended to build a similar church on the other side of Nevsky Prospect that would mirror the Kazan Cathedral, but such plans failed to materialize.[citation needed] Although the Russian Orthodox Church strongly disapproved of the plans to create a replica of a Catholic basilica in Russia's then capital, several courtiers supported Voronikhin's Empire Style design. Napoleon invaded Russia (1812) and the commander-in-chief General Mikhail Kutuzov asked Our Lady of Kazan for help, the church's purpose altered. The Patriotic War over, Russians saw the cathedral primarily as a memorial to their victory over Napoleon.[3] Kutuzov himself was interred in the cathedral in 1813; and Alexander Pushkin wrote celebrated lines meditating over his sepulchre. In 1815 keys to seventeen cities and eight fortresses were brought by the victorious Russian army from Europe and placed in the cathedral's sacristy. In 1837, Boris Orlovsky designed two bronze statues of Kutuzov and of Barclay de Tolly which stand in front of the cathedral. 1896 Photochrom print 1876 the Kazan demonstration, the first political demonstration in Russia, took place in front of the church. After the Russian Revolution of 1917 the authorities closed the cathedral (January 1932). In November 1932 it reopened as the pro-Marxist "Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism".[4] or, as one contemporary writer put it more baldly, "Leningrad's largest antireligious museum", complete with Spanish Inquisition waxworks.[5] Services resumed in 1992, and four years later the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. As of 2017 it functions as the mother cathedral of the metropolis of St. Petersburg. cathedral's interior, with its numerous columns, echoes the exterior colonnade and is reminiscent of a palatial hall, being 69 metres in length and 62 metres in height. The interior features numerous sculptures and icons created by the best Russian artists of the day. A wrought-iron grille separating the cathedral from a small square behind it is sometimes cited as one of the finest ever constructed.[6][7] cathedral's huge bronze doors are one of four copies of the original doors of the Baptistery in Florence, Italy (the other three are at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, United States, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, United States, and at the Florence Baptistery itself). Kazan Cathedral is considered to be the model for the neoclassical style of Helsinki Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks of Helsinki, Finland.[8] Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Icon of the Mother of God œCzestochowaÂ, Commemorated on March 6;

Alexandrovsky (Shuvalov) Palace
Alexandrovsky Shuvalov Palace; Priestmartyr John Kochurov, Commemorated on October 31;

Alexander Nevsky Lavra, St Petersburg, 1710
Alexander Nevsky Lavra ; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30 ; Repose of St Innocent the first Bishop of Irkutsk, Commemorated November 26 ; St Nicholas, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Japan, Commemorated on February 16; Venerable Theodore of Sanaxar, Commemorated on February 19 ; Venerable Seraphim of Virits, Commemorated on March 21; St Sophronius the Bishop of Irkutsk, Commemorated on March 30; TIKHON, PATRIARCH OF RUSSIA AND CONFESSOR, (7 April 1925);

Trinity Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Lavra, St Petersburg, 1778
Alexander Nevsky Lavra ; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30 ; Repose of St Innocent the first Bishop of Irkutsk, Commemorated November 26 ; St Nicholas, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Japan, Commemorated on February 16; Venerable Theodore of Sanaxar, Commemorated on February 19 ; Venerable Seraphim of Virits, Commemorated on March 21; St Sophronius the Bishop of Irkutsk, Commemorated on March 30; TIKHON, PATRIARCH OF RUSSIA AND CONFESSOR, (7 April 1925);

Smolensk cemetery, St Petersburg
Smolensk cemetery; Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg, Commemorated January 24 ;

Vasili Island, St Petersburg
Vasili Island; Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7;

Petersburg Cossack Staff Officers"™ School
Petersburg Cossack Staff Officers™ School or Imperial Military Aademy in Saint Petersberg; Orenburg Cossacks; Venerable Barsanuphius of Optina, Commemorated on April 1;

Imperial Military Academy
Petersburg Cossack Staff Officers' School or Imperial Military Aademy in Saint Petersberg; Orenburg Cossacks; Venerable Barsanuphius of Optina, Commemorated on April 1;

Academy of Arts in St Petersburg, Russia
Academy of Arts in St Petersburg, Russia; Icon of the Mother of God "œOur Lady of Sitka"Â, Commemorated on July 8 ;

Saint Petersburg State University, 1724
Saint Petersburg State University; Martyr Ilia Chavchavadze of Georgia, Commemorated on July 20;

Winter Palace Cathedral, southside St Petersburg, 1763
Winter Palace Cathedral; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10;

Winter Palace, southside St. Petersburg, 1732
Winter Palace; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10; Translation of a Particle of the Life Giving Cross from Malta to Gatchina; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ;

Izhora Plateau
Izhora Plateau;

Izhora River Source (Skvoritsy springs, Izhora Plateau)

Izhora River 1

Izhora River 2

Izhora River Mouth (Neva River)
Izhora River;

Russia, St Petersburg, Lakes Onega and Lagoda Folder

Lake Onega, Eastern St Petersburg area
Lake Onega; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Hieromartyr Philip the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated January 9 ; Venerable Lazarus of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Zosimas the Abbot of Solovki, Commemorated on April 17; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19;

Lake Ladoga, St Petersburg area
Lake Ladoga; Icon of the Mother of God of Konevits, Commemorated on July 10 ; St Macarius of Oredezhsk, Commemorated August 9; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Venerable Macarius of Optina, Commemorated on September 7 ; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on September 11 ; Monkmartyr Euphrosynus of Blue Jay Lake, Novgorod, Commemorated on March 20; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on June 28;

Valaam Island (Lake Ladoga near St Petersburg) settled 1329
Valaam Island (Lake Ladoga); Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7; Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated August 26 ; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on September 11 ; St Gennadius the Archbishop of Novgorod, Commemorated December 4 ; Repose of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America, Commemorated December 13 ; Venerable Antipas of Valaam Monastery, Commemorated January 10 ; Venerable Athanasius the Abbot of Syandemsk, Vologda, Commemorated on January 18 ; Monkmartyr Euphrosynus of Blue Jay Lake, Novgorod, Commemorated on March 20 ; Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam; Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on June 28;

Shlisselburg Fortress, 1323, Lake Ladoga
Shlisselburg Fortress; Translation of the relics of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated on August 30;

Valaamo monastery (Valaam Island, Lake Ladoga) 1329
Valaam Monastery ; Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7; Glorification of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America, Commemorated on August 9 ; Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Venerable Leonid of Optina, Commemorated on October 11; St Gennadius the Archbishop of Novgorod, Commemorated December 4 ; Repose of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America, Commemorated December 13 ; Venerable Antipas of Valaam Monastery, Commemorated January 10 ; Venerable Athanasius the Abbot of Syandemsk, Vologda, Commemorated on January 18 ; Monkmartyr Euphrosynus of Blue Jay Lake, Novgorod, Commemorated on March 20; Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on June 28;

an island, Sala (the Thicket)
Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated on August 26;

The Peninsula of Lake Ladoga
Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated on August 26;

Serdobol (near St Petersburg) marble quarry, Father Herman of Alaska
Serdobol at the north end of Lake Ladoga. Glorification of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America, Commemorated on August 9 ; Repose of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America, Commemorated December 13 ;

Konevits Island, , Lake Ladoga, St Petersburg
Konevits; Icon of the Mother of God of Konevits, Commemorated on July 10 ; Konevits Icon of the Mother of God: It was with this icon of Greek origin that John, igumen of one of the Athonite monasteries, blessed Saint Arsenius, founder of the Konevits monastery (June 12). The holy icon was glorified by many miracles. the year 1610, during an invasion of the Swedes into the Novgorod territory, the icon was transferred from the Konevits monastery to the Novgorod Derevianits monastery with the blessing of Archbishop Isidore of Novgorod. Each year on July 10 a festal celebration of the Most Holy Theotokos took place at this monastery in honor of Her holy icon. In the year 1799, with the blessing of the Metropolitan Gabriel of Petersburg and Novgorod (+ January 26, 1801), the wonderworking icon was returned to the Konevits monastery. The return of the icon to the Konevits Monastery is celebrated on September 3. Venerable Arsenius the Abbot of Konevits, Commemorated on June 12;

Konevits Monestary, Lake Ladoga, St Petersburg, 1393
Konevits Monestary; Konevits; Icon of the Mother of God of Konevits, Commemorated on July 10 ; Konevits Icon of the Mother of God: It was with this icon of Greek origin that John, igumen of one of the Athonite monasteries, blessed Saint Arsenius, founder of the Konevits monastery (June 12). The holy icon was glorified by many miracles. the year 1610, during an invasion of the Swedes into the Novgorod territory, the icon was transferred from the Konevits monastery to the Novgorod Derevianits monastery with the blessing of Archbishop Isidore of Novgorod. Each year on July 10 a festal celebration of the Most Holy Theotokos took place at this monastery in honor of Her holy icon. In the year 1799, with the blessing of the Metropolitan Gabriel of Petersburg and Novgorod (+ January 26, 1801), the wonderworking icon was returned to the Konevits monastery. The return of the icon to the Konevits Monastery is celebrated on September 3. Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 7; Venerable Arsenius the Abbot of Konevits, Commemorated on June 12;

Russia, St Petersburg, Lakes Onega and Lagoda, Svir River Folder

Chud People, Land of the Chud People (east of St Petersburg)
Chud People; St Sergius of Malopinega, Commemorated on November 16 ; St Vsevolod (in holy baptism Gabriel) the Wonderworker of Pskov, Commemorated February 11 ; Venerable Lazarus of Murom, Commemorated on March 8;

Kizhi Island in Lake Onega, St Petersburg area
Mucha (Murom) Island in Lake Onega; Venerable Lazarus of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Athanasius of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19;

Mucha (Murom) Island in Lake Onega, St Petersburg area
Mucha (Murom) Island in Lake Onega; Venerable Lazarus of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Athanasius of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19;

Murom monastery, Church of the Ressurection of Lararus, 1360
Mucha (Murom) Island in Lake Onega; Venerable Lazarus of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Athanasius of Murom, Commemorated on March 8;

Kizhi Pogost, 1360 & 1690
Kizhi Pogost, 1690; Venerable Athanasius of Murom, Commemorated on March 8;

Pali island in Lake Onega
Pali island in Lake Onega; St Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets, Commemorated on August 21; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19;

Petrozavodsk, Lake Onega, St. Petersburg, Svir River side
Petrozavodsk; Righteous Athanasius of Novolotsk, Commemorated on January 18 ; Finding of the relics of the Venerable Bassian the Monk of Pertomsk, Solovki, Commemorated on June 5;

Svir River

Svir River Source (Lake Onega)

Obonezh Pyatina, division of Novgorod Northeast of Novgorod to White Sea, Svir River
Pyatina; Obonezhskaya Pyatina; Obonezhskaya Pyatina was located to the northeast of Novgorod, on the right bank of the Volkhov. This pyatina continued north to Lake Onega and further to the White Sea. In terms of the current administrative division, it included parts of Novgorod, Leningrad, Vologda, and Arkhangelsk Oblasts, and the Republic of Karelia.

Khavronin on the River Svira, St Petersburg
Khavronin on the River Svira; Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Herman of Solovki, Commemorated on July 30;

Svir River 1 (Holy Lakes, Svir)

Holy Lakes
Holy Lakes ; Alexander-Svirsky Monastery ; Alexander-Svirsky Monastery was founded in 1487, when a monk of the Valaam Monastery, named Alexander, settled between Roschinsky and Holy lakes, 20 km to the east from Lake Ladoga and 6 km from the Svir River. Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30 ; Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17;

Alexander-Svirsky Monastery of the Holy Trinity, St Petersburg area, 1487
Alexander-Svirsky Monastery ; This monastery was orignally the rich estate Andreevschina of Saint Adrian of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated August 26 ; Venerable Anthony of Optina, Commemorated on August 7 ; St Macarius the Roman, Commemorated on August 15; Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated on August 26; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Venerable Macarius of Optina, Commemorated on September 7 ; Venerable Leonid of Optina, Commemorated on October 11; Venerable Athanasius the Abbot of Syandemsk, Vologda, Commemorated on January 18 ; Venerable Macarius the Roman of Novgorod, Commemorated on January 19 ; Venerable Nicephorus of Vazheozersk, Commemorated on February 9; Venerable Macarius the Roman of Novgorod; Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17;

Svir (Siya), St Petersburg area (Lake Ladoga, Svir River 1)
Svir River; Venerable Anthony of Optina, Commemorated on August 7 ; St Macarius of Oredezhsk, Commemorated on August 9 ; St Macarius the Roman, Commemorated on August 15; Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated August 26 ; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Venerable Nicander the Hermit of Pskov, Commemorated on September 24; Hieromartyr Philip the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated January 9 ; Venerable Athanasius the Abbot of Syandemsk, Vologda, Commemorated on January 18 ; Venerable Nicephorus of Vazheozersk, Commemorated on February 9 ; Venerable Macarius the Roman of Novgorod, Commemorated on January 19 ; Venerable Gennadius of Kostroma, Commemorated January 23 ; Venerable Nicephorus of Vazheozersk, Commemorated on February 9; Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17;

Russia, Moscow, 1641, Finding incorrupt relics of Venerable Alexander, Abbot of Svir
Russia, Moscow, 1641, Finding incorrupt relics of Venerable Alexander, Abbot of Svir ; Svir River; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17;

Andreevschina Estate
Alexander-Svirsky Monastery ; This monastery was orignally the rich estate Andreevschina of Saint Adrian of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated August 26 ; Venerable Adrian the Abbot of Ondrusov, Valaam, Commemorated on August 26; Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on August 30; Venerable Nicephorus of Vazheozersk, Commemorated on February 9; Venerable Macarius the Roman of Novgorod; Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated on April 17;

Svir River Mouth (Lake Ladoga)

Mandera (River Oyata Mouth at Svir River near Lake Ladoga)
Mandera (River Oyata Mouth at Svir River near Lake Ladoga); Venerable Alexander the Abbot of Svir, Commemorated August 30 ;

Olonka River

Olonets Land (Northwestern Imperial Russia, Finland to White Sea)
Olonets Land; St Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets, Commemorated on August 21; Righteous Athanasius of Novolotsk, Commemorated on January 18 ; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19;

Olonets, near St Petersburg (Olonka River, Lake Ladoka)
Olonets; St Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets, Commemorated on August 21; Righteous Athanasius of Novolotsk, Commemorated on January 18 ; Venerable Athanasius the Abbot of Syandemsk, Vologda, Commemorated on January 18 ; Venerable Lazarus of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19;

Paleostrov and Olonets, Karelia, Russia
Paleostrov and Olonets, Karelia, Russia ; St Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets, Commemorated August 21 ; Cornelius of Paleostrov and Olonets, born at Pskov, was the founder of monastic life on Pali island in Lake Onega at the end of the fourteenth century. Despite the desolation of the island, brethren soon gathered near him. He built for them a church in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, and a trapeza church in honor of the holy Prophet Elias. saint spent the final years of his life in a cave half a verst from the monastery, in unceasing prayer. The ascetic added the wearing of heavy chains to his struggles. saint’s blessed repose occurred around the year 1420. His relics were transferred to the monastery church by his disciple, Saint Abramius of Paleostrov (August 21), who was also glorified by his ascetical life, and was buried in the Paleostrov monastery beside his Elder. St Theophan the Recluse the Bishop of Tambov; Venerable Athanasius the Abbot of Syandemsk, Vologda; Venerable Cornelius the Abbot of Paleostrov, Commemorated on May 19;

Russia, St Petersburg, Lakes Onega and Lagoda, Neva River Folder

Neva River

Neva River Source (Lake Ladoga)

Shlisselburg, Neva River Source, Lake Ladoga
Shlisselburg; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30;

Neva River Mouth (Neva Bay, Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea)

Battle of the Neva, 1240, Orthodox over Catholic Swedes, Norwegians and Finns, and Teutonic Knights
St Petersburg, 1240, Battle of the Neva; Passion-Bearer Gleb, in Holy Baptism David, Commemorated September 5 ; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker of Valaam, Commemorated on September 11 ; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated on November 23 ; Venerable Xenophon the Abbot of Robeika, Novgorod, Commemorated on June 28;

Russia, St Petersburg, Lakes Onega and Lagoda, Volda Lake Folder

Ileksa River

Ileksa River Source, Above Vodla Lake

Yuregorsk Monastery?, Mt Yurev? (above Vodla Lake)
Yuregorsk Monastery?, Mt Yurev? This is the location of the only church in the area. Venerable Diodorus the Abbot of Yuregorsk, Commemorated on November 20;

Ileksa River Mouth (Vodla Lake)
Ileksa River;

Vodla River

Vodla River Source (Vodla Lake)

Vodla Lake, St Petersburg drainage
Lake Vodla or Lake Vodlozero; Venerable Diodorus the Abbot of Yuregorsk, Commemorated November 20 ;

Vodla River Mouth (Lake Onega)
Vodla River;

Russia, St Petersburg, Luga River Folder

Luga River

Luga River Second Source

Luga River Source (along the border)

Luga River 1 (Oredezh, Oredezh River Mouth)

Russia, St Petersburg, Luga River 1, Oredezh River Folder

Oredezh River

Oredezh River 1

Oredezh River 2 (Vyritsa)

Vyritsa, South of St Petersburg (Oredezh River 2)
Vyritsa; Venerable Seraphim of Virits, Commemorated on March 21;

Oredezh River 3

Oredezh River Mouth (Luga River 2)

Oredezhsk (O River Mouth, Luga River 1)
Oredezhsk; St Macarius of Oredezhsk, Commemorated on August 9 ;

Luga River 3

Luga River 4

Luga River Mouth (Gulf of Finland)

Batetsky District (basin of Rivers Verenda and Sheldon)
Batetsky District (basin of Rivers Verenda (southeast) and Sheldon (southwest));

Russia, St Petersburg, St Petersburg Roads Folder

Volga Trade Route 1 (Ladoga, Lake Ladoga, St Petersburg)

Moscow to St Petersburg 12 (St Petersburg)

Amber Road 20 (St Petersberg)

Gatchina Road to Peskov