Synaxis of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia

Festive Divine Service Held at Kursk-Root Hermitage Monastery, On the eve of the all-night vigil with the blessing of bread. The service was performed by the abbot of the monastery, Hegumen Seraphim (Kotelnikov) Concelebrating with the brethren.

The Synaxis of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church is celebrated 7 February (25 January), if this date coincides with a Sunday; on the Sunday preceding this date, if 7 February falls on the days from Monday to Wednesday; On the following Sunday, if 7 February falls on the days from Thursday to Saturday. It is only on the day of the celebration of the Synaxis of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church that the saints are commemorated, whose date of death is unknown.

On this day, the Holy Church commemorates all the departed, who suffered in a year of persecution for the faith of Christ. This commemoration is performed according to the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of 30 January 1991 on the basis of the decision of the Local Council of 1917-1918.

The cruel and bloody 20th century was especially tragic for Russia, who lost millions of her sons and daughters not only at the hands of external enemies, but also from their own persecutors, atheists. Among those villainously murdered and tortured during the years of persecution were an innumerable number of Orthodox Christians: Lay, Monks, Priests, Bishops, whose only fault was a firm faith in God.

Glorification of the Host of New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church at the Jubilee Council of Bishops 2000 of the year, At the turn of the millennium, drew a line under the terrible epoch of militant atheism. This glorification revealed to the world the greatness of their feat, illuminated the paths of God's Providence in the destinies of our Fatherland, has become evidence of a deep awareness of the tragic mistakes and painful delusions of the people. This has never happened before in the history of the world, that so many new heavenly intercessors would glorify the Church (More than a thousand new martyrs have been canonized).