Oryol, Oryol Province, Russia, May 25, 2026
Photo: orel-eparhia.ru
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrated the glorification of St. Athanasy Saiko, a confessor and holy fool for Christ, during Divine Liturgy at the Holy Theophany Cathedral in Oryol on May 21.
His Eminence Metropolitan Tikhon of Oryol and Bolkhov presided over the service, which took place on the feast of the Ascension of the Lord and the commemoration day of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. He was joined by numerous priests and clergy, the Oryol Metropolia reports.
The rite of glorification was served during the Little Entrance of the liturgy. St. Athanasy was canonized, along with St. Vladimir (Elizarov), by decision of the Russian Holy Synod on May 14. His name was added to the Synaxis of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church.
Photo: orel-eparhia.ru
During the service, the life of St. Athanasy was read aloud, recounting his life path, his feat of holy foolishness for Christ, and his confessor ministry. After the Liturgy concluded, a festive moleben was held in honor of the newly glorified saint.
Worshippers received commemorative icons of St. Athanasy, prepared and provided by Abbess Olympiada of the Entrance of the Theotokos Convent. Met. Tikhon addressed the clergy and faithful at the conclusion of the service, congratulating them on the feast day and the glorification, and calling on them to preserve the memory of the saints of Orel and strengthen their faith by following their example.
A festive meal was held on the cathedral grounds following the ceremonies.
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