Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'

On May 25, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of Remembrance of the Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'. The saint's Christian convictions and steadfastness of faith became an example of high spirituality. His bright and significant personality had a colossal influence on the historical events of Russia, which was experiencing the hardships and confusion of the troubled times. Ermogen (in the world Ermolai) was born into a family of Don Cossacks around 1530. His church service began in Kazan, where the future patriarch accepted the rank of parish priest. Purity of faith and love of knowledge led a simple clergyman to the head of the department of the Kazan and Astrakhan Metropolis. In his new rank, Hermogenes launched extensive missionary activities, converting Muslims and pagans to Christianity. The saint's successes were so noticeable that in 1606 he was elected patriarch of the Moscow throne. The years of Hermogen's patriarchate became a cruel test for all of Russia, which entered the period of Troubles. The saint, despite his advanced years, managed to become a stronghold for the entire Orthodox people. He addressed accusatory speeches to False Dmitry II, who approached Moscow with an army. By his command, the monastery granaries were opened for ordinary people suffering from the ensuing famine. He inspires the Orthodox to resist the Polish-Lithuanian interventionists who want to establish Catholicism and union in Russia. The liberation of his native land from foreign invaders and the call for the establishment of a tsar of Russian origin on the throne became the work of life for Hermogenes. When the Polish leaders, having started a fire in Moscow, took refuge within the walls of the Kremlin, they overthrew the patriarch and placed him under arrest in the Chudov Monastery. Meanwhile, the militia, led by Minin and Pozharsky, had gained strength and began a siege of the Kremlin. The Poles understood the power of the saint’s word, and forced him by all means to induce the militia to retreat from the city. But Hermogenes, showing apostolic courage, resisted both the persuasion and threats of the invaders. The elder’s torment in captivity lasted for more than nine months. From lack of food and water, and from inhuman conditions in the dungeons, the patriarch died in February 1612. The death of the courageous saint, who had not lost the power of faith, became a terrible blow for the militia, but also an impetus for the decisive battle. Already in October 1612, the Kremlin was liberated from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders. Hieromartyr Hermogenes was laid to rest in the Chudov Monastery. Half a century later, his relics, which turned out to be incorrupt, were transferred to the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, where they remain to this day.