Russian Russian Orthodox Church commemorates the Cathedral of the Moscow Hierarchs on October 18, whose life and ministry are connected with the history of Moscow and the entire Russian Church. On this day, believers turn to them with prayer, remembering their labors, preaching and courage during the years of trials.
The celebration in honor of Metropolitans Peter, Alexy and Jonah was established in 1596 by Patriarch Job. Later, Saints Philip and Hermogenes joined them: the memory of St. Philip began to be celebrated with them in 1875, and St. Hermogenes in 1913. Today, the Cathedral unites hierarchs from different eras, from the metropolitans of medieval Russia to the patriarchs and confessors of the 20th century. The church calendar lists 17 Moscow saints. 
Metropolitan Peter is considered to be the first Moscow saint. In the 14th century, he moved the metropolitan see from Vladimir to Moscow, and after his death in 1326, the Kremlin's Assumption Cathedral became his burial place. St. Alexy's ministry fell at a time when the Russian state was strengthening: he was the spiritual mentor of the princes and worked hard for the sake of church unity. St. Jonah continued this work, defending the independence of the Russian Church. 
A special place in the Cathedral is occupied by the saints, whose ministry has become a testimony of faithfulness to Christ in the face of power and danger. Metropolitan Philip openly opposed the cruelties of the Oprichnina and suffered a martyr's death. During the Time of Troubles, Patriarch Hermogenes supported the people's militia and called for the preservation of the Orthodox faith. The Cathedral also includes Patriarch Tikhon, who survived the persecution of the Church, and Metropolitan Peter (Polyansky), a confessor of the 20th century. 
The memory of the Moscow saints is not only an appeal to the past. Their ministry reminds of pastoral responsibility, steadfastness in faith and caring for people in critical times. On the day of the feast, the Church asks these saints of God to pray for peace, church unity and the strengthening of believers.