St. Athanasius, in the world Sergey Grigorievich Sakharov, was born on July 2, 1887, according to the old style. His childhood and youth were spent in Vladimir. Having lost his father early, he was raised by his mother, who sought to instill in her son a love for God and the Church. Since childhood, Sergei was distinguished by his zeal for prayer, and he willingly attended divine services. He overcame the initial difficulties in his studies with perseverance and diligence, successfully graduating from the Vladimir Theological Seminary and then the Moscow Theological Academy.
Having taken monastic vows with the name Athanasius and holy orders, he devoted himself to church service and teaching. He paid special attention to the study of Orthodox worship and the lives of saints. His deep knowledge of church rules was combined with humility, kindness and attention to people.
In 1917-1918, Hieromonk Athanasius participated in the work of the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church. One of the most important works of his life was the compilation and subsequent improvement of the service to All the Saints who shone forth in the land of Russia. This work expressed his love for the Fatherland and reverent reverence for the Russian ascetics of piety.
During the years of persecution, Father Athanasius showed firmness in defending the Orthodox faith. In 1919, when the uncovered relics of saints were put on public display in Vladimir for anti-religious purposes, he participated in organizing clergy duty at the shrines. The priest greeted the people who came to the cathedral with an exclamation opening the divine service, after which the prayer service to the Saints of Vladimir began. The supposed desecration turned into reverent reverence for the saints of God.
On July 10, 1921, Archimandrite Athanasius was ordained Bishop of Kovrov, vicar of the Vladimir Diocese. In the face of the church turmoil, he remained faithful to the canonical Church, opposed the Renovationist schism and called on the flock to persevere, while warning against malice towards the erring.
The first arrest of the saint followed in 1922. Then years of imprisonment, camps and exile began. He suffered severe illnesses, starvation, grueling labor, and numerous interrogations. However, the trials did not shake his faith. The saint did not incriminate himself and others, preserved the rule of prayer, supported the prisoners and took care of the sick.
Even in captivity, Vladyka continued his liturgical labors. On November 10, 1922, a celebration of the reformed service of All Russian Saints took place in the Vladimir prison. During the years of subsequent trials, he composed prayer songs about the Fatherland, about those in prison, about ending wars and about enemies. Prayer and active love for others remained the basis of his confessional feat.
In 1955, the saint was released and subsequently settled in Petushki, Vladimir region. Despite his failing health, he continued to spiritually instruct people who contacted him, conducted extensive correspondence, and helped those in need. Among his works, a special place is occupied by the study "On the commemoration of the Dead according to the Statute of the Orthodox Church."
The last years of Vladyka's life were filled with prayer and caring for spiritual children. Before his death, he left them an admonition: "Prayer will save you all!"
On October 28, 1962, St. Athanasius peacefully departed to the Lord. His life became a testimony of faithfulness to Christ, steadfastness in the profession of faith and Christian kindness, preserved amid the most severe trials.