Two traveling exhibitions dedicated to Patriarch Tikhon (Bellavin) and the period of persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church have opened in the Assumption Cathedral of Ivanov. The expositions are timed to coincide with two significant dates: the 160th anniversary of the birth of the saint and the 100th anniversary of his death, the press service of the Ivanovo Archdiocese told.
There are two thematic expositions in the basement of the temple. The first, "Who will separate Us from the Love of God," was prepared by St. Tikhon's Orthodox University. She tells about the life of Patriarch Tikhon. Visitors will be able to learn about his election to the Primatial Throne in 1917 and subsequent trials.
The second exhibition, "Russian Golgotha: 1922-1925," immerses viewers in the tragic events of the early 20th century. Special attention is paid to the fate of the new martyrs of the Ivanovo Archdiocese. The materials were provided by the Butovo Memorial Center and the Museum of the New Martyrs of the Vvedensky Monastery.
"Follow Christ! Don't cheat on Him. Do not succumb to temptation, do not ruin your soul in the blood of revenge. Don't be defeated by evil. Defeat evil with good!" – these words of Patriarch Tikhon sound like a testament to the descendants.
Let us recall that St. Tikhon led the Russian Orthodox Church during the most difficult period of its history. Over the years of his ministry, he survived several arrests and assassination attempts, but remained faithful to his calling until the end of his days. In 1989, the saint was glorified as a saint at the Bishops' Council of the Russian Orthodox Church.