Archimandrite
Archimandrite Alexander (Georgy Andreyevich Urodov) was born in 1882 into a peasant family in the village of Nevezhkino, in the Penza province. After completing his education, he became a chanter in the local parish church.
In 1901, he traveled to the city of Sarov, where he settled at the Holy Monastery of Sanaxar. On August 30, 1911, he received the monastic tonsure and was given the name Alexander. In 1913, he was ordained a hieromonk, while in 1915 he became abbot of the monastery.
In 1917, there began the Revolution. In 1918 he was removed from his position. On March 27, 1918, he was arrested and expelled from the monastery. On April 3, 1922, he was appointed abbot of a hermitage and shortly afterward was elevated to the rank of archimandrite. That same year, he was accused of confiscating church valuables. Nevertheless, he continued his struggle, defending the faith against the policies of the Soviet authorities. On October 31, 1928, he was arrested and sentenced to three years of forced labor and three years of exile in the Ural Mountains.
After his period of exile, he settled in Vyatka. On August 5, 1935, he was appointed to the village of Sovolevo, where he served for twenty-six years. In 1955, he recognized the election of Patriarch Alexy and restored his relationship with the Patriarchal Church.
On August 14, 1961, he reposed in the Lord. His holy relics remain to this day at the Holy Monastery of Sanaxar.
