Presbyter
Saint Alexios the New Martyr was born in 1878 in the village of Neklyutka, in the Chernigov province. In 1902, he completed his studies and became a teacher at a church school. On March 13, 1911, he was ordained a priest. He served in various churches, in some of which he labored with particular zeal, eventually becoming a distinguished pastor of the Church.
In 1929, the authorities decided to close the church. Despite the pressure, the saint refused to hand it over and continued to pray together with his parishioners, declaring his will to defend his faith by every means. On January 8, 1930, at a meeting that was convened, it was decided that the parish would not pay the additional tax imposed by the state, a decision that provoked the anger of the authorities. Among other things, he urged the faithful to remain steadfast and ready to suffer for Christ.
As the persecutions intensified, Saint Alexios and the parishioners remained in the church throughout the night, praying, speaking with one another, and begging God for mercy.
On January 9, during the morning Divine Liturgy, the police stormed in and announced the closure of the church. However, the parishioners did not yield. The saint continued to set an example and inspire the faithful to endure the threats.
On January 16, a state official approached him, attempting to persuade him to abandon the church. However, the saint refused.
On April 18, 1930, he was executed.
