Archbishop
Archbishop Anthony, in the world Abraham Gavrilovich Smirnitsky, was born on October 29, 1773, in the Poltava province in a priest's family. In 1796, he entered as a novice in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where he took monastic vows in 1797. He served as the head of the Near Caves, and in 1815 he was appointed the abbot of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.
In 1826, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Voronezh and Cherkasy. His archpastoral ministry in the Voronezh diocese (1826-1846) became an era in which he contributed to the glorification of Saint Mitrophan of Voronezh and the preparation for the canonization of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk.
Anthony began preparing materials for the glorification of Saint Mitrophan in 1830, and in 1832, his relics were recognized as incorrupt. He led the celebrations for the opening of the relics, which were attended by more than 60,000 believers. In 1833, the relics were transferred to the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and the day of the transfer became a diocesan feast.
Anthony also honored Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk, serving requiem Liturgies and panikhidas for him. In 1846, his relics were found incorrupt, and he interceded for the glorification of Saint Tikhon. In the last years of his life, Anthony actively engaged in the construction of churches and cared for his flock, especially during cholera epidemics.
He died on December 20, 1846, leaving a spiritual testament. He was buried in the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Mitrophanov Monastery. His memory is honored throughout Russia, and many testimonies of miracles through his prayers have been preserved to this day.
