Presbyter
Saint Theodore Rasopov was born on February 7, 1891, in the village of Pokrovskoye, Tobolsk province. At the age of fifteen, he entered the Tobolsk Theological Seminary, graduating with honors in 1912. After seminary, he enrolled in the Kazan Imperial Theological Academy but soon submitted a request for dismissal, eager to serve in the Tobolsk diocese. In 1913, he was ordained as a deacon and then as a priest. He served in the Nikolaev Church and taught the Law of God.
In 1918, having refused to perform the sacrament of Marriage for a peasant who had dissolved his marriage without church approval, he was arrested. In prison, he endured mockery, remaining calm and comforting others. On the night of July 8/21, 1918, while participating in a service, he was shot by Red Army soldiers. His death was instantaneous, and he became a martyr for his faith.
The body of the priest was transferred to the cathedral, where he was buried with honors. His life path was marked by devotion to the Church and courage in suffering.
