Saint Innokenty (Smirnov) of Penza

Saint Innocent was born in 1784 into the family of a priest. As a professor at the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy, he wrote a significant two-volume work on the history of the Church, from ancient times to his own era. This textbook was of particular importance and served as a guide for teaching in theological schools.

He opposed the mystical movement, which had become particularly widespread at the time. As a result, he was removed from the diocese. He first settled in Ufa and later in Penza. He was venerated by the faithful for his ascetic life and for the miracles that took place through his prayers.

He reposed on 10 October 1819. In August 2000, he was officially numbered among the saints of the Russian Orthodox Church.