Presbyter
Saint New Martyr Father Ioann Prudentov was born in 1868 in the village of Bol'shie Dorki, Vjaznikovsky district. He came from a priestly lineage, tracing back to the time of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. His great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and he himself graduated from Vladimir Seminary and Academy. Father Ioann was a good shepherd, dedicating himself to the Church and people, especially children. He built a school where he taught and trained children in church singing, creating a children's choir that was considered the best in the district.
In 1918, when the school was closed, he continued to teach children at home, but soon lessons were prohibited. Father Ioann was musically gifted and often organized celebrations for the village, where children sang and recited poetry. He had eight children, whom he raised strictly but with love.
In 1920, during the Civil War, he gave his horse for the needs of the front, despite the difficulties. His spiritual friendship was connected with the martyrs who accepted a martyr's end. In 1930, Father Ioann was arrested on charges of counter-revolutionary agitation and exiled for three years. He refused to renounce his priestly ordination, remaining faithful to God.
Returning home in 1933, he faced humiliation and pressure from the authorities. In 1937, he was arrested again, accused of counter-revolutionary agitation. On September 22, a sentence of execution was passed, which was carried out on September 25, 1937. Father Ioann left a last photograph, where he looks at us as a martyr and confessor, ready to 'be dissolved and to be with Christ.'
