Saint John the New Martyr was born in 1876 in the village of Rykovo, in the Vladimir province. After completing his studies, he moved to Moscow, where he worked as a clerk. Living on Donskaya Street, he became a parishioner of the Church of the Transfiguration. His brother and sister lived together with him. Their virtuous way of life resembled that of a small monastic community.
On November 2, 1937, he was arrested and got imprisoned. During interrogation, he stated that he did not support the anti-government sentiments attributed to Alexei Gavrin. He openly confessed his faith in Christ and also rejected the worldview promoted by the Soviet authorities. He was accused of active participation in a counterrevolutionary group and was sentenced to death, with his execution scheduled for November 23.
The New Martyr John Emelyanov fell asleep in the Lord on December 10, 1937, and was buried in an unmarked grave at the Butovo execution site.
