The confessor Iraida Osipovna Tikhova came from a pious peasant family. In 1918, at the age of 22, she enrolled in a one-year course at the Teacher's Seminary in Uglich, and then at the Uglich Theological Courses. From 1919 to 1931, she worked as a teacher in a rural school and provided assistance to imprisoned clergy. After the arrest of Archbishop Seraphim, she traveled to visit him in exile multiple times, bringing food and money. In 1931, Iraida was arrested for anti-Soviet activities and sentenced to 3 years in labor camps. After her release, she was forbidden to teach. Until 1943, she lived in the village of Kotovo and served as the regent of the church choir. In 1943, she and Bishop Vasily, along with members of her family, were arrested. Iraida was sentenced to 5 years of exile. From 1948 until her death in 1967, she lived in her native village. She was buried in the cemetery next to the church.
