Presbyter
Father Karp Elb, a deacon, was invited to Saint Petersburg to take the position of deacon in the Estonian parish. Despite lacking theological education, his appointment testified to his extraordinary qualities. He taught the Law of God in the church-parish school and in the orphanage of Baron Stiglitz, educating children free of charge.
His pedagogical activity was marked by awards, including a silver medal and a blessing from the Holy Synod. Since 1903, he participated in the construction of the Isidor Church, where he became a trusted person of the rector.
In 1917, after the rector's departure, Father Karp was ordained a priest by Metropolitan Benjamin and became the pastor of the Isidor parish. At that time, serving in the Church became dangerous, and he faced persecution from the godless regime.
Father Karp remained faithful to his flock and did not deviate into Renovationism, preserving his devotion to the Orthodox faith. He was arrested in 1937 on charges of counter-revolutionary propaganda, but he did not confess to any guilt. On September 24, 1937, he was executed.
