Mikhail Petrovich Yerogodskiy was born on September 17, 1878, into the family of a church servant. From an early age, he aspired to serve God, and after his father's illness, he was allowed to take the position of psalmist. Mikhail was known for his beauty and bright character, while his wife Anna Artemyevna captivated those around her.
The family of Mikhail faced hardships, as the salary was insufficient to support a large family. He worked on his own field, where he, together with his sons, cleared the forest for the garden. Despite the difficulties, Mikhail found time to communicate with his children and teach them church singing.
As 1937 approached, the family's life worsened. They were burdened with exorbitant taxes, and their property was gradually confiscated. Mikhail was sent for forced labor twice, and the family was left homeless. The children were forced to seek work to help the family survive.
In the face of persecution, Mikhail continued to help his fellow villagers, gathering parishioners at his home for prayer. However, soon the church was destroyed, and Mikhail tried to protect it, but unsuccessfully. His father, Pyotr Alexandrovich, was buried in the local cemetery, and even his grave was desecrated.
On August 10, 1937, Mikhail was arrested and sent to Kostlan. His family was left without means of subsistence, and Mikhail could not say goodbye to his loved ones. Soon after his arrest, he was executed, and the family faced brutal repression.
Only thirty years later was Mikhail rehabilitated, and his daughter Elizabeth was able to tell about him to her children. In the forest, the beloved daisies, which Mikhail had given to his daughter, reappeared, symbolizing hope and memory of him.
