Presbyter
Saint Nicholas Popov was born on May 6, 1864, in the family of State Councilor Khariton Ivanovich Popov and the daughter of a priest, Alexandra Petrovna. The family had nine children, raised in love and strictness. His father, Khariton Ivanovich, was a well-known Cossack and the founder of the Museum of Don Cossacks, while his mother instilled religious and moral foundations in her son's character.
Nicholas spent his childhood in a traditional Cossack environment, where his grandfather, a priest, instilled in him a love for the Church. After moving to Novocherkassk, he entered the gymnasium, where he demonstrated determination and honesty. After graduating from gymnasium, Nicholas enrolled in the Kharkov Agricultural School, but soon decided to dedicate his life to spiritual service.
In 1893, he graduated from the Don Seminary and began his ministry at the Uspensky Church in the Aksai stanitsa, where he was ordained as a deacon. He then served in the Kolodezhnoy village, facing superstition and ignorance. Nicholas actively engaged in spiritual enlightenment, built a school, and provided assistance to his parishioners.
With the onset of World War I and the revolution, he remained with the people, sharing their sorrows. In 1918-1919, despite the typhus epidemic, he continued to fulfill his pastoral duties. As a result, he contracted typhus, but despite his illness, he continued to serve.
Shortly after his arrest, he was accused of connections with the Whites and sentenced to death. Nicholas, despite the threat, continued to pray and comfort his parishioners. He was executed on March 13, 1919. After the area was liberated from the Reds, his body was found and buried in the enclosure of the Gnutov Church, which he loved.
The memory of Saint Nicholas has been preserved in the hearts of people, and he was canonized as a Martyr in the Council of New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia on July 17, 2006. Commemoration days: 1. Council of New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia - the first Sunday after January 25/February 7; 2. Day of Martyrdom - March 13 (old style) / March 26 (new style).
