On March 27, 1918, in the village of Gnezdovo, Vysnevolotsky district of Tver province, events occurred related to the seizure of church property. The commandant of the volost and the Red Guards conducted an inventory of church items, taking silver, copper, and money from the church. The chairman of the volost council, Zhuravlev, was captured by the peasants and drowned while attempting to escape, which the peasants perceived as divine punishment.
In April, at the volost meeting, parishioners reproached the Red Guards for the illegal seizure of church property. Pyotr Zhukov and Prokhor Mikhailov actively defended the church. The Red Guards arrested about thirty people, who were brutally beaten and sent to the district town of Vysny Volochek. On the way, ten people were killed, and Zhukov and Mikhailov were subjected to severe torture and were killed.
On April 8, the bodies of the slain were solemnly buried in their parish. Bishop Seraphim of Tver blessed the holding of memorial services throughout the diocese.
