Patriarch
Saint Tikhon (Vasily Ivanovich Bellavin, 1865–1925) was the first Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia following the restoration of the Patriarchate in 1917. He studied at the Pskov Theological School and later at the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. He taught theology until 1891, when he was tonsured a monk and received the name Tikhon. He served in various regions and became Bishop in North America from 1898 to 1907.
After returning to Russia, he governed the dioceses of Yaroslavl and Vilnius. He also took part in the Holy Synod. In 1917, he was elected Metropolitan of Moscow and was elevated to the Patriarchal Throne. His election was regarded as an act of Divine Providence.
He guided the flock of the Church during the difficult years of the Revolution and the persecutions that followed. He opposed violence, strengthening both the clergy and the faithful. He remained steadfast in his faith until his repose on 7 April 1925.
In 1981, Patriarch Tikhon was glorified as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church and in 1989 was considered one of the holy saints and confessors.
