Presbyter
Saint Basil Malakhov was born on 30 January 1873 in the village of Dubrovо, in the Vitebsk Governorate, into the family of Yakov Malakhov, a Belarusian peasant. He graduated from the Theological School and continued his studies until 1894. He later studied in Moscow, graduating in 1898. He served as a professor at the Volhynia Theological School, where he was highly regarded for his knowledge and devotion to the faith.
In 1919, the school was closed and the saint was appointed to teach at the Zhytomyr Pastoral School, which was soon closed as well. He courageously opposed the Renovationist movement, preaching and firmly defending the truth of the faith. In 1924, he was ordained to the priesthood and soon elevated to the rank of archpriest.
In 1926, after the local priest of Tiosto refused to serve at the parish church, Fr. Basil was appointed its rector. He carried out an important pastoral ministry despite persistent persecution by the authorities. In 1927, he was arrested on charges of counter-revolutionary propaganda. During the interrogations, he declared his innocence, explaining that his words were directed against atheism rather than the state authorities.
Several months later, on 18 May 1928, he was sentenced to three years of exile in Siberia. After completing his sentence, he settled in the village of Abramovo, in the Nizhny Novgorod region, where he continued his pastoral ministry despite the restrictions imposed on him. He was deeply respected by the local people and celebrated the Divine Liturgy in secret.
On 8 February 1936, he was arrested again and held in Butyrka Prison. During the interrogations, he responded to the accusations against him by affirming his faith in the Church and denying any hostile intentions toward the communist authorities. He remained steadfast in hope until the end, keeping his gaze fixed on the love of Jesus Christ.
