Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky)

Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) (1877-1970)

Alexei may be spelt Alexey, Alexi, Alexii, Alexios, Alexius, Alexy, Alexiy, Akexis, Aleksey, Aleksi.

Sergey may be spelt Sergei, Serge, Sergios, Sergius, Serguei.

Simansky Family history

The Simansky family belonged to the Pskov nobility, which was recorded in the sixth part of the "Pedigree Book of the Pskov, Moscow, Novgorod and Saint Petersburg Provinces (Governorates). The primary recorded ancestor was Vladimir Aleksandrovich Simansky, born in 1786. The family estate, Ekaterininsky in Ostrovsky County, is associated with the Pskov Governorate. As was customary with many pious, noble families in the Russian Orthodox Church, the Simanskys built a Temple on this estate, which they dedicated to the Image of the Saviour, Not-made-by-hands. Andrei Vladimirovich Simansky, born in 1821, settled in Moscow after his studies, and he had his own house in Gnezdnikovsky Street. He served in the Moscow Senate Archives. His son, Vladimir Andreievich, graduated from the Moscow University Faculty of Law. He married Olga Alexandrovna Porokhovshchikova, who was the daughter of a retired captain of the Semenovsky Regiment of the Imperial Life Guards, a nobleman, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a hereditary citizen of Moscow, the Slavophile Alexander A Porokhovshchikov, and his wife Varvara Priklonskaya. Varvara was a daughter of the Kostroma Governor Alexander Prilonsky (from a first marriage). The maternal grandmother was Igumenia Leonida (Ozerova), the Abbess of the Novodevichy Women's Monastery in Moscow. She was a spiritual daughter of the Elder Ambrose of the Optina Monastery south of Moscow.

Early life of Sergey Vladimirovich Simansky

On 27 October, 1877, Sergey Vladimirovich Simansky was born to Vladimir Andreievich Simansky and his wife Olga Alexandrovna (born Porokhovshchikova), in a house on Myasnitskaya Street in Moscow. Moscow was at that time in the Russian Empire.

Vladimir Andreievich and Olga Alexandrovna

In Holy Baptism, he received the name Sergey in honour of Saint Sergius of Radonezh. Other children followed : Anna, Andrew, Philaret and Alexander.

The Simansky children

The family adhered strictly to the Russian Orthodox traditions, and the father followed the fulfilment of home prayer rules strictly, as well as attendance at festive Divine services in the Temple.

In Sergey's childhood, the family began to make pilgrimages to Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra north of Moscow. His sister, Anna Vladimirovna Simanskaya became a nun after World War II in the Kiev (Kyiv) Intercession Monastery, with the name Euphrosynia.

Sergey Vladimirovich began his primary and secondary education, while his father selected the teachers carefully. Often, his parents received many clergy in their home as visitors, and there were many theological conversations to which Sergey became accustomed.

It was his father's intention to prepare him for a career in the Chancery of State through the study of law.

In 1888, Sergey Vladimirovich entered the first gymnasium class of the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages. He then moved to the Nikolaev Lyceum, from which he graduated with a silver medal. His father became a Russian Royal House Chamberlain in Saint Petersburg

In 1891, however, his mother became ill ; his parents spent a year abroad, and the children were cared for by relatives.

Under the tutelage of Archpriest John Solovyov, Sergey received a thorough catechetical education in the Orthodox Christian Faith ; and frequently, he served as an acolyte (Altar server) or reader during Divine Liturgy and other services.

Sergey and Anna Simansky 1890

In 1891, Sergey Vladimirovich was transferred to the Moscow Imperial Lyceum, "Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich (Katkovsky)", where he flourished in his advancing studies.

Student Sergei Vladimirovich

He graduated with a silver medal in 1896. His dissertation was "Combatants and Non-combatants in War".

Moscow Imperial Lyceum, "Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich"

Although by this time, Sergey Vladimirovich had hoped to enter the Moscow Theological Seminary, his father insisted that before this, he have a secular education. Nevertheless, during that summer (1896), the family made an extended pilgrimage to holy sites such as Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra and the Optina Monastery near Moscow (and many others) in Russia ; and the Monastery of the Kiev (Kyiv) Caves and Pochaev Lavra (and many others) in what is now Ukraine.

Sergei Vladmirovich, 1890s

Higher education, 1896

In 1896, Sergey Vladimirovich entered the law faculty of the University of Moscow, where he studied for 3 years.

Sergey Simansky 1896

Sergey's great-uncle, Pavel Vladimirovich Simansky (formerly a brilliant naval officer), was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in his declining years, and he served in the Temple of the Simansky estate in the Pskov Governorate.

In 1896, Father Pavel and Vladimir Andreievich Simansky decided to establish a women's monastery on their estate. For this purpose, they donated a part of their land, the Temple of the Image of the Saviour Not-made-with-hands, some buildings, and also capital in the amount of several tens of thousands of rubles. The sanctification of the monastery, led by Bishop Antonin (Derzhavin) of Pskov and Porkhov, was held on 17 August, 1897. The Holy Righteous Father (Saint) John (Sergiyev) of Kronstadt and numerous Pskov clergy took part in the celebration. Sergey Simansky also participated in the services, and it was at this time that he met Saint John.

In 1899, Sergey Vladimirovich graduated from the Moscow Imperial University with a degree in law. For some time, because he was the eldest son, he served in the Grenadier Samogitsky Regiment, but without being required to live in the barracks. He was raised to the rank of sergeant.

In August, 1900, he was released from this service, after having attained the rank of ensign.

Ensign S Simansky

Moscow Imperial University

Further education

In the autumn of 1900, Sergei Vladimirovich entered the Moscow Theological Academy. Because he was not of a clergy family, he had to catch up to the rest of the students. He finished his first year as 36th of the 56 students.

Moscow Theological Seminary and Academy

Monastic tonsure, 1902

In February, 1902, as a second-year student, in the Gethsemane Skete, he was tonsured to be a monk by Bishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy), and he was given the name Alexei.

Monk Alexei (Simansky)

Bishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy)

Bishop Arseny became his spiritual father, and this spiritual paternity lasted for decades thereafter (some letters of this correspondence were discovered recently, and published).

Gethsemeni-Chernigov Skete | Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra

Diaconal ordination, 1902

Also in 1902, the Monk Alexei (Simansky) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Bishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy).

Presbyteral ordination, 1904

On 2 January, 1904, the Hierodeacon Alexei (Simansky) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy).

Hieromonk Alexei (Simanski) (left) ; Hieromonk Alexei with his father, and his brother Andrew, 1904 (right)

Pastoral service

On 21 June, 1904, Hieromonk Alexei (Simansky) graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy with the degree Candidate of Theology. The topic of his thesis was “The Concepts Prevailing in Modern Moral and Legal Consciousness that influenced the Court of Metropolitan Philaret”.

Bishop Evdokim (Meshchersky) of Volokolamsk, the new rector, gave the Hieromonk Alexei (Simansky) the certificate of graduation from the Moscow Theological Academy. His highest grades were in ecclesiastical archaeology (which would be helpful later in life). It was at this time, during the summer, that he met Father John of Kronstadt again, at Rybinsk (Yaroslavl Oblast), where they spent a week together.

In 1904, following his graduation, Hieromonk Alexei (Simansky) was assigned to serve as the inspector of the Theological Seminary at the Dormition Lavra in Pskov.

In May, 1905, he was awarded a Pectoral Cross and a "nabedrennik" (leg-guard) in the course of his service. During this year also, the turmoil surrounding the 1905 revolutionary movements was felt in the seminary. Through his tact and diplomacy, he managed to maintain order.

In 1906, in the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the lavra, Bishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy) elevated the Hieromonk Alexei (Simansky) to the dignity of archimandrite.

Archimandrite Alexei 1906

On 16 September, 1906, Archimandrite Alexei (Simansky) was assigned to serve as the rector of the Tula Theological Seminary. His time of service of 5 years in Tula was fruitful. As a leader, Archimandrite Alexei was known for his compassion in dealing with subordinates. He did not use severe penalties, capable of intimidating or alienating people. Nobility, benevolence, and a tactful attitude towards others were characteristic of the archimandrite. This had a beneficial effect on all those who came in contact with him. Under his leadership, and with his direct participation, it became a custom to hold solemn evenings with readings on the occasion of commemorative Church dates and events held in Tula, as well as extracurricular talks for parishioners (workers and intellectuals). He contributed to the publication of diocesan newspapers and journals, in which his writing often appeared in articles on theological topics.

Afterwards, in 1908, the Most Holy Synod allowed clergymen to be members of the "Russian Union". This union included those with various strong opinions. His bishop blessed and directed him to be the chairman of the local chapter of this union. In this capacity, both he and Bishop Parthenius (Levitsky) met Tsar Nicholas II in August, 1909, while he stopped in Tula on his way to Crimea. During his period of service in Tula, Archimandrite Alexei (Simansky) had opportunities to travel to many places in Russia. It was also during these years that his brother Philaret decided to enter the Moscow Theological Academy.

While he was teaching, Archimandrite Alexei was approached repeatedly by higher officials to consider leaving teaching in order to do missionary work abroad or to seek a position abroad or in the south. These suggestions produced both disturbance and depression. His spiritual father encouraged him to do nothing based on moods or other feelings, but rather to weigh everything carefully. As a result, he chose simply those things that he was given the obedience to do by his superiors. He would receive whatever would come with humility.

In 1911, Archimandrite Alexei was transferred and assigned to serve in the Novgorod Diocese. On 17 October, the day of farewell in Tula, Archpriest Pyotr Pavlushkov, inspector of the Tula seminary, said in his speech :

 Your work in a new place of your ministry should be easy for you. And this work is not new for you.  You 
 have carried it for 5 years amongst us, for the local Tula region, in conditions at the beginning not quite 
 ordinary, full of surprises, sometimes with considerable difficulties.  You entered the Tula Seminary at 
 a time when our theological school was beginning to recover from the storm that had swept over it, which 
 had aroused many disturbances and displacements in it, and the school had to be collected again in those 
 days.  Your work was difficult, but you were a hard worker, cautious, confident in yourself, and at the 
 same time willing to trust others.  You were a firm but also peaceful-minded leader.  That is how 
 your work has been here for all these years.  You are not an arrogant, domineering and cruel manager in a 
 vast and complex area handed to you as a paedagogical challenge.  With a full and open trust, you treated 
 your new employees with true goodwill to your new protegés.  From the first days of our joint service, 
 we all felt like completely free members of the family.  Each of us could contribute to the common cause 
 our share of the understanding and construction.  Thus, through our united forces, the inner life of the 
 disturbed school gathered gradually, and stabilised ; and with the friendly work, we worked in harmony and 
 with joy.  There could not be any place for blunders and irreparable mistakes.  Your simple, cordial 
 disposition which was neither alien nor severe in the treatment of young people studying here has found 
 a positive response already [...].

On 21 November, 1911, because Archbishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy) was now a member of the State Council in Saint Petersburg, and he needed to rely on a good assistant, Archimandrite Alexei was assigned to serve as the rector of the Novgorod Seminary. IN addition, he was assigned to serve as abbot of Saint Anthony Monastery in Novgorod.

In 1912, Archimandrite Alexei made a tour of visits around many of the villages in the Novgorod Diocese. His reputation and authority were achieved by his strictness, discretion, and experience in ecclesial and public matters.

Archimandrite Alexei and the Novgorod preaching circle 1912

On 28 March, 1913, the highest authority (the Emperor Nicholas II) approved the report of the Most Holy Synod, and the Holy Synod decreed that Archimandrite Alexei (Simansky) would be ordained to the Holy Episcopate.

At the request of Archbishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy), the ordination of his disciple was to take place with a special solemnity. Vladyka Arseny invited Patriarch Gregory IV (Haddad) of the Church of Antioch and All the East (who was in Russia in connexion with the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty). Archbishop Arseny was familiar with the patriarch since 1900, when he had visited there on his pilgrimage. Since then, they had continued in correspondence. Late at night, on 26 April, the Patriarch of Antioch arrived in Novgorod, where he was greeted solemnly by the Archbishop of Novgorod, the clergy, the provincial authorities, and the people. On 27 April, in the Entry into Jerusalem Sobor of Novgorod, the patriarch presided over the confession of faith of Archimandrite Alexei.

Temple of the Entry to Jerusalem, Great Novgorod

Episcopal ordination, 1913

Archimandrite Alexei (Simansky) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate on the following day, 28 April (11 May), 1913, in the Saint Sofia Cathedral, in the Novgorod Kremlin. The service was led by Patriarch Gregory IV of Antioch. Co-serving with him were Archbishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy) ; and Bishops Nikon (Rozhdestvensky), Eusebius (Grozdov) of Pskov, Ioanniki (Dyakov) of Kirillov, and Benjamin (Kazansky) of Gdov. The Imperial State Ober-Procurator V K Sabler was present.

Bishop Alexei (Simansky)

Photo on the day of the episcopal ordination

Episcopal service

Bishop Alexei (Simansky) was assigned to serve as the Bishop of Tikhvin, and as Vicar-Bishop of the Novgorod Diocese, in accordance with the Decree of Emperor Nicholas II. (Bishop Varsonofy (Lebedev) was also ordained a Vicar-Bishop of the diocese in 1917. He became a martyr in 1918.)

Bishop Alexei of Tikhvin, 1913 Holy Dormition Cathedral, Tikhvin

By the decree of the Most Holy Synod of 27 May, 1913, Bishop Alexei was confirmed as the chairman of the Novgorod Diocesan School Council.

Administrator of the Novgorod diocese, 1913

From 1913 to 1921, Bishop Alexei was almost always in the Novgorod diocese and he was actually its administrator. This was because Archbishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy) stayed most of the time in Saint Petersburg, where he was participating in the activities of the state, the Council, the Holy Synod, and the Synodal institutions. Later (in April-July, 1917) he was involved in the work of the Pre-Conciliar Commission, which was preparing the Local Council of the Russian Church. In August, 1917, he participated in the newly-opened meetings of the Local Council. Bishop Alexei was responsible for addressing all diocesan matters. He was corresponding with the parishes, accepting clergy and laity from various parts of the diocese, performing Divine services in the cathedral, and travelling to lead services in the parishes of the diocese.

Bishop Alexei also served as the deputy chairman of the Novgorod Church-Archaeological Society (established in 1913). He contributed to the repair and restoration of Temples, the preservation and study of Temple paintings, and the collection and storage of icons, documents, and books. During World War I, martial law was declared in the Novgorod Governorate ; and the diocesan house was transformed into an infirmary for wounded soldiers.

During World War I, Bishop Alexei organised the patriotic activity of diocesan institutions. He instructed military units that went to the front. He presented patriotic speeches. He initiated Church levies for the needs of families of servicemen. He called on believers to assist the army. He co-operated in every possible way with the civil authorities, the "Zemstvo", and with charitable organisations. In December, 1916, Novgorod was visited by (the holy Passion-Bearer) Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, with her daughters. During their visits to Novgorod, the Empress and her daughters were accompanied by Bishop Alexei, who was also rector of the Khutyn Transfiguration Monastery of Saint Varlaam.

Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Khutyn

Bolshevik Revolution, October, 1917

In the first weeks of the February Revolution of 1917, only fragmentary information was received in Novgorod about the events taking place in Petrograd (the new name for Saint Petersburg since 1914). Bishop Alexei had no connexion with Archbishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy), nor with the Holy Synod. The Novgorod governor was cut off from power. In the city, there was a new governing body, the "Committee of Public Peace".

On 5 March, Bishop Alexei issued an appeal, which was read out in all the Temples, distributed everywhere in the form of leaflets, and reproduced throughout the provincial periodical press. In it, Bishop Alexei called for the righteous flock to accept the political changes that had taken place with humility, and to fulfil the legitimate demands of the new government. On 29 April, 1917, in a message to the believers, the Holy Synod reported that the Russian Church was beginning the preparation for the Local Council, which was expected to solve various concerns in Church life, as well as the introduction of an elective principle in the replacement of the archpastoral vacancies. In the summer and autumn of 1917, almost all the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) hosted diocesan assemblies on which the status of the ruling bishops was confirmed or the election of a new one took place. The Novgorod diocesan assembly supported the Ruling Bishop and his Vicar-Bishop unanimously.

During the revolutionary years, Bishop Alexei continued to be a faithful pastor for his flock. He made an invaluable contribution to the construction of Church life in the new conditions. In addition to constant hierarchical concerns and care, Vladyka Alexei was occupied with caring for the wounded.

The Bolshevik Revolution of October, 1917, again changed the system of the Russian state. Amongst the first documents of the new Soviet government was the decree "On Separation of the Church from the State and the School from the Church" (23 January, 1918), according to which the Church was separated from the state, and Church property was nationalised. Companies were deprived of the right of being a legal entity. Schools became secular. The Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church on 25 January/7 February described the decree as "a malicious attempt against the whole structure of the life of the Orthodox Church", and "an act of open persecution against her". In the October Revolution, Bishop Alexei (Simansky) saw the continuation of previous revolutionary events (referring in part to 1905). He called this period of time

 the most unfortunate period in the life of Russia, the punishment for a great crime - the overthrow of the 
 only legitimate, God-given power, which can only be repaired by severe trials (letter from 28 October, 1917).

After 2 weeks, Bishop Alexei wrote :

 In all, it is clear that our holy Church enters a period of grave calamities and misfortunes, and that we, 
 the archpastors and pastors, will perhaps have many sorrows, and hardship, and suffering.  To anyone who 
 believes that, according to the word of God, the Church of Christ is invincible and that the present, earthly 
 life of every human being is only a mournful and inevitable small part of eternal being, one can console 
 oneself with this, and only ask the Lord to be able to remain faithful to Him to the end and not to 
 succumb to the weight of the Cross.

Desecration of Holy Relics begins, 1918

With the end of 1918, in some provinces of Russia, there were isolated cases of the dissection of the Holy Relics of saints whose Holy Relics were located in various Temples and monasteries.

On 14 February, 1919, the People's Commissariat of Justice issued a resolution on the opening of Holy Relics by special commissions. Often, the results of these actions became a pretext for closing churches and monasteries, and the arresting of clergy and active laity. These results were used also in oral and printed anti-relics propaganda. In particular, the godless were determined to investigate the incorrupt bodies of [saints] through an autopsy in order to discover (they imagined) what "tricks" had been used to preserve the bodies.

Under these conditions, on 17 February, 1919, Patriarch Tikhon (Belavin) appealed to the diocesan bishops with a letter, in which he suggested that the clergy put out of sight somewhere known to few, any Holy Relics or other holy objects which might tempt the godless to use them to ridicule Christ and the Church.

At the beginning of April, the authorities of the Novgorod Governorate planned a public autopsy of the Holy Relics that were in some of the Temples, including the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod. On the eve of the decree of the patriarch, Bishop Alexei inspected the cathedral and the Holy Relics, together with the clergy. On 3 April, an autopsy was carried out by the authorities in Novgorod's Saint Sofia ; the remains of the saints were put on display in the Entry-into-Jerusalem Cathedral of the Novgorod Kremlin, and after a month they were returned to their place. In the provincial gazette, "The Star" (10 April, 1919, no. 92), in the article "What is power ?" (published after the autopsy), Bishop Alexei wrote that

 the tales definitely must disappear that there is something artificial [...] not related to the saints.  
 However, those who do not want to believe will not believe the very evidence. [...] We, the servants of the 
 Church, and all those who believe in the behests of Christ, the Saviour of the world, should not be unsettled 
 or embarrassed by any power of unbelief, and we must bear fearlessly any test of our loyalty to the Lord Jesus 
 and His Divine teaching.

Accusations, arrests and trials by the Soviets, 1920

Initially, the authorities did not file a complaint. However, in January, 1920, Bishop Alexei and Metropolitan Arseny (Stadnitskiy) were arrested unexpectedly by the Novgorod "Cheka" (secret police). They were charged with performing a preliminary examination of the Holy Relics without the permission of the civil authorities. After a time, both bishops were released on bail. While the investigation was underway, they were allowed to perform Divine services in the Temples of Novgorod, in some cases, at the request of believers. With the agreement of the provincial "Cheka", the bishops went also to serve in the Temples of the Novgorod Governorate.

On 1 November, 1920, the Novgorod Revolutionary Tribunal considered "the case of the actions of the clergy in connexion with the examination in March last year, of the relics in the Novgorod Cathedral of Saint Sophia, which was carried out by the Soviet government".

Saint Sophia Cathedral, Great Novgorod

Bishop Alexei did not plead guilty at the sessions of the tribunal. He stated that the examination of the Holy Relics was "an exclusively Church matter". He and others were accused of encouraging "unthinking elements towards criticism and discontent with the decree of the Soviet power". Bishop Alexei and other clerics were sentenced to different terms of imprisonment in a concentration camp : from 2 to 5 years. All those sentenced, on the basis of the May Day (1920) amnesty, were released from punishment.

After 2½ months, in February, 1921, the Novgorod Revolutionary Tribunal listened to the subsequent so-called case of the Novgorod diocesan council. In the dock were 15 members of the council, amongst them Metropolitan Arseny and Bishop Alexei. They were accused of violating the circular of the People's Commissariat of Justice of 18 May, 1920, about the cessation of the activities of the bodies of Church administration. They were accused of acting until September, 1920, as the diocesan council, which, the accusers alleged, appropriated for itself judicial, search, punitive, tax, organisational, and economic functions. According to the accusers, this led to the "disorganisation of the civil life of the Novgorod province". They were accused of illegally assigning themselves the rights of legal entities. Despite the legal inconsistency of the accusation stemming from the fact that the acts of internal administration of the Church separated from the state have no civil legal force, the tribunal found the defendants to be guilty. However, considering it possible to apply amnesty to all (except Metropolitan Arseny), they sentenced all the defendants to imprisonment conditionally for a term of 3 to 5 years. Metropolitan Arseny (Stadnitskiy) was sentenced to deportation to the Arkhangelsk region in the far north.

During this period especially, Bishop Alexei's activity was manifested in 2 principles, which remained characteristic of him throughout the following years : first, loyalty to canonical principles, and second loyalty to the new order (the communist system). This principle of acceptance of the government is related to the directive of the Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans 13:1-7 :

 'Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the 
 authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of 
 God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but 
 to evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of the authority ?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the 
 same.  For he is God’s minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid ; for he does not bear the
 sword in vain ; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.  Therefore you 
 must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.  For because of this you also pay 
 taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.  Render therefore to all their 
 due : taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour'.

At that time, the Christian Way and the way of the pagan Roman Empire were completely different, and so it had developed at this time in Soviet Russia.

Move to Petrograd, 1921

In order to avoid further possible prosecutions against Bishop Alexei (Simansky), on 21 February, 1921, Patriarch Tikhon (Belavin), at the request of Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky) of Petrograd and Ladoga, issued a patriarchal decree, that Bishop Alexei (Simansky) be transferred to Petrograd (the post-revolution name of Saint Petersburg) with the title Bishop of Yamburg (Kingisepp). He was now the first Vicar-Bishop of Petrograd.

Saint Catherine's Cathedral, Yamburg (Kingisepp)

Having moved to Petrograd in April, Bishop Alexei lived first in the clergy-house of the Kazan Cathedral, then in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. At this time, Bishop Vladimir (Putyata) of Penza, pursuing dissident goals, tried to persuade Bishop Alexei to accept a transfer to the Penza diocese (of which he had been deprived already, because he wanted to establish a "Soviet Church"), but Bishop Alexei, supported by Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky), requested that Patriarch Tikhon not transfer him. He remained as Bishop of Yamburg.

Throughout 1921, Bishop Alexei made an effort to help Metropolitan Arseny (Stadnitskiy) in the matter of the decision of the Novgorod Tribunal. With the help of a well-known lawyer, he launched an appeal. He and others also sent letters to Mr. V I Lenin. As a result, the decision was cancelled, and Metropolitan Arseny remained in Novgorod.

Bishop Alexei of Yamburg, 1921

Drought, famine, 1921, 1922

In the spring and summer of 1921, parts of Russia and Ukraine faced a severe drought. More than 31,000,000 people were affected. Patriarch Tikhon (Belavin) and M Gorgy created the All-Russian Committee for the Relief of the Hungry in order to collect and distribute food and help. At the same time, the patriarch appealed to the local legal leaders, heads of governments, and churches abroad, to the Pope of Rome, and to the archbishops of Canterbury and York (England), that in the name of Christ's love, donations of money and food be collected in order to help the hungry. Such activities displeased the Soviet leaders. On 27 August, 1921, this committee was abolished by the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, which established simultaneously its own Central Commission for Assistance to the Hungry.

On 19 February, 1922, Patriarch Saint Tikhon (Belavin) appealed to the flock and to the parish councils for help to the hungry. He requested that they sacrifice church valuables ​​for this purpose, except for objects used in worship.

On 23 February, 1922, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee issued a decree on the removal from the previously-nationalised Temples of all valuable items, including the liturgical vessels. On 28 February, the patriarch condemned this action as sacrilegious, and at the same time confirmed the need to transfer precious church ornaments and all other items that do not have liturgical use to the aid of the hungry. When the valuables were being confiscated by officials in various parts of the country, clashes took place between the believers and the police. On 9 May, 1922, Patriarch Tikhon was arrested and brought to trial. He was kept under arrest in the Donskoy Monastery in Moscow until 26 June, 1923.

Patriarch Tikhon (Belavin) and Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky)

Confiscation (theft) of Church valuables

During March and April, 1922, the confiscation of church valuables ​​took place in Petrograd, which in some cases was accompanied by clashes between believers and militia groups. In direct connexion with the campaign, there was a group from amongst the priests of Petrograd who supported actively the decree about confiscation, as well as "democratic reforms" in the Church ; and who, with the support of the authorities, were willing to cause a division in the Church. Voluntarily, these clerics gave up all the precious objects, including liturgical ones, to the authorities. Its representatives, led by the Archpriest Alexander Vvedensky, went to Moscow, where they received from the authorities the opportunity to meet with Patriarch Tikhon, who was under arrest. Upon their return, they stated (allegedly) that the Patriarch gave them the blessing for the formation of the temporary Supreme Church Administration (WCU) and for preparation for a Local Council. Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky) anathematised Father Vvedensky and several others for their schismatic actions.

Father Vvedensky's supporters, the Renovationists, made attempts to attract Bishop Alexei to work in the WCU. He refused, citing the fact that, first, this did not have the blessing of Metropolitan Benjamin ; and, second, there was no comprehensive data for the recognition of this institution as being canonical and acting with the blessing of the patriarch. He later compared the Renovationists with the Old Testament Ham and the New Testament Judas.

The authorities, accusing Metropolitan Benjamin of resisting the decree, and laying the blame on him for the conflicts in the city in connexion with the seizure of valuables, insisted that the metropolitan recognise the need for the full withdrawal and removal of the excommunication imposed on Father Vvedensky. On 28 May, Metropolitan Benjamin was arrested. About the situation, Bishop Alexei wrote :

 It has been hard all these days. You cannot imagine how my whole being is torn.  The metropolitan was taken 
 away tonight.  Arrests continue.  Soon will be the court, in which will be a repetition of what happened in 
 Moscow.  The situation is formidable.  

Trial of Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky)

On 29 May, the court process began against the metropolitan and 85 clergymen and laity of the Petrograd diocese. On 25 July, the verdict was read out : Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky) and 9 other defendants were sentenced to be shot, 6 of them on 10 August. The death penalty was replaced by imprisonment. The majority of the accused were sentenced to various periods of detention with strict isolation. Twenty-two of the participants in the trial were acquitted. The Holy Martyrs Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky), Archimandrite Sergiy (Shein), Yuri P Novitsky (chairman of the board of parishes of the Petrograd diocese), and John Kovsharov (a board member), were shot on 13 August, 1922.

Managing (administrating) the Petrograd Diocese, 1922

During these painful circumstances, on 29 May, 1922, Bishop Alexei entered the headquarters of the Petrograd diocese, and he took charge of the administration of the diocese. On 30 May, he made his report to Metropolitan Agafangel (Preobrazhensky). (Metropolitan Agafangel was temporarily replacing Patriarch Tikhon, who was under arrest, and he was now temporarily at the head of the diocese.) Bishop Alexei believed that "loyalty to government authority and submission to its laws are obligatory". Still, the Renovationists demanded insistently from Bishop Alexei the recognition of the WTC (Temporary High Church Administration) organised by them, and the removal of the excommunication imposed by Metropolitan Benjamin on Father Vvedensky. In order to ensure (as he wrote in one of his letters) "the safety of the many unfortunate people who stand at the uncovered graves", Bishop Alexei lifted the excommunication from Father Vvedensky ; but he refused resolutely to co-operate with the Renovationists. Then, he received from Moscow an ultimatum : either he must recognise immediately the authority of the "Supreme Church Administration" (VTsU), or leave the Petrograd diocese. Therefore, on 24 June, 1922, he resigned from these duties.

In October, 1922, Bishop Alexei (Simansky) was arrested on charges of "counter-revolutionary activities", convicted, and he was sentenced to 3 years of exile in Kazakhstan. He retained a personal link in Karkaralinsk (later Karaganda Oblast), where he served regularly in the city's Temple. During these years, Bishop Alexei continued to correspond with his confessor, Metropolitan Arseny (Stadnitskiy). He corresponded also with Metropolitan Sergei (Stragorodsky). This brought together the 2 hierarchs, and prepared for their subsequent close co-operation.

Bereavement, 1922

In 1922, Bishop Alexei's mother, Olga Alexandrovna Simanskaya (born Porokhovshchikova) fell asleep in the Lord. The date and place of her repose, and the place of interment are not at this time available. Because of his circumstances, it is likely that Bishop Alexei was not permitted to be present at that time (unless her repose was early in the year).

On 7 April, 1925, Patriarch Tikhon (Belavin) fell asleep in the Lord ; and more difficulties and confusion marked the life of the Canonical Orthodox Church in Russia.

Return to Leningrad, 1926

In March, 1926, Bishop Alexei returned to Leningrad (the name of Saint Petersburg after 1924), where he continued the struggle against the Renovationists.

In 1926, Bishop Alexei (Simansky) was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

Archbishop Alexei (Simansky)

Archbishop of Khutyn, 1926

On 2 September, 1926, Archbishop Alexei (Simansky) was assigned to serve as the Archbishop of Khutyn, that is, the Vicar-Bishop of the Novgorod Diocese. He was assigned soon to serve as a member of the Holy Synod ; and he became the closest assistant to Metropolitan Sergei (Stragorodsky), the Deputy of the Patriarchal Locum Tenens.

He served in the diocese during much of the next 7 years, during which time Metropolitan Arseny (Stadnitskiy) was in prison or in exile. He usually served in the wooden Holy Trinity-Petrovsky Cathedral on the edge of Leningrad (demolished in 1936).

The time after the repose of Patriarch Tikhon, and the arrest of the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Peter (Polyansky) in 1925, was characterised by complete disorder in Church life. At this time, according to Metropolitan Sergei (Stragorodsky), "the ship of the Church had almost no control. The centre was little aware of the life of the dioceses ; and often, the dioceses were receiving rumours about the centre ; [...] but frequently, they did not know to whom to go in order to preserve Orthodoxy. What a fertile ground for spreading all sorts of fables, intentional deceptions and all sorts of pernicious delusions !"

On 18 May, 1927, Metropolitan Sergei convened a meeting of bishops in Moscow for the purpose of restoring the Church administration and the formation of the Provisional Patriarchal Holy Synod. Archbishop Alexei (Simansky) participated actively in this work. From that time, Archbishop Alexei took part directly in the activities of the highest levels of the Church administration. In the spring and summer of 1927, Vladyka Alexei participated in the drafting of the text of the message of the Deputy Patriarchal Locum Tenens and the Provisional Patriarchal Synod to the pastors and flock of the All-Russian Orthodox Church. The message dealt with the attitude of the Patriarchal Church towards the Soviet power. The message (Metropolitan Sergius's "Declaration") said :

 Remaining Orthodox, we remember our duty to be citizens of the Union not only out of fear, but also in 
 conscience, as the Apostle taught us (Romans 13:5) ['Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath 
 but also for conscience’ sake'].  

On 27 July, Archbishop Alexei signed the Pastoral Epistle together with Metropolitan Sergei (Stragorodsky) and other bishops. Later, Vladyka Alexei commented :

 When the Most Reverend Sergei took over the administration of the Church, he approached empirically the 
 position of the Church in the surrounding world and proceeded then from the existing reality, and I agreed 
 with him completely.  All of us, his surrounding bishops, agreed with him.  We signed the Declaration of 1927 with 
 all the Provisional Synod in full conviction that we are doing our duty to the Church and her flock.

Bereavement, 1929

In 1929, the father of Vladyka Alexei, Vladimir Andreievich Simansky, fell asleep in the Lord. Although no specific date or place (either of repose or interment) is given, it is probable that Vladyka Alexei was able to participate in the services.

Continuing pastoral service, 1930

On 9 April, 1930, Archbishop Alexei was given the right to wear a Cross on the klobuk.

In 1932, Archbishop Alexei (Simansky) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan.

18 May, 1932, marked the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the Provisional Synod.

Metropolitan of Starorussa, 1932

On 18 May, 1932, Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) was assigned to serve as Metropolitan of Starorussa, and Vicar-Bishop of the Novgorod Diocese.

On 11 August, 1933, Metropolitan Arseny (Stadnitskiy) was transferred to the Tashkent province.

Metropolitan of Novgorod, 1933

On 24 August, 1933, Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) was assigned to serve as the Metropolitan of Novgorod.

Metropolitan of Novgorod and the Leningrad region, 1933

On 5 October, 1933, after the retirement of the Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov) of Leningrad, Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) was transferred to the Leningrad Oblast. He was enthroned as Metropolitan of Novgorod (and the Leningrad region).

From that time, Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) occupied fourth place in the hierarchy of the ROC after the honourary Patriarchal Locum Tenens of the Russian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Peter (Polyansky) of Krutitsky and Kolomna, the Deputy Patriarchal Locum Tenens Metropolitan Sergei (Stragorodsky), and Metropolitan Sergius (Grishin) of Kiev (Kyiv) and Galich.

Metropolitan Alexei in the office

From October, 1933, Metropolitan Alexei served as the regional metropolitan of Leningrad (the “region of the Metropolitan of Leningrad” included all the dioceses that were within the borders of the Leningrad region at that time : Leningrad, Novgorod, Borovichi, Pskov, and Cherepovets).

On 29 October, he arrived in Leningrad. He settled in the abbot's chambers of the Novodevichy Convent near the Moscow Representation. In 1937, he was evicted from there, and he lived in the bell-tower of the Prince Vladimir Cathedral. From 1940, he lived in the choir of Saint Nicholas Sobor (which became later a cathedral), and where he served most often from that time on.

Destruction and exterminations of the 1930s

The 1930s were an extremely difficult time for the Russian Orthodox Church.

In 1935, the authorities banned the activities of the Holy Synod, and the Church's organisation was almost completely destroyed.

During the “Great Terror” of 1937-1938, about 800 priests and deacons serving in the “region of the Metropolitan of Leningrad” were shot.

In 1938, there were approximately 10 priests in Leningrad, and there were few Temples remaining open. Nevertheless, Metropolitan Alexei did much to preserve the canonical structure of Church life in his diocese, and to strengthen Church discipline. Persistently, he struggled with Renovationism, as well as with separatist currents and other schisms. In November, 1938, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of his episcopal service, and the 5th anniversary of his service in the Leningrad Oblast, Metropolitan Alexei was awarded the right to wear 2 panagias.

By 1939, there were only 4 ruling bishops who were "free" (not imprisoned) in the ROC, including Metropolitan Alexei.

By 1941, the number of operating Temples in this territory (including Leningrad city) was no more than 20.

Metropolitan Alexei of Leningrad

World War II (1939-1945) ; the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945)

In the course of World War II (1939-1945), during the “Great Patriotic War” (1941-1945) (called in the West the "Eastern Front" or the "Nazi German-Soviet War"), Metropolitan Alexei demonstrated with his words and with his life that the fate of the Russian Orthodox Church is inseparable from the fate of the Russian people. On 10 August, 1941, while he was in Moscow and serving in the Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhovo, he delivered a sermon in which he defined his attitude towards the war that had begun, and the position of every faithful son of the Fatherland :

 A Russian man is attached infinitely to his Fatherland, which is dearer to him than all countries of the world. 
 [...] When the Motherland is in danger, then this love flares up in the heart of the Russian people. [...] Not only 
 as a duty, a sacred duty, does he look to the cause of her protection, but this is also an irresistible 
 command of the heart, the impulse of love that he cannot stop, which he endures to the end, exhausted. 

Siege of Leningrad, 1941-1944

Metropolitan Alexei returned from Moscow to Leningrad, and he remained with the suffering flock in the region from the 8 September, 1941, throughout the years of the siege of Leningrad by the Nazi German Army, until 1944. With them, he experienced suffering and deprivation, and he testified to the truth of the deeply patriotic position of the Russian Church. Demonstrating courage and great self-control, he performed Divine services constantly ; and constantly, he encouraged and consoled the believers. Throughout this period, the German Army was targeting the Temples of the city deliberately, Temples in which he served despite the damage done to them. Also, every day, despite the famine and bombings, the exhausted people, barely standing up on their feet, filled the Temple where the archpastor served. During this siege, more than 1,000,000 civilians perished, besides a huge number of military personnel.

In the communities under his omophor, just as in the days of the blockade, the collection of funds continued for defence and for the aid of the wounded and of the orphans. In total, a sum of more than 13,000,000 rubles was collected between 1941 and 1944.

In 1943, for the organisation of patriotic activities in the Temples of the city during the blockade, Metropolitan Alexei and a group of clergy were awarded the state award, the medal “For the Defence of Leningrad”.

Two of the mass graves from the 1941-1944 Nazi siege in Saint Petersburg

Change of attitude by the communist state, 1943

On 4 September, 1943, at the invitation of the Chairman of the Council of the People's Commissars of the USSR, Mr. J Stalin, Metropolitan Sergei (Stragorodsky), Metropolitan Nicholas (Yarushevich), Metropolitan Alexei, together with a delegation of senior Russian Orthodox clerics, met for 2 hours with Joseph Stalin, V M Molotov and G G Karpov in the Moscow Kremlin, where a historic decision was made regarding the fate of the Church in a state ruled by the militantly atheist communist party.

Permission for the Church of Russia to function publicly once again, 1943

In the midst of World War II, Mr. Stalin had decided to allow the Russian Orthodox Church to function after 2 decades of severe persecution. Restrictions on the Russian Orthodox Church were relaxed somewhat. The Patriarchate of Moscow was re-established ; and on 12 September, 1943, Metropolitan Sergei (Stragorodsky) was enthroned as patriarch. At this time, many Temples throughout the Soviet Union were re-opened, and it was possible to resume the publication of the "Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate". Stalin tried to appeal to patriotic feelings of the Russian people, especially the peasantry who formed the backbone of the Red Army, many of whom grew up in families which still consisted of deeply faithful and believing Christians.

During the meeting, Metropolitan Alexei had raised the matter of the release of bishops who were in exile, prisons and camps. Mr. Stalin did not object, and he suggested that Metropolitan Alexei submit lists of names for consideration (by this time only Archbishop Nikolai (Mogilevsky) remained alive from the list of bishops represented by Metropolitan Alexei). Metropolitan Sergei (Stragorodsky) raised the matter of restoring the right of priests to unrestricted residence and movement within the country, and of removing them from the restrictions imposed by the passport regime ; as well as allowing priests who left prison to serve liturgically. Metropolitan Alexei put forward a set of financial problems, and the organisation of Church administration in the dioceses. All the questions were resolved in a positive manner. Mr. Stalin stressed that the Church could count on full support in all matters related to its organisational strengthening and development within the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). At the end of the conversation, Mr. Stalin informed the metropolitans that the government intended to form the Council for the Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church under the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR, and appoint G G Karpov as its chairman.

On 8 September, 1943, in the new building of the Moscow Patriarchate in Moscow (Clean Lane, #5), the Bishops' Council was held, in which 19 hierarchs participated. The main concern was the election of the next Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. The Patriarchal Locum Tenens reported on the activities of the Church during the 2 years of the Great Patriotic War at that time. Metropolitan Alexei made a report, "The Duty of a Christian before the Church and the Motherland in the lived Era of the Patriotic War". Then, he proposed Metropolitan Sergiy (Stragorodsky) of Moscow and Kolomna as a candidate for the Patriarchal throne. The vote was unanimous. Under Patriarch Sergei, a Holy Synod of 6 members was formed, and Metropolitan Alexei became one of three of its permanent members. Metropolitan Alexei was entrusted with the preparation for the publication of the "Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate", and with the creation of a draft "Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church".

Enthronement of Patriarch Sergiy (Stragorodsky), 1943

On 12 September, 1943, the Feast-day of the memory of the Right-believing Great Prince Saint Alexander Nevsky, in the Epiphany Cathedral in Moscow, Patriarch Sergei (Stragordsky) was solemnly enthroned. Metropolitan Alexei presented the pastoral staff to the patriarch, and he spoke about the long service of Patriarch Sergei for the glory of God and for the good of the Russian Church.

Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod, 1943

On 10 December, 1943, before the liberation of Novgorod from the occupation, Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) received the title of "Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod."

A week later, an ecclesiastical delegation arrived in Moscow from abroad, after a 25-year hiatus. This was the visit of the Archbishop of York, England, Cyril Garbett. Metropolitan Alexei participated in the reception of the delegation, and then he returned to Leningrad.

Despite the apparent easing of restrictions, Metropolitan Alexei treated the first requests of believers about the re-opening of Temples with great caution. Thus, later in December, 1943, when he received a collective petition from the Faithful about the resumption of services in the chapel of Blessed Xenia, Metropolitan Alexei perceived that he had to respond : "It is untimely now to initiate a petition for the opening of the chapel".

Repose of Patriarch Sergei (Stragorodsky), 1944

On 15 May, 1944, Patriarch Sergei (Stragorodsky) fell asleep in the Lord. At that time, since he was the most senior bishop, Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) became the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal See. In his first statement after having been given the leadership of the Church, Metropolitan Alexei assured Mr. Stalin of his “profound affection and gratitude”, and he vowed to “safeguard the Church against mistakes and false steps”. Throughout the communist period, during which the Church survived only by God’s Grace and mercy, public statements were of necessity very carefully and cautiously worded. As seen by his behaviour during the Siege of Leningrad, the care taken by Metropolitan Alexei and others had to do not merely with the survival of the Church as a so-called institution, but more importantly her survival (despite continual humiliation) in order to feed the flock of rational sheep who constitute the Church.

All-Russia Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, 1944

On 21-23 November, 1944, Metropolitan Alexei presided over the Synod of Bishops which prepared for the necessary Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church (following the repose of Patriarch Sergei).

Then, on 2 February, 1945, the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church elected Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) unanimously to be the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and the election was approved by Mr. Stalin. Metropolitan Alexei accepted the patriarchal throne with a deep consciousness of the great responsibility of his new vocation, and with faith in the all-powerful help of God.

Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) speaking at the Sobor

Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky), Metropolitan Nikolai (Yarushevich) at the Sobor

Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) at the time of the election

Newly-elected Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky)

Enthronement as Patriarch of Moscow, 1945

On 4 February, 1945, in the Epiphany Cathedral in Moscow, Metropolitan Alexei (Simansky) was enthroned in Moscow by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in the presence of Orthodox bishops from abroad, and of delegations from other Christian communities.

Patriarch Alexei I

Holy Epiphany Cathedral, Yelokhovo, Moscow

Patriarchal service

Immediately, Patriarch Alexei (Simansky) took up his responsibilities with prayerful caution.

On 10 April, 1945, the Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars of the USSR, J Stalin, met Patriarch Alexei (Simansky), Metropolitan Nikolai (Yarushevich) of Krutitsky and Protopresbyter Nikolai Kolchitsky, and he talked about the affairs of the Orthodox Church. From this meeting, a historic decision was made regarding the fate of the Church in a state ruled by the militantly atheist communist party. The result of this conversation was soon felt by all.

On 22 August, 1945, the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR issued a decree about granting to the Church authorities (the patriarchate, diocesan, parish communities and monasteries) legal rights for the purchase of vehicles, the production of church utensils, etc. By the same resolution, the local Soviet authorities were asked not to prevent church communities from ringing bells.

Of the parishes that were still functioning at that time, most were in territories that had been annexed or re-occupied recently by the USSR. Indeed, one could travel 1,000 km on the Trans-Siberian Railway without passing a single working Temple.

During the first period, the situation for the Church in the country evolved generally well : the state and the CPSU did not conduct wide-ranging anti-Church activities. In 1945 and 1946, the individual taxes on rural clergy were abolished or reduced significantly ; and the norms and procedure for taxation of monastery income and enterprises under diocesan administrations and clergy were simplified substantially. The Moscow Patriarchate, diocesan administrations, and parish communities were granted the right of a legal entity in terms of acquiring transport, buying and constructing buildings, and manufacturing ecclesiastical utensils. It was decided not to inhibit Church communities from bell-ringing in towns and villages. The executive committees of the Council of People's Commissars of the Union and Autonomous Republics, and Oblasts, were to provide for the supply of building materials for the parish communities in order to repair Church buildings. Good business-like relations were established between the Patriarch and the chairman of the Council on the Affairs of the ROC, G Karpov, which helped to resolve positively many requests and appeals of the Patriarch, and to satisfy the appeals of believers. The Chairman of the Council valued and respected highly the primate of the Russian Church. In one of the notes to the CPSU Central Committee in 1955, Mr. Karpov wrote :

  Patriarch Alexei continued the work begun by Patriarch Sergei to normalise relations between the Church and 
 the state. [...] Leading the largest and richest of all 14 Orthodox autocephalous Churches in the world, 
 Patriarch Alexei, being a well-educated person and having the ability to speak with people, has a great 
 authority amongst the clergy and believers both in the USSR and abroad.

Patriarch Alexei appeared in the post-war years as a great architect of the Church : he reopened a few seminaries and monasteries, and he ordained some new bishops. Temples that had been destroyed by the war were restored ; ecclesiastical publishing was renewed ; theological schools were opened ; links were restored with Russian Orthodox people scattered abroad, and the greatest monastery of the Russian land ( Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra) was replenished with inhabitants.

Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra

Fraternal visits to other Autocephalous Churches

Beginning in 1945, Patriarch Alexei undertook the customary visits to the canonical Autocephalous Orthodox Churches. In June 1945, the Primate made a trip to the East. He visited the Church of Jerusalem, and the cities of Jerusalem and Lydda ; the Church of Antioch, and the cities of Damascus and Beirut ; the Church of Alexandria, and the cities of Alexandria and Cairo.

From 1 to 14 October, 1945, Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) visited the Church of Georgia.

At Pascha (8/21 April), 1946, the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra at "Zagorsk" (Sergeiev Posad) was re-opened. From that time, Patriarch Alexei became the official archimandrite of the lavra.

From 20 May to 3 June, 1946, he visited the Church of Bulgaria.

During his years of service, Patriarch Alexei led a tremendous effort to pacify schisms from the Church. In 1946, the “Renovated Church” disappeared completely. His high spiritual authority helped to restore relations with the Polish and Finnish Orthodox Churches.

Patriarch Alexei I serving in Moscow

Also in 1946, Patriarch Alexei I presided over the now controversial “re-unification” of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church with the Russian Orthodox Church. This action was perceived by many as simply a takeover forced by the Stalinist government. Patriarch Alexei called on all Roman Catholics in the Soviet Union to reject all allegiance to the Pope : “Liberate yourself ! You must break the Vatican chains, which throw you into the abyss of error, darkness, and spiritual decay. Hurry, return to your true mother, the Russian Orthodox Church !”

To this, Pope Pius XII replied : “Who does not know, that Patriarch Alexius I, recently elected by the dissident bishops of Russia, exalts and preaches openly defection from the Catholic Church in a letter lately addressed to the Ruthenian Church, a letter, which contributed not a little to the persecution ?”

From 1 to 15 June, 1947, Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) visited the Church of Romania.

In May, 1948, Patriarch Alexei I visited Ukraine, where he stopped in Kharkov, Poltava, Kiev (Kyiv) and Chernigov.

500th Anniversary of Autocephaly of the Moscow Patriarchate, 1948

In July, 1948, there was a celebration of the [https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FFNDWMkpMbRMBLtKMWrpSNWjKHVmVpDr?projector=1 500th Anniversary of the Autocephaly of the Moscow Patriarchate. Included in the celebrations was a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Holy Epiphany Cathedral in Moscow, concelebrated with the other heads of Churches and the bishops of the Moscow patriarchate.

From 8-18 July, 1948, there was a Pan-Orthodox Council of the assembled hierarchs, who held discussions in view of a potential future eighth Ecumenical Council.

On 24 February, 1949, Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) was awarded the honourary title Doctor of Divinity.

Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk)

Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) was a bishop who had grown up in Ukraine, and during the Great Patriotic War, he had served as the Archbishop of Kyiv of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church during the time of the Nazi German occupation. However, with other bishops, he was forced into exile as the German Army was pushed back to the west. He then served in various countries under the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) until he arrived in Canada in 1952.

In 1957, Archbishop Panteleimon moved from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia to the Moscow Patriarchate (at first unofficially). He moved from Montréal, Québec to Edmonton, Alberta, where he spent the remainder of his life. His cathedral became that of Saint Barbara the Great-martyr in Edmonton. This Temple was taken from the “Metropolia”, and moved into the jurisdiction of the Russian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate in North America (which had been established in 1933).

On 5 March, 1959, after bringing a statement of repentance to the Moscow Patriarchate (this was with regard to any voluntary or involuntary separation from communion with the Moscow Patriarchate and the Canonical Orthodox Church from the time of the German invasion of Ukraine), Archbishop Panteleimon was admitted officially, in his rank, into communion with the Russian Orthodox Church. On 8 August, 1959, Archbishop Panteleimon was assigned to be the Archbishop of Edmonton and Canada.

On 7 September, 1961, Archbishop Panteleimon began a visit to his native Mother-Church. During his 2-week visit in the Soviet Union, with the blessing of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky), he served in the Temples of Moscow, at Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra, and at Holy Trinity-Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra in Leningrad (Saint Petersburg). At that time, he visited with Metropolitan Boris (Vik), the Patriarchal Exarch in America, and with Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov), the Head of the patriarchate's Department of External Church Relations. In 1967, by the invitation of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky), Archbishop Panteleimon visited the lands of Rus’ one more time. On this visit, he was accompanied by some faithful people from Canada as pilgrims.

Death of Mr. J Stalin, 1953

After the death of Mr. J Stalin on 5 March, 1953, the patriarch composed a personal statement of condolence to the USSR’s Council of Ministers : “His death is a heavy grief for our Fatherland and for all the people who inhabit it. The whole Russian Orthodox Church, which will never forget his benevolent attitude to Church needs, feels great sorrow at his death. The bright memory of him will live ineradicably in our hearts. Our Church proclaims eternal memory to him with a special feeling of abiding love”.

In 1955, Patriarch Alexei declared : “The Russian Orthodox Church supports the totally peaceful foreign policy of the Soviet Union, not because the Church lacks freedom, but because Soviet policy is just and corresponds to the Christian ideals which the Church preaches”. This and other such statements were and are irksome to some persons ; however, there is an unseen background which required such a statement. Often, the patriarch and other clergy were put into such humiliating situations in order to try to keep the pressures against the Church from becoming too dangerous for the Faithful.

Fraternal visits continue

In September, 1956, Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) visited Moldova and the city of Kishinev (Chișinău).

In early September, 1957, Patriarch Alexei visited the Church of Bulgaria.

From 11 to 31 October, 1957, Patriarch Alexei visited the Church of Serbia in Yugoslavia.

Khrushchev persecutions, 1958 ; openings to the west

After 1958, Russian Christians led by Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) had to endure a new wave of persecution, mostly carried out through closing down of churches by the new Soviet leader, Nikita S Khrushchev. His anti-religious campaign resulted in the closing of almost half of those churches still functioning in the 1950s.

Despite this, Patriarch Alexei was permitted by the Committee for State Security (KGB) to enroll the Russian Orthodox Church in the Christian Peace Conference in 1958, and into the World Council of Churches in 1961.

In the meantime, in November and December, 1960, Patriarch Alexei made pilgrimages to the countries of the Middle East. He visited Alexandria, Cairo, Damascus, Beirut and Jerusalem in the Churches of Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem.

Patriarch Alexei was the only Orthodox patriarch to send an observer to the Second Vatican Council in Rome, Italy (1962-1965).

Patriarch Alexei and Archbishop Michael Ramsey, 1962

Patriarch Alexei and Patriarch Kyrill of Bulgaria, 1962

Patriarch Alexei and Patriarch Justinian of Romania, 1962

On 28 April, 1963, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated the glorious jubilee of Patriarch Alexei I : the 50th anniversary of his service as a bishop.

In September, 1964, Patriarch Alexei visited the Church of Greece in Athens, and then the cities of Geneva and London.

In late 1964, Patriarch Alexei made an unusual choice in the assignment of a Chancellor for the Moscow Patriarchate. This choice was Archbishop Aleksey (Ridier), who was at that time 35 year of age. The assignment of such young archbishop to this central position in the administration of the Church came about for several reasons. First, in the venerable old age of Patriarch Alexei I, he needed an active and completely devoted assistant. Patriarch Alexei considered Vladyka Aleksey to be close to him in origin (Patriarch Alexei was from Pskov), in upbringing, and in his understanding. Second, this appointment was also supported by the chairman of the Department of External Church Relations (DECR), Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov), ​​who saw in his deputy an active and independent-minded bishop, who knew how to defend his position even before the secular leaders. Vladyka Aleksey (Ridiger) later recalled :

 When I became the manager of the affairs, I saw Patriarch Alexei I all the time ; and, of course, there was 
 complete trust and confidence that if I came to an agreement with him, he could be calm.  Often, I had to go 
 to Peredelkino to see His Holiness the Patriarch and to prepare resolutions for him, which he signed, not
 looking at them carefully, but only looking through them.  It was a great joy for me to communicate with him, 
 and to have his trust in me.

The giving of this responsibility occurred at a very difficult time. In 1965, Priest Gleb Yakunin and Priest Nikolai Eshilman wrote an open letter to Patriarch Alexei. According to Evgeny Barabanov (an art historian), “They showed convincingly how a significant part of the governing episcopate, with voluntary silence or cunning connivance, had assisted the Atheists to close churches, monasteries, and religious schools, to liquidate religious communities, to establish the illegal practice of registering christenings, and had yielded to them control over the assignment and transfer of priests”. The letter was published as “samizdat” (self-published, i.e., underground press). In May, 1966, Patriarch Alexei ordered that both priests be suspended from service. The Soviet dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn criticised sharply the treatment of Fathers Gleb and Nikolai in his own open letter to Patriarch Alexei.

Patriarch Alexei I serving at Epiphany Cathedral Moscow 1960s

The 25th anniversary of Patriarch Alexei’s patriarchal service in February, 1970, was quite different from what would have occurred under normal circumstances, but the goal to which the primate gave all his strength was always the same : to preserve the Church in the midst of the conditions of a totalitarian atheistic regime.

Patriarch Alexei with Patriarch German of Serbia and Coptic Patriarch Kyrillos VI, 1968

4 February, 1970, marked the 25th anniversary of the Patriarch of Armenia Vazgen I (Baljian).

Last illness, 1970

By 1970, the health of the venerable Patriarch Alexei was weakening noticeably.

After the Feast of the Presentation on 15 February, 1970, Patriarch Alexei suffered a heart attack. Following this, he remained in the country residence in Peredelkino. His personal secretary and cell-attendant D A Ostapov remained there with him. Patriarch Alexei continued to fulfil his duties as patriarch while he remained in this residence.

1970, reconciliation with the “Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America”, autocephaly for “The Orthodox Church in America”

On 31 March, 1970, the Lord crowned the labours of Patriarch Alexei with the reconciliation with the “Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America” (ROGCCNA). Immediately, autocephaly was then given, and the ROGCCNA was re-named “The Orthodox Church in America” (OCA). This Church had begun in 1794 as the “Russian Mission”, a mission of the Church of Russia.

In addition to the granting of autocephaly to the OCA, autonomy was given to the Orthodox Church in Japan on the same day.

Repose, 1970

On Friday, 17 April, 1970 (the eve of Lazarus Saturday), Patriarch Alexei fell asleep in the Lord because of a myocardial infarction, at the age of 92. He had been staying at the residence in Peredelkino, southwest of Moscow.

From 18 to 20 April, the coffin with the body of the newly-departed patriarch was in the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhov, Moscow. During this time, his body was in the Temple while the services of Holy Week were served as usual. There were also Panikhidas (Memorial Services) offered, and people came to pay their respects.

After the coffin was closed, the coffin was carried around the cathedral (within its enclosure instead of outside, because of the restrictions imposed by the atheists). The funeral procession then proceeded to Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra (in Sergiyev Posad, about 65 km (44 mi) northeast of Moscow).

The coffin was placed in the Dormition Catholicon of the monastery, and the Holy Gospels were read aloud by the coffin until the next day.

On Tuesday, 21 April, 1970 (Great and Holy Tuesday), in the unheated Dormition Catholicon, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Hierarch was served by bishops of the Church of Russia, and others. The services were led by the Locum-tenens of the Patriarchal See Metropolitan Pimen (Izvekov) of Krutitsy and Kolomna. He was assisted by Catholicos-Patriarch Ephraim II (Sidamonidze) of All Georgia ; Metropolitan Vasily (Doroszkiewicz) of Warsaw and all Poland ; Metropolitan Dorotheus (Philip) of Prague and all Czechoslovakia and bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church.

At the conclusion of the service, the coffin was carried by the bishops in procession to the Crypt Chapel of All Saints Who Shone forth in the Land of Russia, under the catholicon.

In the crypt chapel of the Dormition Catholicon of Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra, the coffin containing the body of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) was entombed nearby that of the great missionary, holy Metropolitan Macarius (Nevsky) (1835-1926), who was greatly revered by Patriarch Alexei I.

Also attending the services were : Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos Vazgen I of All Armenia ; Cardinal Archbishop John Willebrands (of the Roman Catholic Church) ; heads and representatives of many Lutheran groups, of Reformed and other Protestants.

There was an exceptionally large gathering of worshippers in the Lavra.

Funeral of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky), 21 April, 1970, at Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra

— Bishop of Tikhvin 1913-1921. Preceded by : Bishop Andronik (Nikolskiy). Succeeded by : Bishop Antoniy (Demyansky).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of Novgorod 1913-1921.

— Bishop of Yamburg 1921-1926. Preceded by : Bishop Anastasiy (Alexandrov). Succeeded by : Bishop Gabriel (Voevodin).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of Petrograd 1921-1926.

— Archbishop of Khutyn 1926-1932. Preceded by : ___. Succeeded by : ___.

— Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of Novgorod 1926-1932.

— Metropolitan of Starorussa 1932-1933. Preceded by : Bishop Ioanniky (Speransky)]. Succeeded by : Bishop Innokenty (Tikhonov).

— Metropolitan of Novgorod and Starorussa 1933 (2 months). Preceded by : Metropolitan Arsenii (Stadntskiy). Succeeded by : Archbishop Benedict (Plotnikov).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of Novgorod 1932-1933.

— Metropolitan of Novgorod and the Leningrad Region 1933-1943. Preceded by : Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Grigory (Chukov).

— Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod 1943-1945.

— Patriarch of Moscow 1945-1970. Preceded by : Patriarch Sergii (Stagorodsky). Succeeded by : Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov).

Aerial view of Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra

Reflections

Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) paid much attention to the publishing of ecclesiastical books. He published 2 editions of the Bible, and a separate New Testament in the Russian language. He also published liturgical books, and monthly ecclesiastical magazines began to appear : the “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”, journals of foreign exarchates, and a collection of articles in “Theological Works”.

The fruit of the pastoral and teaching work of Patriarch Alexei was 4 volumes of his words and speeches. By decision of the Councils of the Theological Academies of the Moscow Patriarchate he was awarded the academic title of Doctor of Theology.

Much work was done by Patriarch Alexei for the unity of world-wide Orthodoxy. He made a series of pilgrimages to the Holy Land, to Egypt and to the Middle East. He visited the fraternal Orthodox Churches : Constantinople, Georgia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece. He served the cause of unity and peace ; and for his part, with love, he hosted numerous guests, who arrived in Russia from all over the Orthodox world. This was promoted also by the tradition of receiving representatives of foreign Orthodox Churches with kindness, which was revived by Patriarch Alexei. During the years of the Primatial Pastoral Service of Patriarch Alexei, contacts of the Russian Church with the Roman Catholic Church were established. Active links were established with the ancient non-Chalcedonian Churches of the East. Patriarch Alexei also cultivated good relations with Western Protestants.

The Russian Orthodox Church, headed by Patriarch Alexei, became a first-rank champion of peace. Patriarch Alexei for many years was a member of the Soviet Peace Committee. With his active peacekeeping activity, he gained tremendous authority amongst all people of goodwill.

At the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, whose activities took place during May and June, 1971, in Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra, the truly selfless work of Patriarch Alexei I was marked. His previous activities led to an outstanding event in the life of the Church : the return of the Greek Catholics of Galicia and Transcarpathia to Holy Orthodoxy, and the termination of the Brest-Litovsk and Uzhgorod Unions.

Supporters praise Patriarch Alexei I for working hard to ensure the survival of Christianity in Russia, and for advocating for peace and inter-church unity. On the other hand, opponents often accused him of complicity with the Soviet authorities. This accusation is easy to make from far away and outside or after the situation.

In his will, addressed to the flock, Patriarch Alexei I wrote :

 The most important request to everyone with whom I had to have fellowship is a request for prayer for me.  
 May the Lord accept my spirit in His bright Abode, forgiving me the voluntary and involuntary sins through His 
 Divine mercy.  I myself, parting with this temporary life and going into eternal life, in which at all periods
 of my life I deeply believed, I have no resentment or ill will towards anyone ; and if I have offended anyone, 
 I ask you to forgive me and cover me with love and prayer for my soul. [...] The flock entrusted to me by the 
 Lord in this life, the known and unknown servants of God, may the Lord keep in peace and prosperity. 
 (Quoted from : Kazem-Bek, ‘Biography of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy 1’, pp. 177-178)

In 1999, Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) gave a deep and capacious description of the primatial service of Patriarch Alexei I :

 His Holiness Patriarch Alexei I of Moscow and All Russia [...], an experienced Church hierarch, keeper of the
 traditions of Russian Orthodoxy, a sincere patriot of Russia, always rooting for its fate, stood for the Church
 for a quarter of a century.  Russian, being its First Hierarch.  During this period, there were the best and 
 worst times, but the Patriarch's concern for the preservation of the Church organism, for the preparation of 
 new bishops and priests, for the development of theological understanding, for maintaining the relationship of the 
 Church with the outside world (both in the Fatherland and beyond) remained unchanged.  The works of His Holiness 
 Patriarch Alexei I of Moscow and All Russia in many respects allowed us not to lose the continuity of Church life 
 with its pre-revolutionary period – a connection, which, due to persecution, was already significantly weakened 
 then.   
 (‘Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia – Church and Spiritual Renaissance of Russia : Words, Speeches, 
 Messages, Appeals, 1990-1998’ (Moscow, 1999). p. 736).

In 2000, the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow published the book “Letters of Patriarch Alexei (Simansky) to his Confessor”. It is a collection of letters from Bishop Alexei (Simansky) to his spiritual mentor, Metropolitan Arseny (Stadnitsky), in the years 1917, 1918 and 1921. Unlike memoirs, letters contain significantly fewer inaccuracies caused by memory errors or the evolution of the author’s views. The letters of Patriarch Alexei I are kept in the State Archives of the Russian Federation in the fonds of Metropolitan Arseny (Stadnitskiy).

In 2016, Olga Rozhneva wrote :

 [Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky)] lived a long and difficult life.  He was the head of our Church for 25 years 
 (1945-1970).  It was his lot to revive the Russian Orthodox Church in the post-war years.  The wise 
 position of Patriarch Alexy I, his extremely high authority in the eyes of the whole society, played a 
 crucial role in the preservation and subsequent revival of Church life in Russia. 

A plaque on the house 46/2 on Myasnitskaya street in Moscow

Awards and honours :

Church awards

• Order of Saint Vladimir, 3rd degree, 1915

• Right to wear 2 panagias, 1938

• Order of the Holy Apostle Mark, 8 March, 1945, Alexandrian Orthodox Church

• Order of "Saint Alexander", May 27, 1946, Bulgaria

• Honourary Doctor of Divinity, 1949

• Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, 1st degree (presented on 15 July, 1961)

• Doctor of Theology Degree

Other awards

• Medal "For the Defence of Leningrad", 1943

• Four orders of the Red Banner of Labour (16 August, 1946 ; 8 November, 1952 ; 8 November, 1962 ; 6 November, 1967)

• Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945", 1946

• Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Romania, 1947

• The highest orders of the Lebanese and Syrian Republics

• Grand Ribbon of the Imperial Order of the Holy Trinity (Ethiopia)

Writings

• “Combatants and Non-combatants during the War” (1899) (Thesis in the Law Faculty).

• ‘The Concepts Prevailing in Modern Moral and Legal Consciousness that influenced the Court of Metropolitan Philaret’ (Moscow, 1905) (Candidate of Theology thesis of 1903). Reprinted from the magazine “Faith and Church” (1905).

• From the review of the candidate writings of A I Vvedensky, Professor of the Moscow Theological Academy :

...... “About his writings, one needs to respond with great praise. A maturity of thought is everywhere revealed that is able to rise to the heights of matters of concern to modern society and to understand them from a Christian Orthodox point of view. [...] About the merits of the exposition (everywhere relevant to he importance of the subject), it should be noted that both in terms of composition and style, the print, art, measures and grace, even in epigraphs, are always very relevant and expressive” in “The Theological Herald” (January, 1905), and in the “Journal of the Council of the Academy” (19 April, 1904), pp. 74-75.

...... The words and speeches of His Holiness the Patriarch, when he was Rector of the Tula and Novgorod Spiritual Seminary : (a) ‘The Words of the Rector of the Novgorod Spiritual Seminary of Archimandrite Alexei, said during the last Service in the Temple of the Tula Spiritual Seminary (16 October, 1911)’ in the “Tula Eparchy Bulletin” (1911) ; (b) ‘The Words of the Rector of the Novgorod Spiritual Seminary of Archimandrite Alexei at the first presbyteral ordination in the Saint Antony Monastery on the Day of the Celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (22 October, 1911)’ in “Novgorod Eparchy Messenger”, no. 43 (1911) ; (c) ‘Speech of Archimandrite Alexei when he was named Bishop of Tikhvin’ in “Novgorod Eparchy Messenger”, no. 18 (1913).

• “The “Life of the Reverend and our God-bearing Father Antony the Roman” (Novgorod, 1912).

• The theological Works of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei on the issues of dogma, preaching, Church-public issues and journalism in chronological order are found in the “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” (“JMP”) since 1944, and are also presented in print in separate editions in 4 volumes.

• “Words, Speeches, Messages, Addresses, Reports, Articles” (1941-1948), vol. 1 (Moscow, 1948).

• “Words, Speeches, Messages, Addresses, Articles” (1948-1954), vol. 2 (Moscow, 1954).

• “Words, Speeches, Messages, Addresses” (1954-1957), vol. 3 (Moscow, 1957).

• “Words, Speeches, Messages, Addresses” (1957-1963), vol. 4 (Moscow, 1964).

• ‘Words, Speeches, Messages, Addresses’ (1957-1963), vol. 4 in “JMP” (“Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate”), no. 7 (1964).

• ‘Word for the Day of Holy Pascha’ in “Tula Eparchy Messenger”, no. 12 (1909), p. 183.

• ‘Speech when he is called Bishop’ in “Additions to the Church Gazette”, nos. 18-19 (1913), p. 791. See also “JMP”, no. 11 (1957), pp. 36-38.

• ‘Speech at the Philaret Evening at the Moscow Theological Academy’ in “JMP”, no. 2 (1964).

• ‘Speech at the Reception of Participants in the Session of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches in Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra’ in “JMP”, no. 4 (1964).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Staff to Bishop Antony (Melnikov)’ in “JMP”, no. 7 (1964).

• ‘Message to Moscow Theological Schools on the Day of their 20th Anniversary’ in “JMP” no. 8 (1964).

• ‘Message to the Flock of the Western European Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1964).

• ‘Speech at the Reception of King Constantine of Greece’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1964).

• ‘Speech at the Reception of the Secretary General of the WCC’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1964).

• ‘Speech at the official Dinner at the WCC main Apartment’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1964).

• ‘Speech at ceremonial Worship in Westminster Abbey’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1964).

• ‘Speech at the Reception at the Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1964).

• ‘Speech at the Anniversary Act MDA’ in “JMP”, no. 12 (1964).

• ‘Christmas Message’ in “JMP”, nos. 1 and 12 (1965).

• ‘Christmas Greeting to the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches’ in “JMP”, no. 1 (1965).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Pastoral Staff to Bishop Pimen of Saratov and Volgograd’ in “JMP”, no. 2 (1965).

• ‘Speech at the solemn Meeting dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the Patriarchate’ in “JMP”, no. 3 (1965).

• ‘Statement in Connection with the US armed Intervention against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam’ in “JMP”, no. 3 (1965).

• ‘Statement in Connection with the Intention of the Government of Germany to stop the Prosecution of Nazi Criminals’ in “JMP”, no. 4 (1965).

• ‘Easter Greeting by the Chairman of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches’ in “JMP”, no. 5 (1965).

• ‘Easter Message’ in “JMP”, no. 4 (1965).

• ‘Easter Greetings to the Heads of Christian Churches’ in “JMP”, no. 5 (1965).

• ‘Message to the Archpastors, Clergy and Flock of the Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian Dioceses of the Moscow Patriarchate’ in “JMP”, no. 8 (1965).

• ‘Message to the Head of the Polish Orthodox Church’ in “JMP”, no. 8 (1965).

• ‘Appeal to the Participants of the Session of the Advisory Committee on the Continuation of the KMK’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1965).

• ‘Message to the Archbishop of Utrecht, Dr. A Rinkel, Chairman of the 19th Old Catholic Congress’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1965).

• ‘Message to His Holiness Vazgen I, Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of All Armenians’ in “JMP”, no. 12 (1965).

• ‘Speech at the Presentation of the Pastoral Staff to Bishop Mykola of Lviv and Ternopil’ in “JMP”, no. 12 (1965).

• “Letters of Patriarch Alexy (Simansky) to his Confessor” (Moscow : Sretensky Monastery Publishing House, 2000).

Writings about the patriarch in diverse sources by various authors :

• “Church Statements”, nos. 18-19 (1913), pp. 821-822.

• “JMP”, nos. 7-8, p. 5 ; nos. 11-12, pp. 1, 2 (1932) ; (1933), nos. 14-15 (1933), p. 4 ; (1943 to 1965).

• Metropolitan Nikolai, ‘On the Patriarchal Locum Tenens’ in “JMP”, no. 7 (1944), pp. 31-33.

• Shapovalov, A, ‘About the Trip of the Patriarchal Locum Tenens to Tula’ in “JMP”, no. 12 (1944), pp. 62-64.

• Shapovalov, A, ‘Patriarch Alexei of Moscow and All Russia’ in “JMP”, no. 2 (1945), pp. 93-99 (portrait).

• Georgievskaya, E, ‘Solemn Patriarchal Divine Service in the Moscow Nikolo-Kuznetsk Church, 7 February, 1945’ in “JMP", no. 2 (1945), pp. 101-104.

• Georgievskaya, E, ‘Name-day of Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 3 (1945), pp. 11-14.

• ‘On the Journey of Patriarch Alexei to the Middle East’ in “JMP”, no. 7 (1945), pp. 9-10.

• ‘Anniversary of the Enthronement of Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 2 (1946), pp. 3-6.

• ‘Name-day of the Holy Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 3 (1946), pp. 8-11.

• Chepurin, Prot., ‘Christmas Reception at the Holy Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia’ in “JMP”, no. 1 (1947), pp. 6-8.

• Shilov, A V, ‘Patriarchal Service at Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Monastery, 27 April, 1947’ in “JMP”, no. 5 (1947), pp. 10-13.

• Minoransky, M, Prot., ‘On Holidays in Sochi, 5 September-2 October, 1947’ in “JMP”, no. 1 (1948), pp. 58-60.

• ‘Name-day of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 3 (1948), pp. 8-13.

• ‘On the 35th Anniversary of the hierarchal Service of Patriarch Alexei, 28 April, 1913-28 April, 1948’ in "JMP", no. 5 (1948), pp. 10-16.

• Nikonov, V, ‘Holy Patriarch Alexei of Moscow and All Russia’ (on the 50th Anniversary of Service in the Priesthood) in “JMP” (1952), no. 3, p. 5.

• ‘The Primate of the Russian Church’ (on the 80th Anniversary of the Birth of Holy Patriarch Alexei) in “JMP” (1957), no. 11, p. 25.

• ‘On the 15th Anniversary of the Patriarchate of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 2 (1960), p. 28.

• (Denisenko), Archimandrite Filaret, ‘Pilgrimage of Patriarch Alexei of Moscow and All Russia to the Shrines of the East’ in “JMP”, no. 3 (1961), pp. 10-64.

• Dobrynin, M, Associate Professor, ‘In the Name of Unity and Peace (Fraternal Meetings of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei with Eastern Christians’ in "JMP", no. 4 (1961), pp. 8-29.

• Ivanov, N, ‘Celebration of the 85th Anniversary of Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 1 1963, pp. 5-18.

• Ruzhitsky, K I, Prof.-Prot., ‘The Most Holy Patriarch Alexei of Moscow and All Russia : Report at the solemn Meeting of the MDA, dedicated to the 85th Anniversary of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 1 (1963), pp. 62-72.

• ‘Materials on the Anniversary Celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Episcopal Ministry of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP” (Jubilee no., 1963).

• Ostapov, A, Prot., ‘The Day of the Bishop's Consecration of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 4 (1963), pp. 68-78.

• Dobrynin, M, ‘The 50th Anniversary of the Episcopal Service of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei’ in “JMP”, no. 5 (1963), pp. 52-74 ; no. 6, pp. 60-73 ; no. 7, pp. 55-74.

• ‘Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei’s Episcopal Service in foreign Parishes in Damascus and Belgrade’ in “JMP”, no. 8 (1963), p. 11.

• Ivanov, N, ‘On the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Episcopal Ministry of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei : On the Stay of Guests from the Roman Catholic Church’ in “JMP”, no. 9 (1963), p. 52.

• Ostapov, A, Prof.-Prot., ‘Journey of Patriarch Alexei to Athens, Geneva and London (September, 1964)’ in “JMP”, no. 12 (1964), p. 9.

• Vedernikov, A, ‘Under the Sign of Love and Peace’ in “JMP”, no. 12 (1964), p. 19.

• Tikhon, Assoc.-Archim., ‘Pastoral Feast on the 20th Anniversary of Patriarchal Service’ in "JMP", no. 2 (1965), p. 68.

• Georgievsky, A, Prof., ‘Serving Peace and Love on the 20th Anniversary of Patriarchal Service)’ in “JMP”, no. 2 (1965), p. 45.

• Borozdinov, A, Osipov, A, Prosvirin A, ‘The Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Patriarchate’ in “JMP”, no. 3 (1965), p. 17.

• Yarushevich, N, Georgievsky & G P, Smirnov, A, “The Truth About Religion in Russia” (Moscow : Moscow Patriarchate, 1942), pp. 53, 98-104, 256-261, 414-418.

• “Siberian Church”, no. 2 (1922), p. 15.

• “Russkiy Palomnik” [“Russian Pilgrim”] , no. 29 (1913), p. 459.

• ‘The Great Patriotic War’ in "Russian Orthodox Church”, pp. 14-16, etc.

• “FMP”, no. 7, p. 3.

• “FPS I”, no. 50, p. 3 ; II, p. 1 ; IV, p. 1 ; V, no. 17.

• “PHAM I”, no. 10, p. 2.

• ‘Composition of the Holy Rule’ in “All Synodal and Russian Church Hierarchy for 1917”, pp. 76-77.

• “BES”, vol. II, 2nd ed., p. 131.

• ‘On the Appointment of the Rector of the Novgorod Theological Seminary, Archimandrite Alexei (Simansky), Bishop of Tikhvin’ in “Additions to Church Statements”, no. 14 (1913).

• Archbishop Manuil of Kuibyshev, “Catalogue of Russian Bishops, Part 1” (Cheboksary, 1959).

• Komarov, K M, Associate Professor of the Moscow Theological Academy, “Bibliographic Material about His Holiness Patriarch Alexei” (The collection contains with exhaustive thoroughness in a chronological order rich literary material about His Holiness Patriarch Alexei, as he was described in the “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” from 1944 to 1963, as well as in the Church-public press of foreign countries : Armenia, America, Bulgaria , Hungary, Germany, France, Egypt, China, Lebanon, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia).

• Ostapov, A, ‘9 Nojabrja 1967 goda - 90-lrtie Svjatejsego Patriarcha Moskovskogo i vseja Rusi Aleksija’ [‘9 November, 1967 - the 90th Birthday of His Holiness Patriarch Alexei of Moscow and All Russia’] in “JMP”, no. 12 (1967), pp. 4-9.

• Ovsjannikov, V, ‘25 let Patriarsego sluzenija. Prazdnovanie Jubilejnoj daty’ [‘25 Years of the Patriarchal Service of Alexei I and the Jubilee Day Celebration’] in “JMP” no. 2 (1970), pp. 4-6.

• Ostapov, A, ‘Svjatejsij Patriarch Moskovskij i vseja Rusi Aleksij : Biograficeskij obzor dopatriarsego perioda zizni i sluzenija’ [‘His Holiness Patriarch Alexei I of Moscow and All Russia : A Biographical Review of his Life and Service’] in “JMP”, no. 2 (1970), pp. 7-16.

• (Vachromeev), Philaret, ‘Moskovskie Duchovnye Skoly pod rukovodstvom Sv. Patriarcha Aleksija’ [‘Moscow under the Leadership of Patriarch Alexei I’] in “JMP”, no. 2 (1970), pp. 17-22.

• Georgievskij, A I, ‘Vospominanija o Sobore 1945 goda’ [‘Memories from the Cathedral of 1945’] in “JMP”, no. 2 (1970), pp. 23-24.

• (Necaev), Pitirim, ‘Etot den 'prinadlezit Cerkvi’ [‘This is the Day to involve the Church’] in “JMP”, no. 2 (1970), pp. 25-29.

• Sabatin, I N, ‘20 let Pervosvjatitel'stva Sv. Patriarcha Aleksija’ [‘20 Years Service of Patriarch Alexei I’] in “JMP”, no. 2 (1970), pp. 29-35.

• Sokolovskij, P, ‘Sluzenie delu mira’ [‘Serving the Affairs of the World’] in “JMP”, no. 2 (1970), pp. 36-40.

• ‘Koncina i pochorony Sv. Patriarcha Aleksija’ [‘In Memory of Patriarch Alexei I’] in “JMP”, no. 5 (1970), pp. 1-3.

• Ostapov, D, ‘Poslednaja vesna Patriarcha Aleksija’ [‘The last Spring of Patriarch Alexei I’] in “JMP”, no. 6 (1970), pp. 5-12.

• Ovsjannikov, V, ‘Blazennyj put 'v nadezde Voskresenija’ [‘The Path to the Resurrection’] in “JMP”, no. 6 (1970), pp. 12-58.

• ‘Sv. Patriarch Moskovskij i vseja Rusi Aleksij : Biograficeskaja spravka’ [‘Biography of Patriarch Alexei I of Moscow and All Russia’] in “JMP”, no. 6 (1970), pp. 59-63.

• ‘Heft 10 : Festansprache des Moskauer Patriarchen’ in “Stimme der Orthodoxie” [‘Issue 10 : Speech of Patriarch Alexei I’ in “Voice of Orthodoxy”] (1963) pp. 6-11.

• (Rotov), E B Nikodim, “Leben und Wirken des Hochhl. Patriarchen Aleksij” [“Life and Work of Patriarch Alexei I”], pp. 12-25.

• Ostapov, A, Erzpr., “Auf Boden des Hl. Sergius” [“On the Life of Saint Sergius”], pp. 26-27.

• Troicki, G, “Das goldene Bischofsjubilaum des Oberhirten der Russischen Kirche” [“The Golden Jubilee of Patriarch Alexei I of the Russian Orthodox Church”], pp. 28-88.

• Suttner, E C, “Die Jubelfeier fur Patriarch Aleksij” in “Ostkirchliche Studien” [‘The Jubilee Celebration for Patriarch Alexei’ in “Eastern Orthodox Studies”], no. 13 (1964), pp. 208-220.

• ‘Lettre de SS le Patriarche de Moscou, Alexis, à tous les Évêques de son Église (11 aout 1965)’ [“The Letter of Patriarch Alexei of Moscow to all the Bishops of his Church’] in “Istina”, no. 11 (1965/66), pp. 466-468.

• Ostapov, A, ‘Patriarch Alexius - Ein Leben fur die Kirche’ [‘Patriarch Alexei I : his Life for the Church’], in “StdO”, no. 11 (1967), pp. 15-33.

• ‘The 50th Anniversary of the 1917 Revolution : Encyclical of Patriarch Alexei and the Holy Synod’, in “Diakonia”, no. 3 (1968), pp. 77-80.

• ‘Sa Sainteté le Patriarche Alexis’, in “Vestnik Eksarchata” [‘His Holiness Patriarch Alexei I’ in “Exarchal Herald”], nos. 70/71 (1970), pp. 83-89.

• (Blum), Antoine, ‘Le Patriarche Alexis : Souvenirs personels’, in “Vestnik Eksarchata” [‘Personal Memories of Patriarch Alexei I’ in “Exarchal Herald”], nos. 70/71 (1970), pp. 89-92.

• Komarov, K, ‘Erinnerugen an die Inthronisation des hochhl. Patriarchen Alexius’, in “StdO” [‘Memories of the Enthronement of Patriarch Alexei’ in “StdO”], no. 2 (1970), pp. 11-17.

• Ostapov, A, ‘Die Residenzen des hochhl. Patriarchen Alexius von Moskau und ganz Rus’ Land’ [‘Residences of Patriarch Alexei I of Moscow and all Russia’], in “StdO”, no. 2 (1970), pp. 18-27.

• ‘Koncina Patriarcha Aleksija’ [‘Memory of Patriarch Alexei I’], in “Posev”, no. 5 (1970), p. 7.

• ‘Der Lebensweg des hochhl. Patriarchen Alexius, Nekrolog’ [‘Obituary of Patriarch Alexei I’], in “StdO”, no. 6 (1970), pp. 17-22.

• Komarov, K, ‘Dem hochhl. Patriarchen Alexius gilt unser ewiges, dankbares Gedenken’ [‘Patriarch Alexei I is in our eternal and grateful Memory’], in “StdO”, no. 6 (1970), pp. 22-60.

• (Izvekov), M Pimen, ‘Grabrede des Patriarchatsverwesers’ [‘Speech at the Graveside in Memory of Patriarch Alexei by the Patriarchal Administrator, Metropolitan Pimen’], in “StdO”, no. 6 (1970), pp. 61-63.

References

Moscow Patriarchate biography

Moscow Patriarchate biography (in Russian)

Orthodox Encyclopaedia biography

Orthodox Encyclopaedia biography (in Russian)

Russian Wikipedia biography

Orthodoxwiki biography

Wikipedia biography

Encyclopedia.com article

Drevo Orthodox Encyclopaedia biography

Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra biography

Biography by the Calendar of Religion of Russia

"Dva Grada" biography

Additional information :

Andrew, Christopher, and Mitrokhin, Vasili, “The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB” (New York : Basic Books, 1999). ISBN : 0-465-00312-5.

Davis, Nathaniel, “A Long Walk to Church” (Boulder, CO : Westview Press, 1995). ISBN 10 : 0813340675 ; ISBN 13 : 978-0813340678.

Firsov, Sergey Lvovich, "Time as Judge : Orthodox Churches of Russia and Constantinople in the 20th Century" (Moscow : Department of External Church Relations, 12 December 2018).

Kazem-Bek, A L, “Biography of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy I of Moscow and All Russia” (Moscow : Sretensky Stavropegial Monastery, 2015). ISBN : 978-5-7533-1060-6.

Kazem-Bek, A L, ‘Biography of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy I of Moscow and All Russia’ in “BT”, no. 34 (1998), pp. 13-185

Kolarz, Walter, “Religion in the Soviet Union” (New York : St. Martin’s Press, 1966). ASIN : B0000CL6X0.

Pospielovsky, Dimitry, “The Russian Church Under the Soviet Regime 1917-1982”, 2 vols. (Crestwood, NY : St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1984).

Regel'son, Lev, “Tragedy of the Russian Church : the Church under Soviet Power 1917-1953” (UK : Sanktum Publishing, 2015) (English edition). ISBN-13 : ‎978-3330719194.

Rozhneva, Olga, “Patriarch Alexy I (Simansky)” (Moscow : Sretensky Monastery, 2016). ISBN : 978-5-7533-1278-5.

Solzhenitsyn, Alexander, et al., “From Under the Rubble” (Washington, DC : Regnery Books, 1981). ISBN 10 : 0895268906 ; ISBN 13 : 978-0895268907.

Tsypin, Archpriest Vladislav, ‘Russian Orthodox Church under the Most Holy Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) (1944-1970)’ in “History of the Russian Orthodox Church (1917-1997)” [Found in the Russian Wikipedia biography, in “Literature)”. See Chapter 8 about Patriarch Alexei.] [The textbook has been published as the 9th book (application) of the history of the Church by Metropolitan Macarius (Bulgakov) (Moscow : Valaam Monastery, Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery Publishing House, 1997), 831 pp.]

Van der Bent, Ans Joachim, “Historical Dictionary of Ecumenical Christianity” (Metuchen, NJ and London : Scarecrow Press, 1994), p. 22.

Grad Petrov (Radio Station of the Saint Petersburg Metropolia) : A Series of lectures (audio and written) by the Archpriest George Mitrofanov about Patriarch Alexei (4 parts)

“The Orthodox Church in Russia” OCA History article

All Russian Church Council of 1917-1918

26 January, 2017, Pravoslavie.ru announcement about the publication of the book : 'Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky)' in the Series “Guarding the Faith” by the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow.

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Russia

Wikipedia article about A I Vvedensky of the "Living Church"

Wikipedia article about the Soviet Union

Wikipedia article about the Russian Orthodox Church

Orthodoxwiki article about the persecution of Christians in the Soviet Union

Saint Tikhon (Belavin)

Saint John of Kronstadt

Patriarch Gregory IV (Haddad)

Catholicos-Patriarch Ephraim II (Sidamonidze)

Metropolitan Agafangel (Preobrazhensky)

Sergiy (Stragorodsky)

Metropolitan Vasily (Doroszkiewicz)

Metropolitan Dorotheus (Philip)

Metropolitan Peter (Polyansky)

Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky)

Metropolitan Boris (Vik)

Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)

Metropolitan Pimen (Izvekov)

Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk)

Bishop Antonin (Derzhavin)

Bishop Arseny (Stadnitskiy)

Bishop Evdokim (Meshchersky)

Bishop Parthenius (Levitsky)

Bishop Nikon (Rozhdestvensky)

Bishop Eusebius (Grozdov)

Bishop Varsonofy (Lebedev)

Video : Memory of Patriarch Alexei I (in Russian)

Video of 1945 Sobor (in Russian)

Video about Patriarch Alexei I in 1960s

Video : Portrait of Patriarch Alexei I (in Russian)

Novosibirsk Radio Logos Chronograph : Archpriest Vitaly Bochkarev about the Church during the Patriotic War Part 1 (in Russian)

Novosibirsk Radio Logos Chronograph : Archpriest Vitaly Bochkarev about the Church during the Post-War years Part 2 (in Russian)

Novosibirsk Radio Logos Chronograph : Archpriest Vitaly Bochkarev about the Church during years of Patriarch Alexei I Part 3 (in Russian)

Video : Patriarch Alexei I reading the Holy Gospel

Video : Patriarch Alexei and other Hierarchs at the 500th Anniversary of the Autocephaly of the Moscow Patriarchate, and at the 1948 Pan-Orthodox Council in Moscow (July, 1948)

Audio : Patriarch Alexei I reading the Eucharistic Anaphora in 1968

Audio : Patriarch Alexei I reading the Holy Gospel at Matins for the Meeting of the Lord, 1968

Audio : Patriarch Alexei I reading the Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete, 1968

Video : 50th Anniversary of the Restauration of the Patriarchate in 1918 (1968) (in Russian)

Video : The fate of the Russian Orthodox Church - its persecution and resurrection (in Russian)

"History" channel and "Orthodox Encyclopaedia" video about "Stalin and the Third Rome" (in Russian)

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