The All Saints of Russia Orthodox Church is the largest Orthodox Christian church in the world and is the official church of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a community of over one million people from all over the world. There are over four hundred churches in the church and each is a living memorial to the lives of the saints who have been enlightened and saved by the grace of God.
Seraphim of Sarov
One of the most famous Russian Orthodox saints is Saint Seraphim of Sarov. This holy monk became a hermit and lived in solitude for many years. He taught the importance of self-denial and prayer. His life was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Saint Seraphim of Sarov is known for his humility. As a young boy, he was very ill. But thanks to his mother’s faith, he was healed. In fact, Saint Seraphim’s life was filled with miracles. During his lifetime, he had twelve visions of the Virgin Mary. The last one was shortly before his death.
After a year in Sarov, St. Seraphim started living in another “hermitage” five kilometers from the monastery. There, he lived in a small cabin. People came to him for advice.
Father Sergius
Father Sergius of the All Saints of Russia Orthodox Church was a renowned Russian ascetic of the fourteenth century. He founded the Holy Trinity monastery north of Moscow and is still remembered for his contributions to asceticism.
The name Sergius is associated with many good things. For one, the saint did many miracles. Several of his disciples went on to found monasteries in impractical places. Some were elevated to episcopal thrones. Other monks were appointed abbots of other monasteries.
Among the many miracles performed by venerable Sergius was the resurrection of a child. In the tenth century, a devout man returned from a pilgrimage to Russia with a son healed of a terrible sickness.
Another miracle worked by the saint was a visit by a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch. They came to see the miracles of St. Sergius, and he enthralled them with his saga of miracles.
Xenia of Petersburg
Xenia of Petersburg is an Orthodox saint. She is celebrated on September 11th. Her tomb is located in the Smolensk cemetery. Known as Kseniia Peterburgskaia, she is considered a holy woman of Russia.
Xenia lived as a “fool for Christ” and did not accept help. Rather, she used her family’s wealth to help the poor.
During her lifetime, she did not know that she had been married to a man. She was widowed at the age of 26. When her husband died, she turned to the Lord. Afterward, she left Petersburg for eight years. Then, she returned.
Xenia lived in the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine II. Although she was not well-known outside her native city, she received spiritual guidance. Several miracles are attributed to Xenia.
Vladimir Ushakov
A saint of the Russian Orthodox Church, Feodor Feodorovich Ushakov was the patron saint of the Russian navy. He was canonized in 2001, and his relics are enshrined in the Sanaksary Monastery.
In his service, Ushakov exhibited great courage and dedication. His skill as a naval commander was recognized and rewarded. Throughout his career, he never lost a battle. It is a remarkable feat in military history.
During the Russo-Turkish War of 1787-1791, Ushakov demonstrated innovative doctrines in naval warfare. He was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. From that time, he commanded the Black Sea Fleet.
At the time, naval commanders did not often gain victories despite numerical superiority of the enemy. However, Ushakov never lost a single battle in his career. The crews of ships under his command appreciated his unyielding will.
Matrona
Matrona the Blind of Moscow is one of the Saints of the Russian Orthodox Church. She was born in a poor peasant family. In 1881, when she was seventeen, she lost the use of her legs because of paralysis. But she never complained. The Lord enlightened her spiritual eyes.
As a teenager, she predicted the Russian Revolution. She also gave wise counsel. Her prayers may have healed her investigator’s mother.
The Blessed Matrona of Moscow is a wonderworker. People of all social classes and ethnic groups visited her. Her healings were so impressive that they were said to be the best in the history of Moscow.
It was said that she could receive as many as forty people a day. When she was young, she never missed Divine Services.
