The Most
Holy Alexis, christened Elevpheri, the son of a Chernigov nobleman, Feodor
Biakont, was born in Moscow and was received from the holy cupola (church) by
count John Kalit. At 13 years of age, he was graced by a special calling from
God. Once, as he strung his nets to catch birds he heard a voice: "Why do
you catch birds Alexis? You should be a catcher of men!" The lad Elevphery
decided to dedicate himself to the service of God and entered into monkhood in
the Moscow monastery of the Epiphany with the name of Alexis.
He lived
in this monastery for 20 years and became known to the count and the
metropolitan by his wisdom and spiritual deeds. He learned the Greek language
to understand better the works of the Holy Church Fathers. Metropolitan
Theognost, a Greek by birth, understood the need of a Russian helper in the
administration of Metropolitan affairs, and his choice fell on Alexis.
For 12
years Alexis lived in the prelate's house as the Metropolitan's vicar. During
the demise in health of Metropolitan Theognost, he was elevated in 1353 to the
cathedra of the Bishop Vladimir. After the death of Theognost he was elected as
its recipient.
Metropolitan
Alexis superintended the Church at a precarious time for Russian rule. The
authority of the Grand Duke of Moscow, John the Red, was weak. After his death
in 1359, it was especially weak, for his heir was the eight year old Dmitri
(who subsequently became a hero of the Don region) and the Duke of Suzdal
became the Grand Duke. Disregarding the conviction of the new Grand Duke, the
Most Holy Alexis did not leave Moscow and tried by all means to confer the
dignity of the Grand Duchy to the young Dmitri. He often advised Dmitri and
pacified participating dukes, for whom he often had to make strict pastoral decisions.
Besides which Metropolitan Alexis used the help and cooperation of his
contemporary, the great God-pleaser, the Venerable Sergios, abbot of Radonezh,
who, at the instruction of the Holy One, went to Nizhny Novgorod and Piazan in
order to pacify the resident mutinous dukes.
Being
concerned about the Church and the fatherland, the Most Holy Alexis traveled
three times to Ord. The first time by custom at the beginning of his
sanctification; and the second time at the summons of Khan Chanibek.
Troparion, Tone 4:
We glorify God with fitting praises/ as we
celebrate the memory of the guardian of apostolic dogmas,/ the shepherd and
teacher, the blessed and holy Hierarch Alexis:/ for God has given us His
servant who pours forth healings like a gushing spring/ and is the praise and
support of Moscow.
Kontakion, Tone 8
All you people who faithfully sing to
Christ's divine, most holy Hierarch and new wonderworker Alexis,/ let us greet
him with love as a great shepherd and minister, as a most wise teacher of
Russia./ Let us who are gathered today in his memory joyously cry out in song:/
In thy boldness before God deliver us from affliction,/ that we may cry to
thee: Rejoice, support of Moscow.
Source: https://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/saints/alexis_moscow.htm
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