Tikhon de Moscou
1865-1925 19th century
The fidelity that blesses under persecution, without vengeance or hardening.
Who was Tikhon de Moscou?
A peasant bishop who became the first restored Patriarch of Moscow in 1917, he led the Russian Church through revolution and famine. Imprisoned, slandered, pressed to recant, he chose to bless rather than to curse, and died worn out, refusing to make faith a political weapon.
In their own words
Do not return evil for evil; by patient suffering, win the victory.
Let my name perish in history, if only the Church may gain some good.
The children of the Church must not be overcome by the spirit of revenge.