Amphilochius Old Believer Bishop of Uralsk-Orenburg Date of Birth: 01.01.1873

1. Life and Martyrdom of Bishop Amphilokhii
2. Early Life and Monasticism
3. Spiritual Leadership
4. Episcopal Ministry and Consecrations
5. Arrests and Imprisonment
6. Release and Continued Service
7. Martyrdom
8. Canonization and Commemoration

Life and Martyrdom of Bishop Amphilokhii

Bishop Amphilokhii was an influential leader within the Old Believer Church of Christ. He was canonized as a saint in 2003 and is remembered for his dedication to the faith and his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

Early Life and Monasticism

Born into an Old Believer family, Amphilokhii spent his early years living in the Old Believer Archangel Michael Monastery in Siberia. In 1903, he was ordained as a hierodeacon and represented the Perm Bishop Anthony at the Consecrated Council.

Spiritual Leadership

After serving as a monk in various monasteries, Amphilokhii became the abbot of the New Archangel Skete in 1910. Under his guidance, the skete grew to house ten inhabitants by 1914. In 1916, he was consecrated as the Bishop of the Ural-Orenburg diocese after much persuasion.

Episcopal Ministry and Consecrations

As bishop, Amphilokhii continued to visit the New Archangel Skete while fulfilling his duties in Ural'sk. He also temporarily administered the Perm-Tobolsk and Tomsk dioceses. In 1920, he ordained new bishops for these eparchies.

Arrests and Imprisonment

In 1921, Amphilokhii sought refuge in the New Archangel Skete amidst a crackdown on religious activities. He was arrested in 1922 and imprisoned for his alleged involvement in anti-Soviet propaganda. After being sentenced to death, his sentence was commuted to five years in the Tomsk House of Forced Labor.

Release and Continued Service

After his release in 1926, Amphilokhii returned to the New Archangel Skete, where he lived in solitude. He continued to serve as the temporary administrator of the Irkutsk-Amur diocese from 1927 to 1929 and the Perm-Tobolsk diocese in 1930.

Martyrdom

In 1933, Amphilokhii was arrested again and sentenced to ten years in prison. However, his sentence was commuted to exile in the Narym region. He was executed in 1937.

Canonization and Commemoration

Bishop Amphilokhii was canonized as a martyr in 2003. In 2004, a commemorative cross was erected on the site of the New Archangel Skete to honor his legacy and the sacrifices made by the Old Believers during the Soviet era.