Michael Istochnikov Clergyman of the Russian Orthodox Church, theologian. Date of Birth: 10.01.1865

1. Early Life and Education
2. Ministerial Career
3. Notable Achievements
4. In 1911, he was elevated to the rank of protopriest.
5. Martyrdom
6. Family and Awards

Early Life and Education

Mikhail Konstantinovich Источников was born on January 10, 1865, in the village of Omara, Kazan Governorate. His father, Konstantin, was a deacon in the Russian Orthodox Church.

Mikhail graduated from Kazan Theological Academy in 1889. His master's thesis, "The Imaginary Dependence of Biblical Doctrine on the Zoroastrian Religion," was a significant contribution to theological scholarship.

Ministerial Career

After graduating from the Academy, Mikhail served as an inspector and teacher at the newly established Diocesan Women's School (1891-1894).

From 1894 to 1906, he served as a chaplain and rector of the church at the Rodionov Women's Institute for Noble Girls in Kazan.

In 1906, he was appointed chaplain and rector of the Vvedenskaya Church at the District Women's School of the Spiritual Department (Empress Mary's Department) in Kazan.

Notable Achievements

Mikhail was a renowned preacher in Kazan, actively participating in public lectures. He also taught at the Christened-Tatar School (1895-1916) and the Higher Women's Courses in Kazan (1910-1914).

In 1911, he was elevated to the rank of protopriest.

During the turbulent events in Kazan in the summer of 1918, Protopriest Mikhail played a significant role in welcoming messengers from Patriarch Tikhon.

Martyrdom

Amidst the mass exodus of nobles, clergy, and intellectuals from Kazan in 1918, Mikhail remained in the city. Tragically, he was executed in a group of priests near the walls of the Sedmiezerskaya Pustyn Monastery.

Family and Awards

Mikhail was married to Elizaveta Mediolanskaya, the daughter of a protopriest from Ufa. He had three children: Vladimir (1892-1918), Olga (1894-1975), and Alexander (1905-1938).

Mikhail received the Order of Saint Anne, 2nd degree, in 1914 and the palitsa (a liturgical symbol) in 1918.