Tihon Nikanorov Archbishop of Voronezh and Zadonsk. He was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 2000. Date of Birth: 30.01.1855 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Ecclesiastical Career
3. Episcopal Service
4. Retirement and Later Years
5. Archbishop of Voronezh and Zadonsk
6. Arrest, Imprisonment, and Death
7. Canonization

Early Life and Education

Tikhon (Nikanorov) was born into the family of a psalm reader. He completed his studies at the Kirillovskoye Spiritual School, Novgorod Ecclesiastical Seminary in 1877, and Saint Petersburg Ecclesiastical Academy in 1881 with a degree in theology.

Ecclesiastical Career

On August 1, 1881, Tikhon became assistant inspector at the Belozersk Spiritual School. In 1884, he was appointed inspector of the Novgorod Ecclesiastical Seminary.

On June 15, 1884, Tikhon took monastic vows. He was ordained a hieromonk on July 10, 1884, and became an igumen on December 6, 1888. On December 25, 1890, he was promoted to rector of the Novgorod Ecclesiastical Seminary and abbot of the Novgorod Antoniev Monastery, elevated to the rank of archimandrite.

Episcopal Service

On February 2, 1892, Tikhon was consecrated as Bishop of Mozhaisk, vicar of the Moscow Diocese. From August 20, 1899, he served as Bishop of Polotsk and Vitebsk.

On June 4, 1902, he became Bishop of Penza and Saransk. During his tenure in Penza, he established several societies and an orphanage for children from poor clerical families. However, he was forced to retire on July 25, 1907, amidst accusations of harboring revolutionaries and political instability within the Diocese.

Retirement and Later Years

On July 31, 1907, Tikhon was appointed administrator of the Moscow Voskresensky Novoierusalimsky Monastery. On June 23, 1912, he became Bishop of Kaluga and Borovsk.

Archbishop of Voronezh and Zadonsk

On May 13, 1913, Tikhon was elevated to Archbishop of Voronezh and Zadonsk. He initiated preparations for the canonization of Saint Anthony (Smirnitsky) and witnessed the uncovering of his incorrupt relics in 1914. During World War I, Tikhon established aid councils and provided material support to the wounded and refugees.

Arrest, Imprisonment, and Death

On June 8, 1917, Tikhon was arrested and sent to Petrograd. Despite demands for his removal from office, the Synod found no wrongdoing and reinstated him in July 1917. In October 1919, under Bolshevik rule, he remained in Voronezh, serving numerous requiem services for victims of the terror. On January 9, 1920, Tikhon was hanged on the Royal Doors of the Annunciation Cathedral during a church service.

Canonization

At the Archpriestly Council of the Russian Orthodox Church in August 2000, Archbishop Tikhon (Nikanorov) was canonized as a saint and recognized as a hieromartyr.