The UnCovering of the Relics of Sainted Alexei, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus'
Commemorated on May 20
The UnCovering of
the Relics of Sainted Alexei, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus': Before
his blessed end in 1378 Saint Alexei, Metropolitan of Moscow, gave final
instructions to place his body in the Chudov monastery at the Kremlin and
directed the place of burial outside the altar of the church, not wishing in
his humility, to be buried in the temple. But the pious GreatPrince Dimitrii
Ivanovich Donskoy (1363-1389), deeply esteeming the great Hierarch, gave orders
to place the body of Metropolitan Alexei inside the church, near the altar.
On 20 May 1431 the
stairway of the temple, at which the saint rested, crumbled from old age.
During the time of construction of a new temple, the undecayed remains of Saint
Alexei were uncovered. At a Sobor-Council of Russian hierarchs celebration of
Metropolitan Alexei was established on the day of his repose, 12 February, and
on the day of the uncovering of his relics, 20 May. In 1485 the relics of the
saint were transferred into a church consecrated in his name. At present they
rest at the Patriarchal Theophany cathedral in Moscow. The account about Saint
Alexei is located under 12 February.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
