Relics of St. Tikhon Venerated by 620,000 in Russia and Belarus During Centennial Pilgrimage

Pat. Kirill stands before the relics of St. Tikhon. Photo: ROC Commission for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Bringing of Holy Relics

MOSCOW — With the blessing of Pat. Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church commemorated the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Tikhon, Apostle to America and Patriarch of Moscow, with a 190-day pilgrimage of his holy relics across Russia and Belarus from April 9 to Oct. 12, 2025.

Organized by the Church’s Commission for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Bringing of Holy Relics, in cooperation with the World Russian People’s Council, Tsargrad Charitable Foundation, and Spetssvyaz Rossii, the event became one of the Church’s most significant undertakings of the year.

The relics traveled nearly 35,000 miles, visiting 100 cities, where they were venerated by 620,000 faithful. Welcoming ceremonies in each region included solemn liturgies, sacred music concerts, and public addresses from Pat. Kirill and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The pilgrimage began in Belarus, with tens of thousands greeting the shrine, and continued through all federal districts of Russia — from Kamchatka to Kaliningrad, including St. Petersburg, where over 70,000 people venerated the relics in just four days.

Over 40 religious processions and 60 concerts were held nationwide, including performances of "Guardian of the Russian Church," a sacred music production based on the life and persecution of St. Tikhon. The program drew from memoirs, court records, and the saint’s own writings.

The Church emphasized that St. Tikhon’s life is a powerful symbol of courage and faith during persecution and that the pilgrimage became for many a moment of repentance, renewal, and unity.

The Russian Orthodox Church expressed gratitude to all bishops, organizers, civil authorities, and volunteers who contributed to the success and safety of the event.

Previously, UOJ reported that Protodeacon Andrei Psarev, Professor of Theology, Patrology, and Canon Law at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville and founder of ROCOR Studies, offered a free webinar on the Life and Legacy of St. Tikhon of Moscow. 

Read also