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Remains of Blessed Athanasius of Orlov Recognized as Holy Relics
Patr. Kirill has approved the recognition of Blessed Athanasius of Orlov’s discovered remains as holy relics, with their uncovering to be commemorated annually on Aug. 3.
OREL, RUSSIA — Patr. Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ has approved the recognition of the discovered remains of Blessed Athanasius of Orlov, a Fool-for-Christ and Confessor, as holy relics, following their uncovering and examination earlier this year.
The corresponding resolution was signed on Oct. 15, 2026, after Metr. Tikhon of Oryol and Bolkhov reported the findings to the Patriarch. The Russian Orthodox Church glorified Blessed Athanasius on May 14, 2026.
The remains were discovered earlier this year at the burial site of Afanasy Andreevich Saiko in the Baptist Cemetery in Orel. Before the excavation began at 4 a.m., Metr. Tikhon led a service at the gravesite. Specialists then uncovered the remains, which were initially treated as presumed relics pending historical, archaeological, and other examinations.
Clergy and representatives involved in the discovery included members of the Oryol Diocese and the Synodal Commission for the Canonization of Saints. The examination process subsequently led to the recognition of the remains as those of the blessed confessor.
The day commemorating the uncovering of Blessed Athanasius’ relics will be observed annually on Aug. 3 at the diocesan level.
Previously, the UOJ reported that thousands processed in Romania with the relics of St. Paraskeva and St. Paisius.
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