Background
PYOTR, (secular was born in 1863.
PYOTR, (secular was born in 1863.
1892 graduate Moscow Theological Academy as Candidate of Divinity.
After graduate, assistant inspector, Moscow Theological Academy. Then until 1917 October Revol successively: supervisor, Zhirovitsy Theological College. Head, Training Committee, Most Holy Synod.
Member, Training Committee and inspector of theological training establishments in European Russia, Siberia and Caucasus. 1917 — 18 attended All-Russian Landed Synod. Close aide of Patriarch Tikhon.
1920 took monastic orders and elevated to bishop, patriarchal vicar and then metropolitan. 1924 Patriarch Tikhon named him 3rd candidate Vicar of Patriarchal Throne. 1925, after death of Patriarch Tikhon and arrest of first two candidates, became Vicar of Patriarchal Throne.
Issued message to Russian Orthodox Church categorically rejecting any compromise with either “renovationism” or with Communist regime. Prior to his arrest rejected terms of a declaration proposed by government’s Church affairs representative Tuchkov. These terms included the removal of bishops opposed to the regime, condemnation of the Foreign Orthodox Church and collaboration with the regime.
From 10 December 1925 confined under house arrest, then transferred to Lubyanka Prison, Moscow. 1926 places in solitary confinement in Suzdal’ Fortress. Fall 1926 brought back to Lubyanka and again rejected proposal that he resign Patriarchal Vicarship.
December 1926 exiled to Tobol’sk. 1927 managed to pass on his famous “Permanent’ Address to the Public”, in which he attempted to organize Church life. 1928 sent to settlement at Zimov’ye, located in the tundra on the Gulf of Ob’.
November 1928 sent back to Tobol’sk Prison, where Tuchkov offered him his freedom in exchange for resigning the Vicarship. Again refused and was returned to Zimov’ye settlement, with his sentence increased by three years. 1930, seriously ill, wrote letter to Metropolitan Sergiy, urging: “If you are powerless to defend the Church, step aside and make way for somebody stronger”.
Offered his freedom if he would sanction Metropolitan Sergiy’s instructions, but again refused.
