December
4th
Troparion (Tone
8)
The barren
wilderness thou didst make fertile with the
streams of thy tears; and by deep sighing thou hast given fruit through
thy struggles a hundredfold. Accordingly, thou hast become a
star
for the universe, sparkling with miracles. Therefore,
righteous
Father Alexei, intercede with Christ God to save or souls.
St. Alexei lived during the last century. He was a champion of Orthodoxy during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy that persecuted Orthodox Christians, because of their fear that Orthodoxy would bring about Russian political unity. He encouraged many to convert to Orthodoxy despite the threat of torture and death. St. Alexei succeeded in leading the entire region surrounding Iza to Orthodoxy. He established several churches and monasteries. His followers, including his sister, Vasilisa, started several women's monasteries. Many were thrown in prison, including St. Alexei, with charges of treason or trying to undermine the Hungarian state. St. Alexei died on December 4th, 1949.
This Icon is by the hand of Michael Fedorko.
Order # mfa-01