Hieromartyr Benjamin (Kazan)
The Sretensky Monastery publishing house has published a new book in the “Guardian of the Faith” series: “The Hieromartyr Benjamin (Kazan).” Compiled by Olga Rozhneva.
Hieromartyr Benjamin (Kazan) / Comp. O.L. Rozhnev. - M.: Sretensky Monastery Publishing House, 2021. - 128 p.
Hieromartyr Veniamin (Kazansky; 1873–1922) - Metropolitan of Petrograd and Gdov. This book tells about his life and the feat of standing for the Church at the turn of the era.
Hieromartyr Veniamin, shot on August 13, 1922, was one of the first holy martyrs glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church after the fall of the communist regime. The name of Metropolitan Benjamin has always been kept in the people's memory, and no one who knew him doubted that he was a saint.
The attitude of the people towards Vladyka Benjamin can be judged by the following fact. When in 1917 the ruling bishops began to be elected at diocesan congresses of clergy and laity, in some dioceses this became the cause of unrest and disagreement. In Petrograd, unlike other provinces, passions did not flare up and everything went extremely calmly: the diocese voted for Bishop Benjamin with rare unanimity, which was explained by the people's love for him. He truly became the people's choice.
Archpriest Mikhail Polsky wrote: “The Petrograd population with a huge majority (including the votes of almost all the workers) voted for Vladyka Veniamin. It had known him for a long time and was deeply attached to him for his kindness, accessibility and invariably cordial and responsive attitude towards his flock and the needs of its individual members. Metropolitan Benjamin, already in this rank, willingly went at this call to perform prayers and demands in the most remote and poor corners of Petrograd... Sometimes he listened to those who addressed him until late in the evening, not letting anyone go without good advice, without warm consolation, forgetting about yourself, about your rest, about food..."
“If in Russia at this dark time there was a person who was absolutely, sincerely “apolitical,” then it was Metropolitan Benjamin. This mood was not forced in him, not the result of any internal struggle or mental overcoming. No. His evangelically simple and sublime soul soared easily and naturally above everything temporary and conditional, above the political passions and strife swarming somewhere below. He was unusually sensitive to the troubles, needs and experiences of his flock, helping everyone he could and as best he could - if necessary, he asked, bothered... His noble spirit did not see in this any humiliation or inconsistency with his high rank. But at the same time, he inexorably rejected all “politics” in all his actions, endeavors and conversations, even intimate ones. We can say that this element simply did not exist for him. All sorts of political arrows simply slid across him without causing any reaction. It seemed that in this respect he was completely clad in steel. There was no fear or calculation here (the future proved this). The Metropolitan only carried out in practice what (perhaps with good reason) was almost impossible: the evangelical exclusion of all politics from religious life...”
...The head of the renovationists, Alexander Vvedensky, appeared to Vladyka Veniamin, accompanied by Ivan Petrovich Bakaev, the Petrograd commandant. They presented an ultimatum to Bishop Veniamin: either he recognizes the Renovationists and the legitimacy of the Renovation High Church Administration, or the Bishop and his closest spiritual assistants will be brought to trial and condemned to death. The Metropolitan calmly listened to this ultimatum and immediately responded with a categorical refusal.
Already on June 1, 1922, the provincial department of the GPU in Petrograd received a telegram from Moscow with an order to arrest Metropolitan Veniamin and bring him to trial. The Petrograd security officers did not stand on ceremony for a long time; for them this telegram was joyful and long-awaited. On the same day, Metropolitan Benjamin was arrested on charges of obstructing the seizure of church valuables. But it was clear to everyone, including the Bishop himself, that the reason for the arrest was his principled position regarding the Renovationists and their VCU.
During the trial, the Metropolitan behaved courageously, did not admit guilt, and devoted his last word mainly to evidence of the innocence of the other defendants. Even in the face of death, he remained the same as always: focused on prayer, calm, peaceful. The Bishop was the center of the entire enormous trial, and it was he who was watched by hundreds of eyes both from his enemies and from the faithfully loving flock who filled the courtroom, if they were admitted.
A few days before the execution, Metropolitan Veniamin (Kazansky) wrote in a letter: “In childhood and adolescence, I read the lives of the saints and admired their heroism, their holy inspiration, I regretted with all my soul that the times were not the same and that I would not have to worry about what they experienced. Times have changed, the opportunity is opening up to endure for the sake of Christ both from our own and from strangers.” He also wrote: “It is difficult, difficult to suffer, but as we suffer, consolation from God also abounds.”
The Petrograd Revolutionary Tribunal sentenced ten defendants to death, six of whom had their death penalty commuted to imprisonment. Bishop Veniamin (Kazansky) was shot along with Archimandrite Sergius (Shein), lawyer I.M. Kovsharov and professor Yu.P. Novitsky.
Shortly before the execution, Metropolitan Veniamin managed to release the hood, inside of which he wrote: “I am returning my white hood unsullied.”
In 1992, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church canonized Metropolitan Veniamin (Kazan). A cenotaph was erected in his memory at the Nikolskoye cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
Temples in honor of the holy martyr Veniamin (Kazan) were erected in the city of Nyandoma, Arkhangelsk region, and in the village of Yanino, Vyborg diocese of the St. Petersburg Metropolis. In Moscow, in Zyuzino, a temple complex is being built in honor of the saint.
Holy Hieromartyr Benjamin, pray to God for us!
Execution of the Metropolitan
The Metropolitan was sentenced to capital punishment. On the night of August 13, 1922, he was shot on the outskirts of Petrograd along with Archimandrite Sergius (Shein), as well as laymen Yuri Novitsky, who headed the Society of United Petrograd Parishes, and Ivan Kovsharov, a legal adviser to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Before the sentence was carried out, the convicts were shaved and dressed in rags so that they could not be recognized.
In memory of them, a cross has now been erected at the fraternal site of the Nikolskoye cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. In the spring of 1992, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church canonized St. Benjamin (Kazan).
“Father Alexander, you and I are not in the Garden of Gethsemane”
Metropolitan Veniamin of Petrograd at trial
Vladyka Veniamin was arrested on May 29, 1922, shortly after he banned Archpriest from serving. Alexander Vvedensky “for arbitrariness and causing a schism.” Prot. Alexander, hoping to persuade the ruler to lift the ban, came to his home, taking commandant Petrograd Bakaev to strengthen his position.
Vvedensky approached Saint Benjamin for a blessing, but the Metropolitan did not give him a blessing, saying: “Father Alexander, you and I are not in the Garden of Gethsemane.”
Then Vvedensky began to threaten: if Met. Benjamin does not cancel the decree exposing him, then the bishop will be arrested, accused of resisting the “confiscation of church valuables” and executed along with people close to him.
Having not received what he asked for, Rev. Alexander wrote a letter to Leningradskaya Pravda, where he accused bishops close to Patriarch Tikhon of “resistance to the seizure of church valuables and a counter-revolutionary conspiracy against Soviet power,” which became the reason for the arrest.
This is despite the fact that Metropolitan Benjamin blessed the transfer for those in need of all valuables that do not have liturgical use, and called for everything to be done to prevent unrest, swearing, and especially bloodshed:
“I, with my archpastoral authority, allow communities of believers to donate to the needs of the hungry and other church values, but without touching the shrines of the temple, which include the holy altars and what is on them (sacred vessels, tabernacles, crosses, Gospels, containers of holy relics and especially revered icons ).
I urge you to start making donations immediately and hand them over no later than April 9/22 to the places indicated by representatives of the civil authorities. The donated items must be accurately inventoried on site with the assistance of civil authorities.
But if the civil authorities, in view of the enormous scale of the national disaster, deem it necessary to begin confiscating other church values, including sacred objects, then I convincingly urge the pastors and flock to take a Christian attitude towards the confiscation taking place in our churches...
Opening of the shrine with the relics of the holy noble prince Alexander Nevsky. 1922
The manifestation of violence in one form or another is completely unacceptable on the part of believers. Harsh expressions, irritated, angry cries against individuals or nationalities, etc., are not appropriate either in the temple or near it.
since all this insults the holiness of the temple and defames the church people, from whom, according to the Apostle, all irritation, rage, anger, shouting, and slander with all malice must be removed (Eph. 4:30).
When confiscating church valuables, as in any church matter, there cannot be any manifestation of any political tendencies. The Church is essentially outside of politics and should be alien to it. “My kingdom is not of this world,” the Savior declared to Pilate.
With this course, outside of politics, I steered the ship of the Petrograd Church and am leading it, and I persistently invite all shepherds to follow it. Any kind of political unrest that may arise near churches regarding the confiscation of valuables, as happened, for example, near the temple on Sennaya, has nothing to do with the Church, especially the clergy.
We carry out the confiscation of church valuables from our churches with the prayerful wish that they achieve their goal and help the hungry. Always lovingly attentive to the word of your archpastor, and this time listen to him, my dears.
Patriarch Tikhon and Metropolitan Benjamin
Maintain a good Christian mood in the difficult ordeal we are going through. Do not give any reason for a drop of any human blood to be shed near the temple where the Bloodless Sacrifice is offered.
Stop worrying. Calm down. Surrender yourself to the will of God. Calmly, peacefully, forgiving everyone, welcome the Bright Resurrection of Christ. Then your sorrow will be transformed into joy, and no one will ever take this joy away from you (John 16:20-22).”
The meaning of the name Benjamin
The name Benjamin "בִּנְיָמִן" is Hebrew in origin. It is found in the Old Testament in the book of Genesis. Benjamin was the name of the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the youngest son of Joseph and Rachel. Contrary to the will of the dying Rachel, who named the baby born in agony Benoni (“son of sorrows”), Jacob gave him another name - Benjamin. Literally it is translated as “son of the right hand”, “son of the right hand”, in a figurative sense the meaning is closer to “son of happiness”, “son of my old age”, “beloved”. The name Veniamin was not popular in Russia. The meaning of a church, monastic name was assigned to it. This is indirectly confirmed by statistical data. Although the name Benjamin was one of the hundred most popular names in the country, throughout almost the entire 20th century, according to researchers, it did not leave eighty-ninth place on the list. In 1931, experts recorded the peak in popularity of the name, but even then there were no more than eight per 10,000 newborns with the name Benjamin. It is a completely different matter in Europe and America, where the name Veniamini (Benjamin) is popular to this day.
In Germany, Benjamin is common in the abbreviated form - Ben. It is often the first of two names given to boys (eg Ben Luca) and is the most popular name in Germany today. In England and the USA, the name Benjamin has not left the top twenty most popular names for more than a century.
Christ in St. Petersburg
After the February Revolution of 1917, when bishops began not to be appointed from above, but to be elected at diocesan congresses of clergy and laity , with the enormous support of all the believers of Petrograd, a new Metropolitan Veniamin (Kazan) was elected to the capital's see.
Immediately after the election, Bishop Benjamin stated:
“I stand for a free Church. She should be alien to politics, because she suffered a lot from it in the past. And now it would be a big mistake to impose new fetters on the Church. The most important task now is to organize and improve our parish life.”
Many remembered how, having already become a bishop, Vladyka Benjamin, regardless of the time of day, in a simple cassock without any episcopal distinctions, went to a poor area to baptize a child, admonish the dying, give communion to the sick, as he created in St. Petersburg in the early 1900s. temperance society, what sermons about mercy towards one's neighbor he could deliver.
People called him not “Your Eminence,” not even “Vladyka,” but “our Father Benjamin.”
St. Petersburg, view of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra from the northwest. Early 20th century
Why, given the general cooling towards faith, skepticism towards bishops - inaccessible, distant from the people, rich, was Bishop Benjamin loved?
Having already arrived from Petrozavodsk to St. Petersburg and becoming a student at the academy, Vasily Kazansky felt that he was needed among the most defenseless.
Nobody in the city was interested in the poor. There is no money from them, they themselves are ignorant, uncultured, and mentally uninteresting. How can they understand the Gospel?
And Vasily Kazansky (that was the name of the bishop before becoming a monk) from his first year took an active part in the work of the Society for the Propagation of Religious and Moral Education in the Spirit of the Orthodox Church (ORRNP).
Nevsky Prospekt, early 20th century
In his second year, student Vasily Kazansky conducts conversations in a rooming house in memory of Emperor Alexander II (in the men's half). From Monday to Wednesday the Gospel was read and explained here.
What kind of preacher was he? Metropolitan Evlogy (Georgievsky), who knew him later, already as a hieromonk, inspector of the Kholm Seminary, describes him as follows:
“He was a young, modest, meek, smiling monk, but he led the matter with a strong hand and achieved good results.”
Student Kazansky from October 1894 to April 1895 conducted conversations with homeless people, comparing the gospel story with the realities of modern life. For the bishop, Christ did not once walk and speak to the people there, 2000 years ago, but today he addressed people suffering from poverty, contempt, and even from their sins - drunkenness, theft, envy. A doctor who came to help not the righteous, but sinners.
His fellow worker at the shelter, P. Dove, recalled the nature of the conversations:
“Some student preachers give up after two or three attempts to influence their listeners, despairing of success. A significant part of the visitors to shelters are people who are not morally strong. It is very difficult to interest them in conversation and influence them. Many of them flatly refuse to listen to conversations. Moreover, they try to distract others from conversations and subordinate them to their influence.
In the canteen for the poor. St. Petersburg, Gavan. Photo: Karl Bulla, 1911
But, along with them, and moreover, a significant majority, people are not yet spoiled, honest workers, but due to various kinds of misfortunes they have reached extreme poverty. The latter still retained a strong faith and desire for good, to “live according to God,” and therefore joyfully accept the Word of God offered to them. For them, conversations are necessary; the word of consolation and exhortation they hear sustains their spirit in the midst of difficult circumstances.”
In the fall of 1895, Vasily was tonsured a monk and ordained a hierodeacon, and in May of the following year a hieromonk. The conversations in the shelter continued. Now Hieromonk Benjamin could not only tell the homeless about Christ, but also perform divine services and confess.
A description of the beginning of the cycle of conversations in 1896 has been preserved in the St. Petersburg Spiritual Bulletin. At 7 o'clock in the evening on October 1, all the overnight residents gathered in the dining room, where the inspector of the St. Petersburg Theological Seminary, Hieromonk Sergius (Tikhomirov), served a prayer service. At the same time, everyone sang together. Then the first conversation was suggested by Fr. Benjamin.
Hieromonk Benjamin conducted conversations not only in St. Petersburg shelters, but also in parishes and factories, in factory schools. He seemed to say the same thing as other priests in their sermons in church, but his quiet word had an effect.
In these meetings with ordinary people, in the answers to their questions, the beginning of the pastoral path of the future martyr was laid, and his understanding of how to endure sorrow was laid.
In a lodging house; St. Petersburg, early 20th century REFERENCE: The first rooming house in memory of Emperor Alexander II was opened on May 6, 1883 in rented premises near the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, at Shlisselburgsky (now Obukhovskaya Defense) Ave., 4. Initially it housed 35 rooming houses and 15 rooming houses, then the number of bunks was increased to 50 and 20 respectively. On January 16, 1894, it was transferred to new premises designed for 210 rooming houses and 42 rooming houses, rented from the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, on the corner of the embankment. Neva and Monastyrki, near the Blagoveshchensky Bridge. In 1883–1893, annual household expenses ranged from 900 to 1,670 rubles; During this period, the house was visited by 253,108 people. From 1894 to 1902, the house averaged about 90,000 visitors per year. In 1900 prot. P. I. Silin established the Brotherhood of Temperance at the house in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The house ceased to exist in 1908.
Akathist to Hieromartyr Veniamin, Metropolitan of Petrograd and Gdov
Kontakion 1
Chosen by Christ the Lord to serve Him, from a young age he ignited a spark of burning in the heart of the youth Vasily to suffer for the faith of the Orthodox who profess Him - Christ the Savior of the world. The very thing you did was fulfill what you wanted, confessing before the unbelievers and testifying: “I am for Christ.” Honoring your courage and patience, we sing to you: Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Ikos 1
The Angel of the Church was in the city of St. Peter and in the northern region of our country. Christ the Lord appointed you to be a priest of the heights of service to Him in the metropolis of Petrograd, so that He might save the flock of His chosen sheep, strengthening them in Orthodoxy, instructing them in piety and good deeds. For this reason, we, with spiritual care, sing to you: Rejoice, you chosen by God, who desired martyrdom; Rejoice, God-fearing youth, walking the path of conquering passions. Rejoice, having grown into a man, having come to the measure of the age of Christ and excelling in virtues; Rejoice, you have fought a good fight and accepted sacred service. Rejoice, successor of the apostolic ministry, having labored well in the rank of bishop; Rejoice, protecting your Petrograd flock from the Renovationist schism. Rejoice, you who showed courage and patience before the godless persecutors of the faith; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the Lord in the future you as a commander of fighters for the faith of Christ, send a spirit of zeal according to God and the desire in your heart to lead a life pleasing to God and to maintain the Orthodox faith through the martyrdom, and cry out to God forever with the sufferers: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Enlightened from above with a mind and gifted with the Holy Spirit, but brought up in piety from youth with a heart, you were the joy and consolation of all. With the same we bring you praises: Rejoice, illuminated by the light of piety from God; Rejoice, filled with the teachings of piety from childhood. Rejoice, branch fragrant with the root of the spiritual; Rejoice, lover of virgin purity from youth. Rejoice, priest of God and heir to the piety of his parents; Rejoice, having dedicated your soul entirely to the Lord. Rejoice, through prayer and the thought of God, your mind is fixed on the heavenly things; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 3
Strengthened by the power of God, you took on the angelic form and in monasticism you were named Benjamin - the son of the right hand - you undertook great labors, put to death the passions of the flesh by fasting, and like a warrior, against the prince of the power of the air, you put on the whole armor of God, most wonderful. Illuminate us with the light of your divine understanding, so that we cry out to God with you: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the grace of the priesthood, you did the work of an evangelist and inspector well within the walls of the Kholm Seminary with all patience and teaching, instructing others to correct their lives through your words and deeds. Honoring these works of yours, unanimously, with one mouth with Metropolitan Eulogius, who praised you, we cry out to you: Rejoice, you who combined monastic feat and priestly service in your life with goodness; Rejoice, you who have guided young souls and brought them to Christ. Rejoice, successor of the sacred family; Rejoice, you who proclaimed the right teaching and sought salvation. Rejoice, you who did not disgrace this teaching by your life; Rejoice, for righteously the lot of pastoral care for souls was given to you. Rejoice, tireless priest of the Lord and ready to dwell in the temple of God all hours of the day; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 4
Having avoided the storms of sin and the attacks of the enemy, calming his wakeful life, he rushed to the heavenly good, the God-loving Benjamin, having sought the only Hypostatic Wisdom, received the secrets of theology from Her, for this reason he was elevated to archimandrite by the bishop of God, appointed rector of the Petrograd Theological Seminary, and with all the teachers and let the disciples eat to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the hierarchs of the Russian Church about your tireless labors, like an angel, bearing a sign of heavenly grace, flowing rivers of God-wise words. In the same way, we, marveling at the wonderful providence of God, who made you the rector of the seminary, cry out with praise: Rejoice, God-wise interpreter of the Words of God; Rejoice, having taught many things in words and deeds: “It is possible to accomplish all things with Christ and in the name of Christ.” Rejoice, you did not hide your talent in the earth; Rejoice, having used it for the glory of God and for the salvation of human souls. Rejoice, you who through your humility have overthrown the spirit of pride; Rejoice, warrior of valor, conqueror of the invisible enemies. Rejoice, having taught all things patience through your life; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 5
The Lord Almighty, who showed you the God-bearing star in the heavens in the host of the holy martyrs, before and on earth you were a bright star, preserving the God-flowing Blood from eternal death, when you received the rank of bishop, vicar of Gdov, and even now you shine in heaven with eternal glory and together with The faces of the righteous sing a song of praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
People of Orthodoxy see you as the light of the Church, shining for the enlightenment of the people of God in the candlestick of the saint, who cared for the Petrograd flock, and who labored without laziness for the salvation of human souls, and you also hear such praises to you: Rejoice, you who were named Bishop by Metropolitan Vladimir the Martyr; Rejoice, consecrated to the priesthood by the future Patriarch Tikhon. Rejoice, for you have attracted the hearts of people, filled with love for you; Rejoice, archpastor, lovingly called “Father Benjamin” by the people. Rejoice, you who bear the good and easy yoke of Christ; Rejoice, vigilant worker of the heavenly grapes. Rejoice, you accepted your pastoral duty and apostolic preaching in your episcopal service; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 6
You truly appeared as a preacher of the teachings of Christ, Hieromartyr Benjamin, when the Lord entrusted you with the Petrograd metropolis, instructing you in faith with your words, establishing the faithful in piety through your life, and teaching everyone to sing to God with love: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Having shone with the light of your God-understanding in the northern region of our country, Saint Benjamin, the people, having seen you, the teacher of the goodness of Divine teachings, rejoiced greatly and unanimously elected you to be the helmsman of the Petrograd department. Accept from us, servant of God, this praise: Rejoice, beloved of your flock - the people of God; Rejoice, you humbly walked into the huts of the poor of this world. Rejoice, and fulfill all the needs of the faithful in the priesthood; Rejoice, you who visited them in their poverty. Rejoice, good archpastor, who has personally given birth to many children of the Church through holy baptism; Rejoice, touched Primate of the Divine Liturgy. Rejoice, you who have brought the lost to repentance; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 7
Although the Lord, the Lover of mankind, revealed in you a true shepherd, showing you an image to the flock of words in your labors, in the purity and meekness of your bright soul, you led everyone to piety with your deeds and words. For this reason, we earnestly magnify you and cry out to Christ who glorified you: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Having seen your new zealot for piety and boundless devotion to the Church of Christ, the Petrograd flock paid attention to the humble, simple and meek archpastor of believing souls, filling the churches in great numbers where your metropolitan services were performed. Knowing your closeness to Christ God, do not cease to pray to Him for us sinners, who cry out in praise: Rejoice, chosen one of the people, appointed to the see of Petrograd; Rejoice, you who have devoted great labors to the salvation of the fallen. Rejoice, kind mentor, compassionate to those in trouble. Rejoice, for you have appeared to some in their sorrows as a comforter; Rejoice, shining with gospel simplicity and cordiality; Rejoice, impartial guardian of the church rules. Rejoice, according to the words of the Apostle Peter, you shepherd the flock of God. Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 8
It was strange for the unfaithful and the wicked to see how Saint Benjamin, this truly warrior of Christ, having courageously donned the armor of truth and the reverence of truth, the Lord visited the Russian country with a fiery test, showing wonderful patience and high nobility when the godless confiscated church values. By the same token, protect us, the servants of God, from all enemies, visible and invisible, who sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
He was completely filled with the jealousy of Elijah the prophet, Holy Benjamin, when he saw in his cell the renovationist Alexander of Vvedensky, like the second Judas, coming from the army of the godless and hypocritically asking for blessings, you did not give a blessing, but said to him: “We are not in the Garden of Gethsemane.” Convict the congregation of the Living Church, excommunicating them from the Church. Remembering your unshakable standing, we sing to you: Rejoice, good shepherd of the flock of Christ - the flock of Petrograd; Rejoice, fiery with holy zeal for the salvation of the children of God. Rejoice, having mercy on the hungry voluntarily, without coercion, offering church property; Rejoice, sick in your soul for the blasphemers and sacrileges, protect the faithful from the renovationists. Rejoice, like-minded to the holy confessor Patriarch Tikhon and formerly his companion; Rejoice, Orthodoxy shone. Rejoice, the impartial accuser of all untruths; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 9
You suffered all kinds of troubles, Saint Benjamin, enduring all kinds of hardships, insults and sufferings, when Herod’s successors laid hands on you, detained you, and threw you into prison, in which, as in the house of God, you cried out to Christ the Savior: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The multi-prophecy will not be able to destroy all the illnesses and wounds that you, as a servant of God, have shown “in great patience, in adversity, in need, in difficult circumstances, under blows in prison” and none of this “can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus." And now and always, faithful children, we sing to the glory of our mentor: Rejoice, you who walked meekly into prison with humility; Rejoice, consoled by the love of your flock. Rejoice, like a troubled sea, a flock devoted to you, with a gathering of thousands waiting for you at the court; Rejoice, you who love your neighbor more than yourself. Rejoice, you strengthened those who were judged with you; Rejoice, praise to the martyrs. Rejoice, glory to the saints; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 10
Although the Lord, the Knower of the Heart, can save every person, your zeal is in vain: in your youth, for you kissed the first martyrs with a flaming heart and grieved, as if you could not partake of their glorious feat, after the time was fulfilled, send what you wanted, and you, too, suffered for His name - Christ God and with the sufferers sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You were the wall of the innocently persecuted shepherd and layman, Hieromartyr Benjamin, who was judged with you, protecting them from false slander, making yourself responsible for everything. The enemies were unable to resist the wisdom and spirit speaking through your mouth, when you exposed their slander and showed a joyful desire to die for Christ. We, marveling at your wisdom and courage, cry out to you with tenderness: Rejoice, full of faith and strength to the High Hierarch of the city of St. Peter; Rejoice, meek and humble, having become like the first martyr Stephen. Rejoice, spiritual soul, filled with the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, divinely inspired adornment of the bishops. Rejoice, forbidden the faithful to take up arms for you; Rejoice, you have not turned back completely. Rejoice, as martyrs in heaven rejoice over your patience; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 11
We offer songs of thanksgiving and praise to you, holy martyr, who laid down his life for his friends. With the bold faith of Orthodoxy we confess that we are righteous and after death will live forever, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
We honor you as a radiant lamp, the sufferer of Christ, your last word from the high martyr’s pulpit of lawless judgment edifies everyone and shocks with its greatness. This is your last sermon, Hieromartyr: “I don’t know what you will announce to me in your sentence: life or death, but whatever you proclaim in it, I will turn my eyes to the mountain with equal reverence, place the sign of the cross on myself and say: “ Glory to Thee, Lord God, for everything!” We sing to you with tenderness: Rejoice, you who accepted bonds and prison for Christ; Rejoice, you who fed on the same holy prosphora throughout your prison days. Rejoice, you who gave the last holy blessing in prison to the prisoners Archimandrites Guria and Innocent; Rejoice, for in this temporary life, for the sake of love for the Lord, you strived to the end for the salvation of your soul. Rejoice, for you were killed on the night of Sunday as a sign of the general resurrection; Rejoice, for through suffering you have been deemed worthy to be a partaker of eternal glory. Rejoice, for in your name the temples of God are erected; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 12
Having recognized the grace given from above, we reverently kiss the radiant, all-honorable image of your face and tenderly cry out to Christ our God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your glorious and irresistible stand for the true faith, we bless your martyr's suffering and accept your last writing from prison, like the great apostle of the tongues Paul, sent as a disciple and fellow shepherd, we listen to him as your testament and cry to you: Rejoice, for the opportunity has been opened to you to endure Christ for the sake of; Rejoice, for during your great sorrows, consolation from God abounded to you. Rejoice, filled with joy and inner peace in the midst of the most severe sufferings; Rejoice, you who endured everything for Christ - prison, trial, public spitting, doom and the sentence - “guilty of death.” Rejoice, having found life, light and peace in Christ; Rejoice, you who did not spare yourself for the Church and forgot your mind, learning and gave place to the grace of God. Rejoice, you who entrusted the fate of the Church to the power of faith and commanded everyone: “we need more faith, we need to have more faith”; Rejoice, Hieromartyr Benjamin, Archpastor of the Church of Christ.
Kontakion 13
Oh, great and glorious confessor of Orthodoxy and sufferer, Hieromartyr Benjamin! Accept this praiseworthy singing from us, unworthy, who honor you and yours with love for Christ and His holy Church of suffering. Pray to the Lord, who has crowned you with glory, to grant us speedy deliverance from the troubles, sorrows and illnesses that beset us. Be an unflagging prayer book for us before the Throne of the Most High, so that in eternal life we may be worthy with you and with all the saints to sing to Him forever: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(Kondak this verb three times. And again: Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1)
