The remains found in Orel are recognized as the relics of Blessed Afanasy Orlovsky (Saiko): in Soviet times he was kept in mental hospitals for more than 18 yearstranslated

The remains, which were discovered at the Baptist Cemetery of the city of Orel, are recognized as the relics of Blessed Afanasy Orlovsky (Sayko; + 1967), confessor.

The corresponding resolution with his blessing was signed by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on October 15, 2026, reports the website of the Oryol Metropolis.

It is emphasized that the day of the discovery of the relics of Blessed Afanasy Orlovsky, confessor, August 3 in the new style, will now be celebrated at the diocesan level.

Let us recall that the name of Blessed Afanasy Orlovsky (Saiko) was included in the list of names of the Council of New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church at the meeting of the Holy Synod on May 14, 2026. Work to find the saint’s honest remains began on August 3, 2026 at 04:00 at the site of his burial at the Baptist Cemetery in the city of Orel.

Image: orel-eparhia.ru

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Afanasy Andreevich Sayko was born in 1887 in the village of Danichevo, Volyn province, into the family of an employee. From 1905 to 1908 he served in the military, from 1910 to 1916 he worked in various institutions. In 1917 he returned to his native village and worked as a worker.

In July 1920, he was arrested and interned in Oryol concentration camp No. 1, where...