The UnCovering of the Relics of Sainted Alexei, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus'

Commemorated on May 20

The UnCovering of the Relics of Sainted Alexei, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus': Before his blessed end in 1378 Saint Alexei, Metropolitan of Moscow, gave final instructions to place his body in the Chudov monastery at the Kremlin and directed the place of burial outside the altar of the church, not wishing in his humility, to be buried in the temple. But the pious GreatPrince Dimitrii Ivanovich Donskoy (1363-1389), deeply esteeming the great Hierarch, gave orders to place the body of Metropolitan Alexei inside the church, near the altar.

On 20 May 1431 the stairway of the temple, at which the saint rested, crumbled from old age. During the time of construction of a new temple, the undecayed remains of Saint Alexei were uncovered. At a Sobor-Council of Russian hierarchs celebration of Metropolitan Alexei was established on the day of his repose, 12 February, and on the day of the uncovering of his relics, 20 May. In 1485 the relics of the saint were transferred into a church consecrated in his name. At present they rest at the Patriarchal Theophany cathedral in Moscow. The account about Saint Alexei is located under 12 February.