Thirty years ago today Fr Alexander Men was assassinated while on his way to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. This murder has never been solved.
A controversial figure in Russian Orthodoxy because of some of his views (he accepted the reality of biological evolution and favoured ecumenical dialogue with non-Orthodox churches), Men nevertheless became an influential presence in Soviet religious life during one of the most challenging periods for Christianity in Russia.
In spite of the restrictions on religious activity, he pioneered new methods of reaching believers and seekers alike in order to make Orthodox learning accessible to lay people and intellectuals who had been cut off from their religious heritage. His parish at Novaya Derevnya became a model of active Orthodox community life, attracting young people, university students, and professionals who travelled significant distances to participate in worship and hear his preaching.
In 2021, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev), one of the foremost theologians of the Russian Orthodox Church, suggested that in spite of his controversial view he might be a candidate for canonization:
Father Alexander Men was an outstanding preacher, catechist, and missionary of his time. His life took place in difficult conditions, when the Church was deprived of the opportunity to preach outside churches. He also preached in his church, where he served as a priest until the end of his days. He preached through books, and in his later years, as new opportunities opened up, he preached in secular audiences. His death was tragic. I think that if it is proven that it was a martyr's death, he can be canonized as a martyr.
Grant, O Lord, eternal rest unto Thy departed servant Alexander and make his memory to be eternal!
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