On the eve of the Day of the Russian Navy, on July 14, 2026, the relics of the righteous warrior Theodore Ushakov were brought to the port city of Kronstadt from the Nativity of the Mother of God Sanaksar Monastery of the Krasnoslobodsk diocese.
Archimandrite Alexy (Ganzhin), Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department for Cooperation with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, Chairman of the Department of the St. Petersburg Diocese for Cooperation with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, Rector of St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral in Kronstadt, Rear Admiral Vladislav Pavlov, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Andrei Kononov, Head of the administration of the Kronstadt district, representatives of government authorities, the Main Command of the Navy, military personnel of the Joint Training Center of the Navy, The honor guard company.
Hieromonk Leonid (Mankov) conducted a prayer service at St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, co-served by clerics and other clergymen.
"A joyful and significant event has taken place — the relics of the holy, invincible Admiral of the Russian Fleet, Feodor Ushakov, have arrived at our cathedral," Father Leonid said. — Today's date is significant in history: on July 14, 1788, during the Russian-Turkish War, the Black Sea Fleet won its first victory on this day — Fyodor Ushakov also took part in the battle. In the passage from the Gospel that we read today, the Lord says: "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). In order for the Lord to call a person to service, he must show devotion, loyalty, love, and live according to God's commandments. Saint Theodore Ushakov was distinguished by these qualities. He did not see serving Russia without serving God, treasured the lives of his subordinates, did not lose a single ship, did not lose a single battle. He was canonized for his service to God and the Fatherland."
At the end of the prayer service, the faithful venerated the relics. They were sprinkled with holy water and icons of St. Theodore Ushakov with the Patriarchal blessing were distributed.
On July 18-19, the shrine with the relics will be located in the Kazan Cathedral of St. Petersburg, then the shrine will be brought back to Kronstadt. On July 22-26, she will stay at St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral.
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Admiral Fyodor Ushakov (1745-1817) was canonized in 2001 as a locally venerated saint, and in 2004 he was glorified for general church veneration. The church honors the saint for his righteous lifestyle: it is believed that his endeavors were successful thanks to God's help, which he always called for. The relics of the righteous warrior are kept in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Sanaksar Monastery (Mordovia).