The confessional feat of archimandrite John (Krestyankin) in the light of the materials of the investigative case of the Central archive of Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation

In the early 50s of the XX century, after some lull, the pressure on the Church from the authorities began to increase again. This was expressed primarily in a series of arrests and exiles of the clergy. Active pastoral activity was often equated with anti-Soviet propaganda. And although the persecution was less intense and sinister than in the 20s and 30s, many clergymen of that time showed an example of loyalty to Christ and testified to it through the firm bearing of the confessional cross. One of these was the future All-Russian Еlder - Archimandrite John (Krestyankin). He spent almost five years in prison without betraying his fellow ministers and without renouncing the preaching of the Orthodox faith. This is evidenced by archival materials of the Central Archive of the FSB of Russia, which only recently became available for study. In this article, the investigative case of Archimandrite John (Krestyankin) is considered for the first time: the main charges brought against the clergyman, his answers and the justification of pastoral activity, testifying to honesty before the Church, are outlined. The study of archival materials of the investigation will complement the picture of the designated period of the elder’s life, which is known mainly from the memoirs of Fr. John. In addition, the study of the investigative cases of the clergy of that time is able to form a more accurate description of the religious policy of the USSR and the church life of that time.