Alexander Tolstopyatov, archbishop of Molotov and Solikamsk: exiles to Nizhny Novgorod (1925-1927) and Perm (1927-1929)

Considered is the life of Archimandrite Alexander (Anatoly Mikhailovich Tolstopyatov) - future Archbishop of Molotov and Solikamsk, in exile in Nizhny Novgorod (1925-1927) and Perm (1927-1929). Archbishop Alexander is one of those hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church in the 19th century whose life, ministry and heritage are of great significance for the general understanding of the Church history in the Soviet period. Analysis of archival materials of the State Archive of the Russian Federation, the Central State Archive of Nizhny Novgorod Region and Perm State Archive of Contemporary History, as well as acquaintance with some Archbishop Alexander’s apologetic works unpublished so far, make it possible to conclude that it was during the period of Perm exile when His Eminence Alexander (Tolstopyatov) turned into a real Orthodox theologian-apologist. Later, holding the sees in Alma-Ata (1933-1936) and in Molotov (1943-1945), the hierarch continued his scholarly and theological activities that is still waiting to be studied by modern researchers.