On June 5, the 20^th anniversary of finding of the relics of the holy Puza martyrs Eudoxia, Daria, Daria, and Maria, Metropolitan Georgiy of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas presided at the Divine Liturgy in the Dormition Church in Suvorovo (previously known as Strakhovo Puza), fifteen kilometers from Diveyevo village. Concelebrating the head of the Nizhny Novgorod Metropolis were Metropolitan Mitrofan of Murmansk and Monchegorsk and Bishop Elijah of Balakhna, the Vicar of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese.

Hegumenia Sergiya (Konkova), the abbess of the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery, and Hegumenia Filareta (Schevchenko), the abbess of the St. Nicholas monastery, together with a great number of faithful and pilgrims from various regions of Russia, prayed at the liturgy.

At the end of the service, Metropolitan Georgiy remarked that, as we remember the sufferings of the Puza martyrs, it is important not to forget that this tragedy was the result of the apostacy of our ancestors. Under the guise of the fight for justice, they sold their souls away to the enemy of mankind, and their hearts engendered enmity and hatred to anything righteous, pure, and holy. “During these times, it is just as important for us not to be tempted and allow rage, hatred, and enmity settle in our hearts but we should exclaim: “Glory to God for everything, both for sorrow and for joy.” Thanks be to God that our churches stay open with a prayer arising and the bloodless sacrifice offered there, – said the head the of the Nizhny Novgorod Metropolis. – It does happen though that our minds are clouded and we no longer rejoice in life. May the holy martyrs Eudoxia, Daria, Daria, and Maria help us attain the meekness, humility, and purity in our hearts, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Metropolitan Mitrofan shared his memories how, 20 years ago, the relics of the holy Puza martyrs were uncovered, how holy Duniushka (endearing for Eudoxia. – tr.) called him from his remote seaside village to do a godly work of washing, laying, and dressing their holy remains. “I remember those other-worldly feelings I felt when I stayed in this church overnight between June 4 and June 5, 2001. I felt as if I was taken to heaven,” – said the head of the Murmansk Metropolis.

On this memorable day, the sisters of the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery visited the village of Suvorovo and venerated the holy relics of Venerable Martyrs Eudoxia, Daria, Daria, and Maria.