Russian Golgotha

The Butovo firing range, named by Patriarch Alexy II “Russian Golgotha,” became a symbol of tragedy in Russian history. Here hundreds of Orthodox religious leaders and believers were mercilessly destroyed. Among those whose fates were touched was Samuil, whom as a child an officer took from a far northern village in exchange for puppies and brought to the Ryazan region. His life developed well: he graduated from a gymnasium, obtained a profession, found work, and married the priest’s daughter. After retiring, Samuil became a priest. However, his life fell on a turning point—revolutions, world wars, and the change of familiar way of life. The story of Samuil Bubenetsov is the story of a person who, despite all trials, sought to serve God and people.