Clement Alfanov

Holy Venerable Clement Alfanov, also called Clement of Sokolniki or of Novgorod, was one of the five brothers Nikita, Cyril, Nikephoros, Clement and Isaakios Alfanov (Sokolnitsky), who lived in the fourteenth century at Novgorod. They led righteous lives and founded the Sokolnitsky monastery.

The chronicles say that in 1389 "on the Falcon Hill they set up a wooden church of Saint Nicholas and established a monastery". The brothers were kin of Yakov Anfal, known from the chronicles as Alfan, who fled to the Dvina because of persecution for his dealings with Moscow. Because of this kinship the venerable ones suffered misfortunes, and by their innocent suffering were purified for eternal blessedness.

The "Tale" of the holy brothers describes the miracles that took place at their relics. After a fire destroyed the Sokolnitsky monastery, the relics were moved to the monastery of Saint Anthony on 4 May 1775. Their commemoration is appointed for 4 May in the old style, which is 17 May in the new style, and on the third Sunday after Pentecost, with the Synaxis of the Saints of Novgorod (the date moves, and also falls on 11 July).