Cyril Alfanov

Holy Venerable Cyril Alfanov, also called Cyril of Sokolniki or Cyril of Novgorod, was one of the five brothers Nikita, Cyril, Nikephoros, Clement and Isaakios Alfanov (Sokolnitsky), who lived in the fourteenth century in 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 Alfanov brothers were kin of Yakov Anfal or Alfan, known from the chronicles, who fled to the Dvina country to escape persecution for his dealings with Moscow. Because of their kinship with him the venerable ones suffered misfortune and, purified by the heavy sorrows of innocent suffering, were prepared for blessedness in eternity.

The "Tale" of the holy brothers describes the miracles that took place at their relics after their repose. Because of a fire that destroyed the Sokolnitsky monastery, the relics of the venerable brothers 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).