On February 9, 2020, the day of remembrance of the Council of New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church, with the blessing of Metropolitan Isidore of Ekaterinodar and Kuban, an evening in memory of Priest Daniel Sysoev, was held in the conference hall of the Golden Tulip Hotel in the city of Krasnodar. The organizer of the event was Christina Udzhukhu, a parishioner of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Krasnodar.

“Many people have their own personal story of meeting Father Daniel. For me, this is an iconic figure, and at one time I found answers to some questions of faith in his works. Thanks to his video, I had a clear picture regarding some issues—a light came on in my mind. Many people are embarrassed to ask the priest questions, but here he tells everything himself.”

“On November 19, on the anniversary of the death of Father Daniel, I was just in Moscow and wanted to honor his memory personally by visiting the Church of the Apostle Thomas. Returning to Krasnodar, I wondered why in many cities of our country they hold evenings in memory of Father Daniel and this has already become a good tradition over the past ten years. This phenomenon is gaining more and more momentum, gaining scale. As a result, I had an idea, which I told my priests, friends, and family about: I also want to honor the memory of this man in our city. We postponed this event several times, but in the end I am immensely glad that it took place,” said Christina Ujuhu.

The host of the evening and co-organizer of the event, Andrei Lebedev, in particular, noted: “As a presenter, I spoke at events in different countries, but it seems to me that it is better to talk not about the fact that you hosted events in Barcelona, Paris, the Seychelles, Crete , but it’s better to talk about the people with whom you crossed paths… I have never conducted such a format, primarily because I pay great attention to the people who initiate any event, I need to understand who the organizer is in order to take on something. This time everyone was in favor.»

«Firstly, the organization was from Christina, an open and congenial person; secondly, for me, Father Daniel Sysoev is a missionary author whom I love very much; if I had the opportunity to go to his sermons and services, I would be there. Well, the third factor is the blessing of the metropolitan, because it opens not only doors, but also hearts. The most important thing for me was this open, sincere conversation with those present… The audience is surprised — why do young people need such an initiative? They ask: “Who do you represent?” And we don’t represent anyone, this is our initiative, backed by a blessing.”

At the opening of the event, the general prayer was led by the clergyman of the Catherine Cathedral in Krasnodar, Archpriest Nikolai Anisimov.

A member of the Union of Writers of Russia, Archpriest Artemy Vladimirov, who was personally acquainted with the deceased clergyman, made a video message in which he greeted those gathered and spoke about the life of Father Daniel. Then there was a performance by the actor and director of the Honored Artist of the Kuban, Viktor Pluzhnikov.

The hall, designed for 200 people, was full, and more than a hundred people watched the event online. The meeting ended with the screening of a documentary film shot with the blessing of Schema-Archimandrite Elijah (Nozdrin) for the tenth anniversary of the death of Father Daniel.

February 17, 2020
Source: Moscow Patriarchate