I.M. Sibiryakov: from Siberia to Athos

Abstract

I.M. Sibiryakov was a hereditary millionaire-gold, a famous patron and philanthropist. He was born in Irkutsk on 30 October 1860. His parents were famous for Christian piety and charity. The Sibiryakov’s kin was one of the oldest, richest and most influential merchant families of Siberia. I.M. Sibiryakov has lived for about 20 years in Saint Petersburg. Sibiryakov sacrificed a lot of money on enlightenment of Russia. Special attention he paid to the projects connected with Siberia. On Sibiryakov’s money museums, libraries, schools and churches were built in the Siberian cities, were published books, were organized the scientific expedition. In 1896 Sibiryakov visited Valaam – «the Northern Athos». He found happiness in the monastic life on the Saint Mount Athos. Heavenly patrons of Sibiryakov were the Holy Apostle Andrew the first-called and Saint Innocenty of Irkutsk. The Cathedral of the Holy Apostle Andrew and the Church of Saint Innocenty of Irkutsk were built on Athos by Sibiryakov’s money. Sibiryakov died on Mount Athos, 6 November 1901. According the Athonite tradition the schema-monk Innokenty (Sibiryakov) reached Holiness. Now it is talking about his canonization.