Well-known priest Protopriest Yevgeny Sokolov dies in Arkhangelsk

He led a church located within the Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU). The cause of death was cancer.

Feb 22, 2026

Yevgeny Sokolov was known even to non-believing residents of Arkhangelsk.
Source:
Arkhangelsk and Kholmogory Diocese / Vk.com

In Arkhangelsk, one of the city«s most well-known priests, Protopriest Yevgeny Sokolov, has died. He was the head of the Church of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU). According to those who knew him, the cause of death was cancer.

Metropolitan Korniliy announced Sokolov«s death. The head of the Arkhangelsk diocese said the deceased had been in spiritual service for 30 years.

«He was ordained a deacon in 1996 and two years later as a priest,» the diocese quotes the metropolitan as saying. «At first he served at the Intercession Church in Novodvinsk. In 2001, he was transferred to the Konoshsky district, to the village of Yertsevo, as rector of the church in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. In the fall of 2003, he was appointed rector of the house church in honor of St. John of Kronstadt at the Pomor State University (PSU), and also appointed head of the missionary department of the Arkhangelsk and Kholmogory diocese. When the church in honor of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian was revived within the walls of NArFU, Father Yevgeny became its rector.»

According to Metropolitan Korniliy, Yevgeny Sokolov initiated many projects in Arkhangelsk: theological courses, the John Readings, Orthodox bard song festivals, balls, an Orthodox cafe, as well as channels and sermons by priests on social media.

«It is impossible to enumerate all the ideas and projects of this active pastor, so that the flock entrusted to his care would grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. Through the labors of the deceased, much was done for the spiritual and moral education of the sheep of the verbal flock both in his native land and far beyond the Arkhangelsk diocese,» the metropolitan adds.

29.RU also spoke with Yevgeny Sokolov. For example, he commented in his column on the celebration of Halloween, and also criticized local deputies. He also told how to celebrate Easter and how to bless eggs and Easter cakes.