Introduction
Metropolitan Benjamin or Veniamin (Russian: Митрополит Вениамин, born Iván Afanásevich Fédchenkov, Иван Афанасьевич Федченков; 14 September 1880 – 4 October 1961) was a Bishop of the Russian Church, Orthodox missionary and writer.
Family
Education
Benjamin Fedchenkov was born in the village of selo Vazhki (Ilyinka), Tambov Governorate.
Taking monastic vows and ordination
Life before 1917
1917–1920. White movement
Benjamin supported the White movement and closely cooperated with Wrangel's army of the Crimean peninsula. Benjamin emigrated in November 1920 together with the defeated soldiers of the Wrangel army and other fugitives.
Emigration
"Declaration" of Metropolitan Sergius
Loyalty to Moscow Patriarchate
1933–1947 was Exarch of Moscow Patriarchate in North America.
From April 19, 1932 was Archbishop.
From July 14, 1938 was Metropolitan of the Aleutians and North America.
World War II
Return
1947–1951 was Metropolitan of Riga and Latvia.
1951–1955 was Metropolitan of Rostov and Novocherkassk (from February 8, 1954, Metropolitan of Rostov and Kamensk).
November 28, 1955 – February 20, 1958 was Metropolitan of Saratov and Balashov (from December 26, 1957, Metropolitan of Saratov and Volsk).
Late life
He died in Pskovo-Pechorsky Monastery, and is buried in the caves of the monastery.