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128 enormous influence in his diocesan district, and his fame travelled far and wide. Being one of the leaders in the struggles against Antichrist, he secured such a great following that he remained at his post even after the advent of the Bolsheviks, who feared him more than the Patriarch of Moscow and All-Russia Tikhon. In 1921 Yevdokim all of a sudden started a campaign for the purpose of applying treasures belonging to the churches and monasteries to the relief of the hunger-stricken population of Russia. His agitation met with complete success. The Soviet Government at once entered into close relations with the author of a scheme so helpful to the Communist bankrupts. Yevdokim undertook to collaborate with the Soviets. But It was not a change of views or any humanitarian designs which prompted him to assist the Soviets, crumbling tinder the weight of economic confusion. Yevdokim simply took recourse to the approved Russian method of provocation. The Bishop understood that the Bolsheviks feared only one power still remaining in Russia, which was the influence of the Church. After the outbreak of the October revolution, they scrupulously avoided to tread on this dangerous ground. It was necessary to provoke the persecution of the Church.

Assured of the help of Bishop Yevdokim, the Bolsheviks requisitioned the treasures and estates of the Church; gradually they grew bolder and proceeded to simple robberies. The popes and the parishioners resisted. The outcome was a struggle, severe sentences,